Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Diva Cup Question


jnclelland

Recommended Posts

jnclelland Contributor

Okay, after reading everyone raving about the Diva cup, I ordered one. I'm trying it for the first time today, and I REALLY want to like it, but I'm either doing something wrong, or else I'm just shaped funny. :blink: I'm pretty sure I'm inserting it right, but within a few minutes it slips down so that the stem - and even a bit of the base - is protruding from my vaginal opening, and it's NOT comfortable. After reading about how you're not supposed to even feel it, I think I must be doing something wrong. But it is forming a seal and it's not leaking, so is it possible that I'm just not shaped right for it? Any suggestions?

Jeanne


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Lisa Mentor

Sorry, my days are over.....unless George Clooney starts delivering my mail. :P

Guhlia Rising Star

Either you're not inserting it far enough or you may have to do kegel exercises (sp?) to tighten up your muscles so that it will stay in place.

wolfie Enthusiast

I think that they say that you can trim the stem if it bothers you. Have you checked their website? If it isn't leaking, I would imagine that you have it in place correctly. Were you able to spin the cup around once or feel that the cup has opened up? Sorry for the TMI, but I have been using this for over a year and it took me a cycle or two to get it down.

jnclelland Contributor
I think that they say that you can trim the stem if it bothers you. Have you checked their website? If it isn't leaking, I would imagine that you have it in place correctly. Were you able to spin the cup around once or feel that the cup has opened up? Sorry for the TMI, but I have been using this for over a year and it took me a cycle or two to get it down.

Yeah, I looked at the web site and read the directions carefully, and after a few tries I was able to spin it, so I don't think that's the problem. I may try trimming the stem, but I think it's slipping low enough that even the base of the cup would bother me.

I do semi-regular (okay, not regular enough!) Kegels, so I wouldn't have *thought* that would be the problem, but I guess you never know. -sigh-

Jeanne

Michi8 Contributor
Yeah, I looked at the web site and read the directions carefully, and after a few tries I was able to spin it, so I don't think that's the problem. I may try trimming the stem, but I think it's slipping low enough that even the base of the cup would bother me.

I do semi-regular (okay, not regular enough!) Kegels, so I wouldn't have *thought* that would be the problem, but I guess you never know. -sigh-

Jeanne

The only suggestion I have is to ensure that you have purchased the correct size. For women who have had children or are simply older than 30 (regardless of having children or not) size 2 is recommended for proper fit. I suspect, though, that it simply doesn't work well for everyone.

Michelle

jnclelland Contributor
The only suggestion I have is to ensure that you have purchased the correct size. For women who have had children or are simply older than 30 (regardless of having children or not) size 2 is recommended for proper fit. I suspect, though, that it simply doesn't work well for everyone.

Michelle

Yup, I got size 2. (I'm over 30 AND have 2 kids!)

I tried trimming the stem, but it didn't really help. And I'm inserting it as far as it will go; it's fine at first, but then it slides down to this uncomfortable position. -sigh- And it sounded like such a great idea! I guess I'll try doing more Kegels for awhile, but I suspect that somehow my innards are just shaped wrong for it. :angry:

Jeanne


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



hathor Contributor

If it is sliding down, wouldn't that mean you need the smaller size? I would contact the company if I were you.

I remember doing a little research on this for my daughter. I'm menopausal ... unfair that I finally hear about something like this when it is too late. Anyway, I thought I ran across a few comments of older women who found the size 2 too large. You might google a bit & see if you can find women's comments on their personal experiences with the Diva Cup.

Michi8 Contributor
If it is sliding down, wouldn't that mean you need the smaller size? I would contact the company if I were you.

I remember doing a little research on this for my daughter. I'm menopausal ... unfair that I finally hear about something like this when it is too late. Anyway, I thought I ran across a few comments of older women who found the size 2 too large. You might google a bit & see if you can find women's comments on their personal experiences with the Diva Cup.

