Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Diva Cup – A Giveaway

Let me start with a little bit of a warning – this post is written for my female friends. Men, and I know of a few who read my blog, this post is for your wives. Not for you. Forward it on to them if you are concerned about their health or you are interested in saving money. And to be honest, I don’t know if I really want you to know some of the details that I will be sharing below. In fact, the Hottie Hubby said to me, “Do you really have to go there?”

Yes . . . ladies we are going to talk about an area where the sun doesn’t typically shine. It is a place that God made, but only your husband and midwife sees. . . your vagina.

Yikes. I said the V word!

I am in the beginning of my 30 Days of Being Thankful series. So, I thought I would feature my “little friend.”

I am thankful for the Diva Cup. There--I said it.

This is a personal, but necessary blog post. It is one of the last “organic tricks” that have up my sleeve err . . . vag. . . . not going there. By using the DivaCup I am saving money and saving the earth. Plus, I just like it better than using bleached paper products or plastic around a rather delicate but useful area.

image

What is the Diva Cup?

The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly.

The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess!

The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose.

The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows. Perfect for overnight use.

If this is your first time hearing about the DivaCup, you might be turned off. I know that the first time some gals at church told me about it—I seriously thought they were lunatics.

But I kept hearing them talk about their DivaCup. They wouldn't STOP trying to convert me. You would have thought they were paid money to talk about the DivaCup or that their DivaCup gave them chocolate every month.

And so . . . I told the husband that the DivaCup was going to be a cheaper alternative to tampons. I ordered my DivaCup. But then . . . I got pregnant with Mr. Smiley before I had the chance to use it. So it sat for over a year.

13 months after Mr. Smiley was born, Mother Nature returned to my body and the DivaCup came out of the closet and into our bathroom. I can’t say that I was excited to meet my Diva. I don’t particularly enjoy menstruating (and I certainly don’t enjoy that word.) But I am thankful that I do menstruate, because by having PCOS it isn’t uncommon to have a condition called amenorrhea. And when you don't have a period it makes it rather difficult to have children (which was an altogether different problem I used to have.)

I was determined to avoid using disposable products for my feminine needs. I figured that if I was so adamant about cloth diapering, then why not do that for myself (not cloth diapers, but cloth pads and the DivaCup.) The DivaCup website has some great tips on becoming familiar with your new DivaCup.

But here is why I like it now:

  • You feel cleaner and don’t have that menstrual smell.
  • Your butt looks normal. No flat butt syndrome from a starchy plastic pad when you wear a DivaCup!
  • Relatively few leaks. On the heaviest day of my period, I wear a Luna pad, in addition to my DivaCup.
  • I feel more in control of what is happening in and to my body. Using the DivaCup makes you more aware of how your body works and what your body feels like. God was so creative when He made our “parts.”
  • You never run out of pads or tampons.
  • It is easy to pack. For those of you who have random periods, the DivaCup can easily hide in your luggage for an unplanned period.
  • You don’t feel like you are on a leash.
  • Not that I hide anything from my husband, but with the DivaCup it is possible for him to not know that I am having my period. I don’t know . . . that makes me feel prettier or cleaner I suppose.
  • The DivaCup provides interesting dialogue with your children. (Not that I would know about that.)
  • Cost! It is only $34.99. So I did some research and a box of O.B. Multi-Pack tampons costs $7.79 per box. This would last you maybe a month, possibly two. But for argument sake, let's say you buy a box every month. The total for a years supply of JUST tampons would be $93.48. This doesn’t even include sanitary napkins, which hardly seem sanitary. Just briefly shopping online, pads appear to be the same price, which brings the grand total to $186.96. Even if you replaced your DivaCup yearly, which is recommended, you would still save approximately $151.97.
  • I sleep better at night. I don’t have to worry about leaking on the bed. The DivaCup captures everything for me while I sleep.
  • Cramping feels lighter. (This is not a claim from DivaCup, but from me.)
  • It “seems” like my periods are shorter, but I think that is because the whole monthly experience is more enjoyable, if you can call it that. (Once again, this is my statement, not DivaCup’s.)

