Tess & Canoe,

I have been thinking of doing a Chick Chat piece on alternative approached to handling menstruation. You two have gotten it going here. You will note that I like menstrual cups. The old Tassaway was my first one; they went out of business and were taken over and sold, I believe, Tassettes. There is clearly a small market and when I have shown mine to patients, I usally get something like, "I am not putting that thing in me!" Others look at the initial cost and consider it unreasonable. My Keeper is over ten years old and still in good shape. My Diva is about two years old but I expect it to last even longer because it is silicone and will not atrophy as latex does.

Now, there is another side. One doctor, Chinese I believe, has criticized cups because of the possibility of nerve damage. He contends that where the outer ring presses against the vaginal wall, it can damage a nerve that runs outside there. I understand his concern but I have no experience, myself, friends or patients, that supports this. I have worn mine longer than recommended and have had no irritation or other untoward symptoms.

The original Tassaway was developed by a ballerina who had had some embarassing experiences (Have we not all?) on stage. Female athletes (Ballerinas are quite athletic) find cups to great and almost accident free. I have never had one.

The other criticism is how do you remove a full little cup in a public stall. It does take practice but is not much worse than using tampons without applicators. We need a washup either way. I prefer to remove mine in the shower. Easy to rinse out there, too.

Other women? Speak up.

Wow that is very interesting. I have never heard of any of that stuff. Been a tampon user since the first day of my period when I was 12. I just might have to do more research into this. Seems it would be cost effective. Especially since I now have a teenage daughter also using tampons and pads. Thanks!

I have a Diva and the older Keeper. I have used the Keeper for years but wanted to compare the two. The Diva is silicone and the Keeper, latex. They are both very effective and comfortable even though they look challenging. While sailing or biking, I far prefer them to tampons. There is a problem when public toilets are used because there is no way to empty cups without at least a little mess. At work and home, I have privacy so that is no problem.

Anyone interested in a menstrual cup should also check out Instead. It is a disposable cup but could easily be washed and reused. I have had leakage problems but my girlfriend likes the softer Instead and it is effective for her. Sex is possible with the Instead. In fact, the brochure recommends it for menstrual sex. Another use, not recommended by the maker, could be as a cervical cap. Filled with spermicidal jelly it would work just like a cervical cap. I have at least one patient who uses Instead that way.

The Keeper or Diva prevent heterosexual intercourse. As with any items regularly inserted into us, Diva or Keeper should get a good vinegar soak each month.

Just thought I'd *bump* this up... it's worth seeing at the top for a while.

One of my friends uses this and she gives it rave reviews.

She is extremely prone to yeast infections, so the diva cup is a godsend for her.