I found a box of these with some stuff my sister left behind when she moved out, I had talked to friends about using the diva cup but I wasn't sure about it so finding something that was the same idea seemed great. And it works! As other users have said they do require some getting used to and knowledge of your body. A few simple readjustments after using the washroom and you are good to go again. And it's great not having to deal with a tampon string. I will be trying the diva cup when I finish my box of these.

I really wanted to like the Instead Cup. The first time I tried it was over 10 years ago when I was 24. I had a massive leak one morning when I woke up and said "never again"!

12 years later, I thought I'd give it another try. The thing about Instead is, when it works it's great, but when it leaks it's BAD. You can end up with a huge mess on your hands, (or your pants).

So to conclude, I've found Instead just isn't reliable. I can't trust it not to slip.

So, I am always the first to try new things when it comes to simplifying my lifestyle. I saw the Instead Cup in Walmart for a little under $7 and there were 14 in the box. I was already excited just because of the price. I anxiously awaited the arrival of my next period. I use the Nuva Ring so insertion and placement was no different. The ring around the Instead cup is slightly larger and more sturdy than the Nuva Ring as it should be. It was completely comfortable, didn't even know it was there. I must say it stays in place and locked in all day but, when I use the bathroom there is a little leaking, but it goes right into the toilet. This for me is a benefit because its like a fresh start. HAHA. A little repositioning after I use the bathroom to make sure its where it should be and a thorough hand washing and I'm on my way. I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for freedom from their periods without the hassle of carrying tampons around and worrying about that "feeling" of its time to change.

I've been meaning to write a review on the Instead Cup. It's the same idea as the Diva Cup, except Instead aren't meant to be reused, though I think you could very easily and safely do so.

I've used the Instead Cup for 3 periods. It takes a few tries to get it right and comfortable. But when you do, you know it.

Yes, you have to get intimate w/ yourself, but come on. Is that really a problem? If a woman doesn't know her body, its time she learned. I'm not even talking about masturbation, here. Its generally important to know how your body works and understand the female anatomy. So your finger gets messy. That's what a sink and some soap and water are for.

Putting the cup in is pretty easy. I usually sit on the toilet and proceed just as though I was inserting a tampon (sans applicator). The seated position helps you properly place the cup against the back of the vagina and get is nestled up behind the pubic bone. Trust me, it sounds more difficult than it really is. There really is no other place for the cup to go. My first few times I didn't get it up behind the pubic bone well enough. When this happens, your body sort of pushes it out.

Pulling the cup out is a bit more difficult. I take it out while in the shower so that if I do spill it just washes away. While in the shower I can also rinse off and clean the cup. Taking the cup out can be tricky your first few times. I take my middle finger (longest) and wrap it up and over the rim of the cup to pull it out. Your body kind of "suctions" the cup in there, so it takes some good pulling to get it out. My first attempt I hadn't yet learned the middle finger up and over the rim technique so I was totally panicking! I was like "Am I going to have to go the ER to get this thing out!?" But I just calmed down, was patient, and tried again.

Now onto leaking. Excuse me if this is too much information, but I figure if you guys are interested, you should know. Quit reading now if you're worried. I have no leaks when I use the cup except for when I'm peeing or pooping. What happens is when you "bear down" and push to expel waste, it causes the rim of the cup behind the pubic bone to release a little bit. So in a sense, a little bit of the trapped fluid is spilling/escaping.

We have yet to try sex while I'm wearing the cup. I'm curious but a bit hesitant. So I have yet to report on that aspect. But personally, being able to have sex while on the rag, clean sex, is a super PLUS!

Now that I'm proficient at using the cup, I never use tampons or pads (an occasional panty liner). The cups are just waaaay too convenient not to use. Even though Instead is not renewable, you still generate far less waste than if you use tampons and pads. Each cup can last up to 12 hours. There is no odor w/ Instead as your menstrual flow is kept inside you, away from contact w/ the air. Lastly, there is little concern for TSS since the cup is a reservoir for your flow, rather than absorbing your flow.

THUMBS UP!