So ladies, if you cloth diaper your children, yet you still use disposable feminine products I am sending you a serious challenge today. I want you to consider being kinder to your body by not using products that dry out your sensitive area or placing products containing harmful chemicals up near this wonderfully designed area of your body. The DivaCup is made from top quality silicone and is phthalate-free, latex-free, plastic-free, and BPA-free. The DivaCup can save you and your family some serious money.

Would you like to win one?

Rules

Please, please, please . . . do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winner. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.

Mandatory:

Visit Diva Cup and leave me a comment telling me two important facts about the Diva Cup from the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Bonus:

  1. List 5 other facts you learned from the DivaCup website.
  2. Become a fan on Goggle Connect of my blog, or remind me that you already are a fan!
  3. Become a fan of DivaCup on Twitter or Facebook from their website. (1 point each)
  4. Leave a comment and list 10 things that you are thankful for or blog about it using my 30 Days of Thankfulness button.
  5. Place my Granola Mom 4 God badge on your blog –only if you will leave it there!
  6. Blog about this giveaway, making sure to include both the www.divacup.com and www.granolamom4god.com address in your blog post. (5 points . . . so leave 5 comments.)

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

Contest Ends: November 21, 2009 @ Midnight


The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com. You must respond within 24 hours.

Some More Fine Print: If you have ever gotten Toxic Shock Syndrome, this giveaway is not for you.

NOTE: The DivaCup company DID NOT provide me with a DivaCup to test. I purchased my own DivaCup a year or so ago, and only recently began using it. I like it so much, that I wanted to include it as A Way To Afford Organic, located on my sidebar. I contacted the DivaCup and asked them if they would offer a free DivaCup if I wrote a free review of the DivaCup. I am not being paid. I spent FREE time writing this LONG post!



MckLinky Blog Hop

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....


37 comments:

Attila & Tamara said...

From the FAQ page I learned that:
1. The Diva Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours. Wow! That is awesome!

2. Young girls and virgins can also use it!

szogediek at yahoo dot com

Attila & Tamara said...

I also learned that:

1. You should boil the diva cup once a month for 20 minutes.
2. I learned that it comes in 2 sizes.
3. They recommend replacing the Diva cup on a yearly basis
4. It is convenient for traveling because it is small and light. It also only needs to be washed well 2x a day.
5. Women with a tipped or tilted uterus can also use the Diva cup.

szogediek at yahoo dot com

Attila & Tamara said...

Fan/follower via google connect

szogediek at yahoo dot com

Attila & Tamara said...

Became Twitter follower through their website.

szogediek at yahoo dot com

Attila & Tamara said...

I am thankful for:

1. JESUS--his love, grace, and all-sufficiency!
2. My husband--he is a servant and a man of God. He is wonderful!
3. My dear Levi--he lights up my life!
4. My extended family (parents, sisters, in-laws)--I am blessed.
5. A home (although it is rented) where I feel "at home". God answered all our prayers for the perfect place.
6. Geraniums on my windowsill--they make me smile
7. My morning Latte that I make with my stove top espresso machine--better (and cheaper) than Starbucks!
8. Fall--I love this season--beautiful colors, yummy smells and tastes, thanksgiving, my birthday, and looking forward to Christmas
9. Green apples--my favorite fruit, juicy, sweet-tart. Lovely
10. The fact that I've been able to lose over 40 lbs over the last 6 months. I now feel ready for baby #2!

Anonymous said...

1. You can trim the stem if it is too uncomfortable.
2. It is latex free!!
jenlu1703 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

1. It folds up for easy insertion.
2. Don't wash it in your dishwasher!!
3. The only time you shouldn't wear your DiveCup is during intercourse, all other activities are A OK!
4. If you can feel it when it is inside you - you have done something wrong!
5. When you use your DivaCup, you aren't just helping your body, you are helping the environment!
jenlu1703 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for:
1. My Heavenly Daddy who watches over me EVERYDAY!
2. My husband who loves me even when I don't deserve it.
3. My husband and I both still have our jobs.
4. The internet.
5. Cell phones.
6. My adorable niece and nephew!
7. Patience. Both my own, and others who are patient with me.
8. My parents and their many sacrifices.
9. My animals that always make me smile.
10. THIS day.
jenlu1703 at hotmail dot com

Nadia said...

