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jasper4280
Aug 31, 2005, 1:03 PM
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What's the nuavaring?
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lewisiarediviva
Sep 1, 2005, 3:48 AM
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In reply to: What's the nuavaring?
I have the same question.
I tried something years ago, I thought it was the diva cup, but now I think I'm wrong about that. I bought it at the grocery store. The instructions recomended you replace it like every 24 hours or something. It kept getting pushed around and thus tipping. Talk about a mess. If anyone has any idea what I'm talking about please name it so others are forwarned. I'll see if I can find the name of it.. . . well that search was pointless. I'll get the name at the grocery and report back.
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comet
Sep 1, 2005, 4:44 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: What's the nuavaring? I have the same question. I tried something years ago, I thought it was the diva cup, but now I think I'm wrong about that. I bought it at the grocery store. The instructions recomended you replace it like every 24 hours or something. It kept getting pushed around and thus tipping. Talk about a mess. If anyone has any idea what I'm talking about please name it so others are forwarned. I'll see if I can find the name of it.. . . well that search was pointless. I'll get the name at the grocery and report back.
it's not "nuavaring," it's "nuvaring." that should help with a google search :) it's a form of birth control that uses the same hormones as the pill or the patch. it's placed inside your vagina, around the cervix, and you leave it in for 3 weeks at a time, then take it out for a week to get your period.
it's great because you can put it in and forget about it, instead of trying to remember to take a pill at the same time every day. you can't feel it once it's in (though it can sometimes be felt--pleasantly, apparently--by one's male partner during intercourse). it does NOT catch blood flow, as it's a ring, not a cup.
i think the cup that you're referring to that you've used in the past is the "instead," which i've never tried. thanks for the heads up that it is sucky!
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lewisiarediviva
Sep 1, 2005, 4:58 AM
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In reply to: i think the cup that you're referring to that you've used in the past is the "instead," which i've never tried. thanks for the heads up that it is sucky!
Instead! Sounds right. Don't try it.
Thanks for your response.
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bigevilgrape
Oct 2, 2005, 8:01 PM
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You where talking about instead, which i tried for a bit before i got started on the diva cup. Instead never worked well for me, I dont think I know anyone who had a good experince with it. (I do know one person who uses it when she has sex and a keeper the rest of the time) I'd go for a divacup, its wellworth it and if you dont like it after 6 months you can get your money back.
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serendipity
Oct 9, 2005, 12:37 AM
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I think the main difference between Instead and the DivaCup or the Keeper is that you can have sex with the Instead cup. Also, Instead is not reusable for cycle after cycle. I think you can reuse the cup for a day or two, but it is not meant to be reused for years.
I haven't ever tried a cup, and I have never been a fan of tampons, but I am really curious to try a cup now!! Especially since DivaCup offers a 1 year guarantee. There seems to be a lot of advantages and it is a very "green" decision in terms of waste generated.
I found this hilarious quote about the "grossness" of the DivaCup from the website:
In reply to: I wasn't sure if I would be comfortable inserting and removing it due to the mess and the general idea of seeing my blood. I thought that seeing it would cause me to gag. Boy, oh boy was I wrong. There is hardly any mess and I actually found it kind of interesting to see the blood in its natural form.
that seems to me like one of those TMI things you just shouldn't admit...hahahaha!
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lewisiarediviva
Oct 9, 2005, 2:20 AM
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That's hilarious.
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crazy_bout_climbing
Nov 14, 2005, 5:36 AM
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tampon, pad. Both. Double protection for me. And I always wear dark pants while climbing just in case!
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maculated
Nov 14, 2005, 6:22 AM
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In reply to: I think the main difference between Instead and the DivaCup or the Keeper is that you can have sex with the Instead cup.
I had NO idea. I must go share this news. Trophy for you!!! :)
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bigevilgrape
Nov 14, 2005, 2:43 PM
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In reply to: I think the main difference between Instead and the DivaCup or the Keeper is that you can have sex with the Instead cup.
instead also sits higher up, and the few people i've talked to that have tried both think insteads harder to use.
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missedyno
Nov 14, 2005, 3:35 PM
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i'm going on a road trip and i feel inspired to go out and get a keeper cup thing to cut down on costs, and waste.
but first i think i should use up that 800 pack of OB's that i bought and am still getting the hang of.... :?
