How to Prevent Infection or TSS Using Instead, Diva Cup or Similar Feminine Protection Cups

Have you consulted with your physician about using Instead (disposable feminine protection cups) or other reuseable feminine protection cups? Here are some tips that pharmacists, physicians, and manufacturers share to maintain optimal health while using trendy feminine protection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Disposable Insteads (available at Wal-Mart), DivaCup, or other reusable feminine protection cups/devices.
• Clean Hands
• Douche Solution or Antibacterial Solution(Diva Wash is available)
• Water
• Clean Sterile/Antibacterial Drying Cloth
• Antibacterial wipes and/or toilet paper
• Storage Bag/Container for Reusable Cup

1. Purchase your favorite disposable or reusable feminine protection cup.
2. When the need for monthly feminine protection occurs, wash your hands thoroughly prior to handling the feminine protection cup.
3. Following the manufacturer's directions, insert the disposable feminine protection cup. If the cup is reusable, rinse the cup in clean (sterile or distilled water, even if you have washed it after using it during a previous cycle).
4. Wash your hands again.
5. Each time you use the bathroom (and not more than six hours from the last elimination or cup change), wash your hands thoroughly and remove the cup. This will ensure that the vaginal walls do not become "dry enough to create breaks in the skin"* or accumulate unsafe levels of bacteria.
6. Clean the cup with an antibacterial wipe and dry with clean toilet paper. At a minimum, wipe clean with clean, dry toilet paper.
7. Re-insert the feminine protection cup (if it is reusable). If the cup is disposable, insert a new disposable cup.
8. When your cycle has ended, thoroughly wash your hands and remove the cup. Dispose of the cup if it is disposable.
9. In a sterile jar, place your reusable feminine protection cup in a douche solution or antibacterial solution that is safe for the cup (according to the manufacturer) for at least one hour.
10. Remove the cup and dry with sterile cloth or clean tissue. Return the feminine cup to its protective container or covering (e.g., bag provided upon purchase).

Tips & Warnings

• Bacteria grows well in dark, moist, and warm places. The vagina is an environment suitable for bacteria to grow. Be sure to reduce the chances of problems occurring by cleaning your cup whenever possible.
• Women have used their diaphragms for years in the same manner as the feminine protection cups on the market.
• The newer feminine protection cups are just as safe as the diaphragm that has been used by women.
• Ensure that your nails or rings are not sharp enough to break the skin of the vaginal wall when inserting and/or removing the protection cup.
• Once a day, during your cycle, ensure that you thoroughly clean the cup, as noted above, for a washing of 2 to 3 minutes.
• Some manufacturers suggest that you can keep the cups in for more than six (6) hours. For optimal health, change as frequently as possible.
• According to cbsnews.com, bacteria that causes toxic shock is commonly "found on the body."
• The site also warns women to use as natural products as possible during their menstruation.
• When switching to more convenient feminine protection for menstruation, it is easy to forget you are wearing it (i.e., the cup or Instead).
• Place the cover to your cup in an area that will assist you in remembering that you are wearing the cup to ensure it is not forgotten and left in your body.
• cbsnews.com source