DivaCup & A Giveaway!

I debated writing this for some time.  It's something that has made my life so much easier and saves money, so I figure why not.

Plus (the best part of all), I contacted DivaCup and they're giving one away to one of my readers!

 

What is it?
I think DivaCup explains it best on their website.  Here, in their words:

Have you ever…(?)

• co-opted toilet paper from a public washroom as a temporary measure
• planned a vacation around your period
• avoided white pants for that one 'special' week of the month
• done a supplies hand-off with a girlfriend while the dates weren't looking
• cautiously tucked the telltale string into your bikini
• accidentally pulled a mystery object from your purse in front of a curious male audience
• scuttled to the washroom to survey the leak damage after a sudden 'surge'
• clogged your toilet with "flushable" feminine products
• left a party with a jacket tied around your waist...?

The DivaCup to the rescue!
The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly.
The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess!
The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose.
The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows.  Perfect for overnight use.
The DivaCup’s expert, proprietary, patent-pending features make it comfortable and assures ease of use and reliability. Perfect for traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing, camping, swimming, diving, scuba, yoga, extreme sports and more...

Why do I love it?
It's easy: insert, pull out as necessary, pour in toilet, rinse/ wipe/ wash, and re-insert.
It's comfortable.  If I'm not cramping labor style like I often am, I can forget I even have my period!
It gives me peace of mind.  I can go four hours or more with my heavy flow, and that, my friends is AMAZING.

My recent experience
I was recently caught out of town and without my DivaCup (and obviously in need- much earlier than expected).  I had a couple tampons I kept in my bag- just in case.  In fact I was going to remove them from my bag before this trip, but thought I should just leave them in there (thank goodness).

Anyway, tampons sufficed while I quickly got on the phone to see where I could purchase a DivaCup- stat!  Much to my dismay, there wasn't anywhere local to purchase one.

At this point I'm pondering leaving early for home just to have my DivaCup.  However, that's really kinda dumb.  So, I survive with tampons from my sister.  There was no way I was buying a whole box for one period.

So, you really want to know why I hated tampons and wanted to leave early for home?
    *That darn string!  It was itchy, it absorbed what was near it and was drying if you know what I mean.  Plus one time it got stuck in the elastic of my panties and when I sat down it pulled the tampon out a little (OK, a lot!).
   *I have heavy flow, which means I use the super plus, plus, plus tampons and still change them every 30 minutes.  With the DivaCup, I can go four hours or more!
   * I was constantly worried about leaks!  With the DivaCup I have the method down and don't worry about leaks.

I swore, once I got home, I was buying another DivaCup.  One was going to be in my bathroom at home and another in my bag at all times.  Ironically, after this time I needed to purchase a new one, so I was in the market for two.  I found a great deal on Amazon.  $23.19!  Yep, one DivaCup can last you a year or more, for only $23.19!  Sure beats the cost of tampons/ pads!

Additional Information
Yes, I use the DivaWash.  You don't have to, but honestly, it's nice to have something that I know is safe for inside my body.

 

Sizing

Model 1: For women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by caesarean section

Model 2: For women over 30 years old and/ or for women who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean section.

Advice for the newbie
The first time you try the DivaCup it might be weird.  I compare them to OB tampons in that they don't have applicators.
You might leak a few times (maybe even a few times with a few periods) until you get the method down that works for you, because everyone's body is different.
Investigate the site for tips and insertion information if you find you're having trouble.
It really isn't hard, just different.
Yes, it comes in a cotton pouch for storage.
Once you find you like it, get another right away so you're prepared for next month- or just get two immediately!

Not sold yet?  You don't have to take my word for it.  Here are several other resources:
I'll Never Buy Tampons Again
DivaCup's Website for more on the wash, FAQ's and more
DivaCup on Facebook or Twitter for more reviews (don't forget to like/ follow them!)
Purchase on Amazon or find additional retailers here.

Also, search Divacup on youtube.

Win It!
Simply comment below with why you're excited to try the DivaCup, or why you already love it.
 
Be sure you leave me a way to contact you (through your profile or in your comment). 

Contest open to Canadian and US residents.

Entrance closed April 24, 2012, 11:59CST.  Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email.  If winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

Winner will be announced by May 1, 2012.


Spread the word, share with your friends.  And if you have any questions feel free to ask!

Disclosure: DivaCup provided me with a complementary DivaCup to review on my blog.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  I contacted DivaCup on my own to ask about a giveaway.  All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the company or product provided.