[Brandye]

With the Instead, she is not inserting it correctly. We are all deep enough to get them in. The rim should encircle the cervix so it requires some learning to get it in and positioned that deeply. Instead are not sold by size and I suspect that is the reason they work better for some than others. As sera indicates, it is very much like the cervical cap contraceptive device. I even know of women who use them as such but that is not what they are sold for. When I have tried them, it took a few times to get it right. I do not use them as a rule because I prefer the reuseable cups. I presently have a Diva.

The reuseable cups - Keeper, Diva, Luna - are placed in the canal above the muscles that we squeeze in doing Kegels. They are folded as per the diagram on the websites and placed about as far as she can reach. They come in two sizes. One for non-parous women (no vaginal births) under thirty and one that is slightly larger recommended for "older women" and those who have had children. They are daunting until she gets accustomed and they cannot be felt when in proper position. The extracting ring will be just out of sight. The silicon of the Diva is quite soft. I assume the Luna is about the same. The latex Keeper, which I used for seven years, was a bit firmer but manageable. They are firmer than the rim of the Instead but, for me, more dependable.

Believe me, any woman can use these cups. It does take practice. When I received my first one (a Keeper), I practiced mid-month and then wore a pad for my first period to make sure I had gotten it right. When my Diva arrived, I just started using it the same as the Keeper.

I have the same issue with tampons leaving me a bit raw and sore. My periods are very heavy but quite short. I have never had a failure and have worn the Diva twelve hours and more.