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bigevilgrape
Nov 14, 2005, 6:42 PM
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Make them into ghosts/angles for home decore. I attempted to do so with some of my extras :-P
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missedyno
Nov 15, 2005, 2:03 PM
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LOL
would/can anyone compare the errr.... usage of OB tamps v. the keeper?
i'm not too crazy about the applicator-free part of things
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4togo
Nov 15, 2005, 4:38 PM
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In reply to: LOL would/can anyone compare the errr.... usage of OB tamps v. the keeper? i'm not too crazy about the applicator-free part of things
I used to use OB before getting my keeper (because of all the recommendations here!) ..inserting the keeper is no messier than an OB and taking it out is cleaner... and invariably more comfortable. OB + low-flow day = ouch sometimes. Just took a little practice to get the hang of it.
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jumpingrock
Nov 16, 2005, 9:50 PM
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Jess, my fiance uses the Diva Cup. It's similiar to the Keeper but manufactered in Waterloo. Check out their webpage and you can find a place that sells them near you. My fiance is very happy with it.
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slockwoo_knits
Nov 22, 2005, 6:46 AM
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Don't have a radical hysterectomy!!!
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lewisiarediviva
Apr 23, 2006, 6:55 AM
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After years of wanting a keeper I finally went to the keeper's site to purchase one.
The Keeper is not for those with LATEX allergies.
I'll stick to my organics.
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syc007
Apr 23, 2006, 5:28 PM
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Great thread! I love hearing about all these options!
Silly question, maybe, but what do you do if you're in bear country? Like a back-packing trip in the back country where bears are attracted to sent like blood? I'm thinking if you're dumping the cup's content into the ground at the camp, then it's a big calling card for animals?
I'd be up for using birth control to just skip the period all together.
And no one answered about using the keeper in low temps...like out in the winter? I'd imagine you take it out to rinse it with water, and then you have ice all over it! yeesh...
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comet
Apr 23, 2006, 7:11 PM
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In reply to: After years of wanting a keeper I finally went to the keeper's site to purchase one. The Keeper is not for those with LATEX allergies. I'll stick to my organics.
I use the keeper, but I believe the diva cup works for people with latex allergies--it's made of silicone.
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lewisiarediviva
Apr 24, 2006, 2:38 AM
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Thanks comet.
I became aware of that claim after posting my post above. So now I am reconsidering.
I'm curious about the bear thoughts as well. I'm sure some form of wild woman cleanliness is required. I recall hearing stories of how some older cultures went as far as having women leave the community during their bleeding time. I often had wondered if this was due to the women's moods more so then their "uncleanliness." Now I wonder if it might have more to do with an original issue of community safety.
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syc007
Apr 24, 2006, 11:56 AM
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That is an interesting theory. Were menstruating women kept apart from the community due to animals being attracted to the scent?
Well, I've heard tell that the post-coital scent also attracts animals. One friend told me to avoid having a period or sex. Well, I just don't see why. But if it is a choice between keeping my boyfriend at bay or getting eaten by a bear, well, I'd definately tell my honey...I have a headache.
No seriously, has anyone around here had problems with odors? Other than the nosy dog who puts his snout in your crotch. That always seems to happen to me...
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abbottoacer
Apr 26, 2006, 9:30 PM
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Hi all, I don’t usually post on the internet, but I just had to for this thread. I have been a Diva Cup user for almost a year now, and I’ve got to say, it’s the greatest, phenomenal invention ever. Like many of you, I was reluctant at first, it sounded icky, and I didn’t want to go to the trouble of trying this icky, expensive-ish (I’m a poor student) thing that might not work. I finally caved in my fourth semester at University. I’m an adventure tourism student, and we were headed into our intensive semester. That meant canoeing, climbing, sea kayaking, swift water rescue, sirius wilderness medicine, backcountry skiing, trad camping, for about a week each, non-stop for an entire semester. I absolutely hate lugging used tampons and pads around, so I commited to trying this alternative, and never looked back. I’ve used it in all afore mentioned expeditions, almost always without plumbing anywhere nearby, and in all weather and temperatures, (Chicoutimi, northern québec). I think I’ve gained enough experience with it to offer the pros and cons to anyone who’s curious.
