Alright all you GUYS who are STILL reading this blog even though it says don't read… NOW is your chance to close the browser. This blog is about women-folk, lady, girly feminine things that you GUARENTEED don't want a part of.
No but seriously.. no boys allowed past this point.
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ALL MY SINGLE (and our lovely married) LADIES!
I was recently informed of a revolutionary item that will be helpful for us next year on the race.
Yep, I am talkin' feminine products with ya.
I have spoken with a few friends who are current racers on the Race now, and we spoke about bringing tampons/pads on the race. She said that she used tampons her first couple of months but it was a HUGE hastle. They take up a bunch of space, you go through them quicker than you'd think and long bus rides have proven to be VERY difficult.
Then, she told me about a little, darling item called the DIVA CUP. Familiar with it? Those of you who are can probably vouge on this one. She said 3 months in she got a hold of th DC (we like to call it) and it has SERIOUSLY been her best investment on the race.
So, I am into medical stuff and don't mind doing research on things. I checked this DC out, did some research and was at first skeptical. Just a little run-down, and I apologize if some of you all don't prefer this type of conversation.. like I said, I am medical-related so I don't mind, trying to be helpful since I am now a believer in it!
- Diva cup is made of silicon; there is no BPA or plastic, or any other chemicals/contaminants that can cause things like TSS or others that tampons can.
- It is in a similar shape of a tiny little cup/funnel, but with one open end. They give VERY thorough instructions on how to use it.
- It costs about $35, I got mine at Whole Foods. It is MUCH cheaper than a year's supply of tampys. 🙂
- There are two different sizes, one for previous mothers and one for normals like you & me.
- it is FDA approved, completley safe and sanitary. It doesn't feel weird, you can do any activity in it.
- One of the main things you have to get over is how to change it. It is essentially a 'cup' that starts out folded upon insertion & eventually after putting it in opens and adheres to your vaginal wall. This is why it doesn't leak, when put in right. It took me a few tries and a few wiggles to understand that I had done it correctly. Sorry if that was TMI. ha.
- It will never 'overflow' because it is large enough to hold what is generally an entire menstrul period's worth of discharge. Mmm, what a word.
- It can be left in up to 12 hours — VERY helpful for long travel days, etc.
- When removed, you wash it out. Plain and simple. This is the part you have to get past if things like that gross you out. Soap & water, yes. If you don't have soap – could easily be us next year – water will do temporarily.
Anyway, there are PLENTY of tips & instructions on using it on the Diva Cup website: http://www.divacup.com/
I was uncertain about it, but was convinced after my friend, Bekah Byxbe (now in El Salvador) HIGHLY recommended it. I went and bought mine at Whole Foods (or REI, or drugstore.com) and used it a few weeks ago. It took me a few tries to get used to it, which is normal. Bekah really suggested getting and using it once before leaving for the Race, because although once you get the technique down it's quite easy/simple, at first it takes a few attempts.
Wanted to let you girlies know because 1. We haven't met and I love you all already. 2. I am a HUGE supporter of the DC now that I have used it. Seriously revolutionary. Please feel free to call/text/email/skype/fb/etc me with questions, or anyone else who has used it!
Hugs all around!
