Here’s a question – where do you dump the contents? Potty? Down the sink? Trash can? Then what … rinse out or just reinsert?
Into the toilet, and then rinse and wash in the sink. Because I only have to empty it in the morning and evening, I only have to do this in the privacy of my own home, woohoo.
Autolycus, at your service! Plan on being in the Boston or Orlando area anytime soon? 
(I dont know whether this thread turns me on or horrifies me)
Ah, now I understand. I’m afraid of that too, so I hold mine in the middle of the water with tongs. Considering that the water is boiling, and I wash the cup thoroughly with soap and water first, neither The Man or I are squicked by it. Germophobes would have a problem.
I’m liking the tiny bit of bleach idea, too. I’m thinking that if I could find an MSDS on the type of silicone they used, it may indicate if bleach or H2O2 is safe to use. Off to the hunt…
Potty, then rinse in the sink, (unless I do it in the shower, in which case it’s just dump it near the drain, and rinse in the shower). If I’m in a public restroom (doesn’t happen often, since I typically don’t need to empty it more than twice per 24 hours) then I just dump and reinsert without rinsing.
I just wanted to tell someone about my discovery today. I got my Diva Cup a few months ago. When I was thinking about it, I was surprised to learn that my local Co-Op didn’t carry it, so I had to order online. The next time I went shopping, I put a note in the suggestions box that DivaCups are awesome and they should carry them since they eliminate waste and don’t have to be washed like the cloths they sold.
Went in for groceries today and saw for the first time, a display of Diva Cups in the feminine hygiene aisle! I hadn’t noticed before since I never need to go down that aisle anymore (I was actually looking for some aspirin). I was so excited. They even had one on a little ring attached to the shelf so you could see one out of the package. I’m spreadin’ the word! Go me!
That’s awesome! DivaCups are the future.
Gotta chime in here to let y’all know that you’re the reason I bought mine after a thread here. Best thing I ever did. I have horrible nasty cramps anyway, so I don’t think the cup makes it any worse. Besides, I have a good understanding doc who lets me have vicodin and muscle relaxers for the monthly pain, so no problems.
Travelling has never been easier.
The TMI part for me?
The dog doesn’t dig through the trash and drag out my accoutrements for perusal in the back yard.
OK, I am ordering this thing. Next period is due in, oh, a week or so. I wonder if I can get it by then if I order it today.
I’ve just ordered a DivaCup and a couple of the mini pads, since there was a special and I hate those sticky plastic pads anyway. It’s too late for this period, which arrived a bit ahead of schedule (I picture my uterus thinking back over all the late periods and saying, “Now for something completely different! Mwhahaha!”) but I’ll have it for the next.
Mine came yesterday. I hope I’ll be able to figure it out without too much trouble. :o
I love mine. I finally figured out how to do it in public restrooms or primitive toilets - empty, wipe off well with TP, and reinsert. Mine actually pops open easier if I wipe it dry with TP first. I was trying to reinsert it wet (after rinsing out in the sink) and I was having major problems with it not popping back open. Once I started drying it off it opens perfectly every time.
I tried the Instead cups before I bought my Diva cup and they didn’t work at all for me. They always leaked.
I would be interested in any cleaning methods/hints. I’ve been soaking mine in a vinegar/water solution.
I got mine about a week before my period was due. I briefly considered practicing inserting and wearing the thing, but I sorta forgot. Heh. But I had no problems once my period started-- I put it in and was good to go all day. I wore a panty liner just in case it leaked, but it was totally unnecessary.
I have used tampons and Instead, so I was comfortable with the entire thing, but I don’t think experience is necessary. The DC is superior to both, though, in terms of comfort and holding capacity. The only thing that confused me was the sizing-- I’m going to be 30 soon but I’ve never given birth. Had no idea which I should buy. I went with size 1, and, fortunately, it seems to be the right one for me.
I also like looking at the contents. You realize how liquid it is when it’s in a cup and not in something absorbent. It’s fascinating stuff. I would have discussed it with my (male) roommate or my SO, but that probably would have added years to their therapy. 
I’ve got one, and have had exactly one real practice session with it. Getting it in was a real bitch, it took forever, but once it was in it was comfortable. Getting it back out, now, after about fifteen minutes I was getting scared I’d have to get help with it! I couldn’t get my fingers up enough to break the seal for long enough to yank it down and I’m not quite sure how I managed to do it in the end. I got the size 1 because while I am 31, I’ve never given birth and I am on the small size down there. Judging from how firmly the thing sealed itself in there I think I did right, sizewise.
I haven’t tried it during a period yet because it was so difficult. I know I should practice some more, but it sort of scared me. I love the concept, though. I’m not squeamish about sticking my fingers up there or anything. I shouldn’t give up, really, I’m just a bit nervous about insertion and removal.
I’ve used the Keeper in the past as well as the Instead cups; I love the Keeper but didn’t like the Instead cups because of the leakage factor. I’ve recently gotten a Mirena IUD, and was wondering if any of y’all who use Divacup/Keeper also have an IUD? I’ve read horror stories online of women who have tried to remove their Divacup/Keeper and pulled the IUD out as well–I was wondering if this was just a rare thing or UL, or if it a common occurance. The websites for both say that they are safe to use with an IUD, but also say to ask your doctor before doing so.
Sorry, no IUD here.
Whiterabbit - the first two cycles were the hardest for me. I remember the first time I removed my Diva Cup - the pain was so bad because i tried to take it out without folding it at all!
Now, I just grab the bottom of the cup and use my thumb to press one side in (like dent it a little) to break the seal, then I use my fingers to fold it in from the side opposite my thumb.
Don’t give up, whiterabbit. It took most of my first period using it to get comfortable with insertion and removal. You have to bear down a bit sometimes to get the cup into a comfortable position to remove it… sort of like bearing down for a bowel movement, but more Kegel-y. Then sort of fold it in half to break the seal and make removal easier.
Don’t be afraid to use a little lubricant to help the insertion. Just put it around the rim, not all over the Cup. You might experiment to see if a different fold works better for you… Folding techniques - Menstrual Cups - Divacup, Mooncup, Instead, Lunette, Miacup — LiveJournal . I use the punch-down method.
I got a present in the mail today! Yes, a present. I was talking to my bestest-girlfriend about the Diva Cup. She bought me one also, under the “I ain’t doing this alone.” theory.
She’s the one that was with me when I bought my pregnancy test, left the room when I was 10 cm dilated, I’m pretty sure the Diva Cup has sealed out fate.
No, my husband can’t fathom why I was so excited. 
See ya soon ladies.
Today Mom and I went to check the mail before work (I’m car shopping, which means I don’t have a car right now, which means I ride to work with Mom) and there was a little package for me. My DivaCup and liners had arrived. When I told Mom what the DivaCup was for, she was horrified.
Not that it’s an issue for old-and-barren “me,” but what is the advantage (aside from less frequent changes)? There was some sort of cup gizmo back in the 70s or early 80s. Tried it, but it was horribly uncomfortable.
So, tell me…what makes this better than a simple tampon that takes 2 seconds to insert?