Feminism Is For Everyone

Mar 15, 2008,11:25 AM

Ecofeminism & the Diva Cup

So our meeting on ecofeminism made me want to do more things for the environment, like start recycling the plastic, even if it means I have to take it somewhere and to start thinking about ways I can cut down on energy use. There are tons of websites out there with little things that people can do to help, and they've got me feeling empowered! Yay for empowerment!

So, as per our menstrual discussion I went back to using my diva cup and was reminded of all the reasons that I love (and hate) it. So I made a list for those out there who may be interested. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan, but I know it's not for everyone.

Diva Cup (or Keeper or Moon Cup) Pros
- enviro-friendly
- vagina friendly (no chemicals in it)
- lasts for ten years (wallet-friendly)
- way reduced risk of TSS
- can be left in for 12 hours, and put it before your period starts
- non-absorbent
- great for swimming or camping
- allows you to save the menstrual blood, which is nutrient rich and great for plants (this might be a little too radical)

Cons
- requires you to get up close and personal with your vagina (this can be a pro too depending on who you are, but not everyone wants to get their hands dirty)
- can be messy
- can be difficult (or sometimes painful) to insert or remove
- it can leak, especially if you put it in wrong, or leave it in too long

My advice:
The biggest problem that I've experienced with the diva cup is having to learn how to insert it and remove it. It comes with instructions on how to fold it over and put it in, but that doesn't make it easy. Make sure that when you insert it you rotate it to MAKE A SEAL. If you don't it will leak, and you will be annoyed. When removing it, make sure that you push on the side to BREAK THE SEAL, otherwise it will be really painful, and you will be annoyed. My other advice is that it is much easier to use in bathrooms where the sink is right there so you can wash it off right there, also changing it in the shower helps to deal with the messy aspects. I would also suggest changing it just before you go to bed, to prevent leaks during the night. Lastly, get some liquid castille soap (available at Rebecca's) to clean it, which I also do in the shower.

I don't necessarily think I presented a positive picture of the diva cup, but hopefully somebody will be interested enough to pursue it. If you really want to be sold visit the diva cup website
or the keeper website and they will sell you as best as they can. I just wanted to give a more realistic picture of it, it definitely takes practice to get used to, but it's worth it.

"Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York points out that there has been far more testing on the possible health effects of chlorine-bleached coffee filters than on chlorine-bleached tampons and related products."