The bigger size is necessary for women who have had children, because the vaginal tissues have relaxed more. For some women, the tissue elasticity changes enough that even the larger size will not remain in place correctly. Unfortunately, kegels don't always make much difference when it comes to genetics and the effects of gravity.

Michelle

Cheri A Contributor

Bummer. I think I'd contact the company too.

I've only used it one cycle so far. I did have to trim the stem because it was bothering me. But, once I did that, it was fine.

jnclelland Contributor

I do wonder if a smaller size would work better. It stays in place fine; it's just that the place where it stays is a little too low to be comfortable. I know there's an issue of vaginal stretching because of having had 2 kids, but my feeling is that my vagina is a little too *short* for this one.

After a couple of days, I can report that it feels fine when I'm sitting or lying down (so I can use it at night, which is nice!); it's when I'm up and walking around that it gets uncomfortable. I think I'm going to call the company and see what they suggest.

Thanks for all the input!

Jeanne

jkmunchkin Rising Star

Ok I clearly missed this thread!!! What the heck is the diva cup??!!!

Lisa Mentor
Ok I clearly missed this thread!!! What the heck is the diva cup??!!!

.... a birth control thing-a-ma- zig? :huh: No longer a diva. <_<

cat40 Newbie
.... a birth control thing-a-ma- zig? :huh: No longer a diva. <_<

Nope..it's a menstrual thing a ma jig. We sell them at the Co-op I work at. Never used one tho' just couldn't get past my own mental images. :huh:

Cathleen

Lisa Mentor
Nope..it's a menstrual thing a ma jig. We sell them at the Co-op I work at. Never used one tho' just couldn't get past my own mental images. :huh:

Cathleen

ooops. sorry, but out of that market.

jkmunchkin Rising Star
Nope..it's a menstrual thing a ma jig. We sell them at the Co-op I work at. Never used one tho' just couldn't get past my own mental images. :huh:

Cathleen

Thanks. I had to go on the website and look. I think I'll stick to my tampons for now.

Cheri A Contributor

It took me about a year to try the Diva Cup.

jnclelland Contributor
I do wonder if a smaller size would work better. It stays in place fine; it's just that the place where it stays is a little too low to be comfortable. I know there's an issue of vaginal stretching because of having had 2 kids, but my feeling is that my vagina is a little too *short* for this one.

I checked the web site, and it doesn't look like the smaller size is any shorter. But I decided to throw caution to the wind, ignore the directions, and cut the stem completely off. (Watch out - next thing you know, I'll be running with scissors! :lol: ) That helped a LOT; I can still feel it, but it's not terribly uncomfortable anymore. I even went on a hike with it yesterday, and it felt okay.

And I gotta say, I LOVE that I can just leave it in all day and forget about it! I'm on vacation and out of my normal routine, and the last couple of days it would have been a real hassle to have to change a tampon every hour or so. So I think I'm a convert!

And now I think I'll go back to NOT discussing my menstrual cycle on the internet... ;)

Jeanne

cat40 Newbie
:D:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - knitty kitty replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

    2. - captaincrab55 replied to lmemsm's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      11