1. It can be sanitized monthly by boiling it.

2. It comes in two sizes.

grace said...

I don't need to sign up for this...because I have myself a keeper already!--it's made from natural rubber as opposed to silicone. I just want to say HERE! HERE! Tally Ho! I sure do love mine SOOOOOO much. And I get what all the talk is about it. It's hard not to talk about something that relieves a lot of discomfort and usual embarrassment in my life!

Michelle Gibson said...

I use a Keeper - so I loved reading about the Diva!

Fact #1 - Women over 30 and/or who have had a vaginal birth need size 2
Fact #2 - there is only an 1/8" difference between Size 1 and Size 2 (had to look because I bought the wrong size and have wondered about the difference)

Michelle Gibson said...

1. You are supposed to boil it (egads, missed that part!)
2. If it falls in the toilet you should buy a new one (oops)
3. Discoloration is normal
4. The suction holes at the top are very important (trust me!)
5. You should store it where it can get air flow (not in a plastic bag)

Michelle Gibson said...

I follow on Google connect!

Michelle Gibson said...

I added your button, but I would have anyways. *Ü*

I'll work on the thankfulness list!

kimishee said...

1. You can wear the Diva Cup up to 12 hours!

2. The Diva Cup pays for itself in just a few cycles.

Kimishee said...

1. Wash your hands before inserting and removing.
2. Can be used with cloth pads for back up.
3. Clean with Diva Wash or regular soap (not antibacterial soap) twice a day.
4. Store in a cloth bag when not using and bag travels well.
5. When inserting you can use two different folds and the cup fits low.

kimishee said...

I am thankful for:

1. My children's laughter
2. A loving husband that shows us daily how much we mean to him.
3. God's Grace and Amazing love for us.
4. This Diva Cup Give Away. What an amazing product for women!
5. The beautiful fall trees that God has painted into our lives this season. It was a beautiful day today.
6. My family and Friends that speak truth into my life.
7. People who are willing to stand up and make a difference in this world even when it seems like they are nuts!
8. My father's wisdom and My mother's kindness.
9. Godly grandmother's that pray for everything and everyone.
10. The health of myself and my family. God has been so good to us.

kimishee said...

I am a Diva Cup follower on Twitter and Facebook! Love the product.

kimishee28@yahoo.com

Conny said...

Interesting ... I am not necessarily entering the give-away (though I wouldn't be opposed to try it) since I am 32 weeks pregnant & will probably nurse the baby, plus I have PCOS so my periods may not come back in forever!! But anyway ... I did want to comment that I read that YOU have PCOS - though it sounds like you have regular cycles now. Can you email me about how you regulate them? Is it due to a more organic lifestyle? I have only ever been able to get pregnant with medication & synthetic methods - except once when I was exercising on a regular basis (though I miscarried that baby). I figure since you are sharing about this sensitive topic on your blog, you wouln't mind me asking about other related-ish issues. Thanks, Jodi!!

Anonymous said...

Two important facts about the Diva Cup:

1) When used as directed, The DivaCup is more sanitary than tampons or pads.