Pros…
-Diva Cup is made of surgical silicone and is hypo allergenic.
-It’s environmental, no more waste to pack out, or heap into landfills.
-It’s cost effective, 50$CDN, and you only buy one, good for many years, or till you have a baby, then you need another. Still cheaper than pads/tampons for life.
-You bleed less, it doesn’t absorb, it only holds the blood, so it’s not trying to suck the blood out of you.
-Again, it doesn’t absorb, so your natural juices stay put. It doesn’t mess up the delicate balance down there.
-I have a pretty heavy flow, but I only need to clean it out twice a day. In the morning when I get up, and before bed at night.
-You can pee and poop with it in, no strings dangling in the middle of everything.
-If you must empty it in public facilities, just empty out in the toilet, wipe it off with TP and stick it back in, as long as your hands are clean it’s fine. (If you happen to have a water bottle, you can rinse it off)
-If you’re camping, kick a hole in the dirt/snow, empty it, pour water on it and stick it back in. Purell is in order for your hands before and after.
-It’s teenie weenie, no more wasting precious packing space with four different pad/tampon absorbencies, plus extras just in case.
*Basic wilderness bathroom principles apply, don’t empty or rinse it in or near lakes or streams !
Cons, yeah, there are some…
-You need clean water to rinse it with, which is not always available. (don’t pee on your cup to clean it. You’re better off leaving old blood on it till you get a chance to clean it properly) I always carry Pristine and keep a Nalgene of potable water full at all times.
-You’re water might freeze, on winter trips, fill your Nalgene with boiling water, put it upside down in an insulator, and keep it in your sleeping bag all night, it should stay liquid for most of the next day. (beyond -30ºC, you’re on your own, I haven’t tested.)
-Clean hands, gotta have em with a Diva Cup. I use Purrel, but it’s good to heat some water and wash with soap once in a while, especially on long trips.
-If you rinse it in -25ºC, the water will freeze on it, not a big problem, but a little chilly for a few seconds.
-It can leak if it’s not in right, use panty liners till you get the hang of it.
-If touching yourself down there grosses you out, you might have a problem with the Diva Cup. (it’s worth it to get over it though.)
So, needless to say, I think all women should at least try this thing. When I discovered it, I was actually pissed that I hadn’t heard of it earlier and had wasted so much time and money on nasty, toxic, inconvenient disposeable hygiene products. Silly things they are.
So that’s all the info I’ve got, I hope it helps others in their decisions to try a healthier more environmental alternative.
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tamtam
Apr 27, 2006, 2:47 PM
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Thanks for the info, I will have to try this thing.
Regarding stopping your period:
I have had the depoprovera shot a few times, which stops it for about 3 months at a time. It worked pretty well for me, and it is wonderful not having a period. However, there are some studies that show prolonged use increases the risk of osteoporosis. Of course that was a big concern since I enjoy being active and would like to continue to do so for a good long time. Plus, it is expensive, about $85 per shot (I think my insurance even covers part of it). So that's like $28 a month. About the same as the pill I guess, but it just makes me angry to have to spend money on my period.
I've also tried the Instead cups. Not good. Would not stay in place. I think maybe they need to make them in different sizes.
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lewisiarediviva
Apr 27, 2006, 3:31 PM
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I've come to the conclusion over the years that a proper menstrual cycle is essential to feminine bone health. I've decided that the best control is a natural approach. Your weight plays a role in the amount of blood lining the uterus and the amount of exercise you get effects flow, or something. I think it boils down to strategy out in the wilderness to actually deal with it.
So I try to remind myself to get off my but and play.
If your young I'd encourage you to not over do it. I'm referring to the fact that to much exercise can stop your cycle.
(And if you can- avoid a hysterectomy. I've seen to much evidence that people with hysterectomies have premature onset of high levels of osteoporosis. Some doctor's disagree with this, but apparently guys can get a knot tied with no concerns in this matter.)
Worship your uterus!
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clausti
Nov 9, 2006, 2:24 PM
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So guess what? i was thinking about the status of "stuff" on my road trip, and i've decided to order the moon cup, the equivalent of the keeper, but of sillicone instead of gum rubber.
I ordered it today, and i'm kinda of excited, despite how grossed out I was by the concept initially.
wish me luck!
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