      Finding gluten free ingredients

    3. - rei.b replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

    4. - knitty kitty replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

    5. - rei.b replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,132
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Exhausted-momma
    Newest Member
    Exhausted-momma
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      @rei.b,  I understand how frustrating starting a new way of eating can be.  I tried all sorts of gluten-free processed foods and just kept feeling worse.  My health didn't improve until I started the low histamine AIP diet.  It makes a big difference.   Gluten fits into opioid receptors in our bodies.  So, removing gluten can cause withdrawal symptoms and reveals the underlying discomfort.  SIBO can cause digestive symptoms.  SIBO can prevent vitamins from being absorbed by the intestines.  Thiamine insufficiency causes Gastrointestinal Beriberi (bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation).  Thiamine is the B vitamin that runs out first because it can only be stored for two weeks.  We need more thiamine when we're sick or under emotional stress.  Gastric Beriberi is under recognised by doctors.  An Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test is more accurate than a blood test for thiamine deficiency, but the best way to see if you're low in thiamine is to take it and look for health improvement.  Don't take Thiamine Mononitrate because the body can't utilize it well.  Try Benfotiamine.  Thiamine is water soluble, nontoxic and safe even at high doses.  I thought it was crazy, too, but simple vitamins and minerals are important.  The eight B vitamins work together, so a B Complex, Benfotiamine,  magnesium and Vitamin D really helped get my body to start healing, along with the AIP diet.  Once you heal, you add foods back in, so the AIP diet is worth doing for a few months. I do hope you'll consider the AIP diet and Benfotiamine.
    • captaincrab55
      Imemsm, Most of us have experienced discontinued, not currently available or products that suddenly become seasonal.   My biggest fear about relocating from Maryland to Florida 5 years ago, was being able to find gluten-free foods that fit my restricted diet.  I soon found out that the Win Dixie and Publix supper markets actually has 99% of their gluten-free foods tagged, next to the price.  The gluten-free tags opened up a  lot of foods that aren't actually marked gluten-free by the manufacture.  Now I only need to check for my other dietary restrictions.  Where my son lives in New Hartford, New York there's a Hannaford Supermarket that also has a gluten-free tag next to the price tag.  Hopefully you can locate a Supermarket within a reasonable travel distance that you can learn what foods to check out at a Supermarket close to you.  I have dermatitis herpetiformis too and I'm very sensitive to gluten and the three stores I named were very gluten-free friendly.  Good Luck 
    • rei.b
      Okay well the info about TTG-A actually makes a lot of sense and I wish the PA had explained that to me. But yes, I would assume I would have intestinal damage from eating a lot of gluten for 32 years while having all these symptoms. As far as avoiding gluten foods - I was definitely not doing that. Bread, pasta, quesadillas (with flour tortillas) and crackers are my 4 favorite foods and I ate at least one of those things multiple times a day e.g. breakfast with eggs and toast, a cheese quesadilla for lunch, and pasta for dinner, and crackers and cheese as a before bed snack. I'm not even kidding.  I'm not really big on sugar, so I don't really do sweets. I don't have any of those conditions.  I am not sure if I have the genes or not. When the geneticist did my genetic testing for EDS this year, I didn't think to ask for him to request the celiac genes so they didn't test for them, unfortunately.  I guess another expectation I had is  that if gluten was the issue, the gluten-free diet would make me feel better, and I'm 3 months in and that hasn't been the case. I am being very careful and reading every label because I didn't want to screw this up and have to do gluten-free for longer than necessary if I end up not having celiac. I'm literally checking everything, even tea and anything else prepacked like caramel dip. Honestly its making me anxious 😅
    • knitty kitty
      So you're saying that you think you should have severe intestinal damage since you've had the symptoms so long?   DGP IgG antibodies are produced in response to a partial gluten molecule.  This is different than what tissue transglutaminase antibodies are  produced in response to.   TTg IgA antibodies are produced in the intestines in response to gluten.  The tTg IgA antibodies attack our own cells because a structural component in our cell membranes resembles a part of gluten.  There's a correlation between the level of intestinal damage with the level of tTg antibodies produced.  You are not producing a high number of tTg IgA antibodies, so your level of tissue damage in your intestines is not very bad.  Be thankful.   There may be reasons why you are not producing a high quantity of tTg IgA antibodies.  Consuming ten grams or more of gluten a day for two weeks to two months before blood tests are done is required to get sufficient antibody production and damage to the intestines.  Some undiagnosed people tend to subconsciously avoid lots of gluten.  Cookies and cakes do not contain as much gluten as artisan breads and thick chewy pizza crust.  Anemia, diabetes and thiamine deficiency can affect IgA antibody production as well.   Do you carry genes for Celiac?  They frequently go along with EDS.
    • rei.b
      I was tested for celiac at the same time, so I wasn't taking naltrexone yet. I say that, because I don't. The endoscopy showed some mild inflammation but was inconclusive as to celiac disease. They took several biopsies and that's all that was shown. I was not given a Marsh score.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.