Waaay too much information

Men and women faint of heart and who don't want to hear about my monthly cycle, please stop reading now.

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For those of you still with me, and I can't imagine why? I have been completely obsessed by my monthly "visitor" today because I decided to start using the "Diva Cup." For those of you unfamiliar with it, it's a "revolutionary alternative to tampons and pads" that is essentially a flexible funnel shaped cup with the tip capped off. It's reusable, so therefore environmental. It's safer as it does not carry the risk of toxic shock syndrome. It's cheaper in the long run because you don't have to purchase a whole line of products varying in absorbency for your cycle. When used properly, there is no risk of leakage. It's more convenient, as it can be worn up to 12 hours.

Well.... maybe for most women it can be.

I've always had a peculiar cycle - super short, lasting only 2-3 days with the first 1-2 days being very heavy. Very heavy? Hrmmm, perhaps I should say extremely heavy. I have severe cramps that are quite debilitating and usually my first day is a write off in terms of getting anything done unless I'm doped up on Advil. My body clearly feels the need to rid itself of this blood immediately and works hard churning all of my muscles to do so. I had no idea of how heavy it was until I started using the cup this morning, which is why I've been obsessed over it all day.

The cup holds one full ounce and according to the directions and their website, the average woman's cycle flows 3-4 ozs. (90-120 ml.) in it's entirety. Keep in mind again, that the directions say most women can wear the cup for 12 hours without changing it and that it's usually only about half full after those 12 hours. I've had to empty my cup - EVERY 2-3 FREAKING HOURS!!!!!!!! The first time, after having it in for 3 hours, it was only half full, but I wanted to check and see out of curiousity. The next time, again 3 hours later, I started getting a bit of leakage so I knew it must be full. Following time, also started getting some leaks and that was only after 2 hours. In total, since putting in the cup at 8:30am, I have already expelled 85 ml.! ARGHHH!! This explains the cramping and why even the super duper ultra absorbent tampons only lasted me an hour!

I do have to say though, I enjoy not having to use tampons. There is a bit of a learning curve in using the cup and getting it in right, but after it's in, it's quite comfortable and does contain everything really well.

Well, looks like my time is running out and I'll have to go empty the cup again before I go to bed.