2) The cup should be removed, emptied, rinsed or washed and then reinserted at least every 12 hours.

gloworm817 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

5 other facts I learned from the DivaCup website.:
1) There is no odor when using The DivaCup.
2) You can sleep while wearing The DivaCup
3) Store in a cloth bag when not using and bag travels well.
4) You must use potable water to clean The DivaCup to avoid infection.
5) When inserting you can use two different folds and the cup fits low.

gloworm817 at yahoo dot com

gloworm817 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

10 things that I am thankful for:

1) Our new president
2) My loving boyfriend
3) My friends
4) My family
5) My recent trip to New England to see the fall foliage
6) My freedoms
7) My new financial responsiblity
8) My health
9) My upcoming travels
10) Another great year

gloworm817 at yahoo dot com

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I learned:
1. That, if used correctly, you can't feel the cup when wearing it
2. It has measuring marks on it to measure your flow
tolsmamm at juno dot com

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I also learned:
1. there is no odor when using the cup
2. the stem can be trimmed if it is irritating
3. it comes in 2 sizes
4. it can be boiled
5. it can be used for an active lifestyle
tolsmamm@juno.com

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I follow via google connect

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I follow divacup on twitter

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

i've been blogging about 30 Days of Thanks!
tolsmamm at juno dot com

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

I have your badge on my blog
tolsmamm at juno dot com

Frankly Mary said...

1.Woman's vaginal muscles lose elasticity with age..cringe!
2.You can clean it with the botanically-based DivaWash.

Frankly Mary said...

1. A good investment: pricy now, big savings later.
2. I am a size 1.
3. This idea has been around for years, why don't more ladies know about it!
4. Made from silicone, highly durable & flexible.
5. DivaCup is internationally distributed.

lilacsilver(at)/yahoo[dot]/com

Jennifer L. said...

I just have to say I LOVE THE DIVA CUP!!! It will change your mentral life!!

1) If camping and can not find a regular toilet:) just wipe out the cup with tissue and wash and rinse later
2)at least every 12 hours...you can use bottled water
3)On heavy days you will need to empty it more often than 12 hours a day
4) It is not made of latex...which i am allergic to. It is made of silicon and is Nitrosomine and latex free.
5) Is it Messy? You will be pleasently surprised about how clean and not messy it can really be. With the Diva cup you will have little or no leaking (I do VERY little on my heavy days), no odor (YEAH!!!!), it is convenient, comfortable (yes, it really is), clean, it helps to save the planet and your money.

Casey said...

I've heard about this also from the gals at church. hmmmm

2 things I learned
1. It can be worn up to 12 hours
2. It is latex fee, BPA free and plastic free

I hope I win!!!!!!!!!!

Casey said...

10 things I'm so thankful for today

1. 2 aunts watching my 2 gifts from above.
2. going to Phil Wickham's concert
3. a voice to worship God
4. hands to give Him praise
5. eyes to see the beauty of His creation- all the beautiful colors.
6. ears to hear the music glorifying our King
7. 2 feet to dance and give praise
7. my husband who is so in love with Jesus
8. my 2 flowers sent from above
9. for my good friend granola mom
10. a computer to be posting this comment :)

Anonymous said...

For Jessica Day--she posted on the wrong post! Bless her heart!Here are my five coments on what I learned new about the Diva Cup! 1. No bpa this is reasuring
2. There is a special wash called Diva wash, it is not necessary to have the Diva Cup but it may be beneficial because it is ph balanced
3. If the holes or stem of the cup need to be cleaned resoak the cup in your special soap you chose then take a soft toothbrush and gently glean the grooves
4. if leakage occurs then the cup is probably not inserted properly
5. if you are in bear country contain your flow in a bag and then put it in a special bear bag and hang it 12 feet from the ground

Unknown said...

For Jessica Day
Here are my five coments on what I learned new about the Diva Cup! 1. No bpa this is reasuring
2. There is a special wash called Diva wash, it is not necessary to have the Diva Cup but it may be beneficial because it is ph balanced
3. If the holes or stem of the cup need to be cleaned resoak the cup in your special soap you chose then take a soft toothbrush and gently glean the grooves
4. if leakage occurs then the cup is probably not inserted properly
5. if you are in bear country contain your flow in a bag and then put it in a special bear bag and hang it 12 feet from the ground

Casey said...

placed granola for mom badge on my blog--check

Bombtastic Belle said...

There is a 1/8" difference between the two cups, but that can mean a lot because of leakage.
If you've had TSS you souldn't use the Divacup.
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com