It can be difficult to get used to them for some women, but that is the same for anything new you try. Generally speaking if you are already open to the idea, the more comfortable you are with your body, and choosing the right cup to suit your body will all make it easier. Insertion tends to be easier than with tampons because there are fewer ways of going wrong, they are smooth so no friction on insertion, and they aren’t much different in size to tampons. If you have any problems then use lubrication, insert in the shower, also masturbation helps (when aroused your vagina increases in size, opens, relaxes and lubricates), and you can also practice before your period is due. I would recommend the Ladycup as they are much smaller than the Divacup, although if your flow is a little heavier then perhaps go for the large size. Check out this post from the menstrual cup support community on choosing the right cup for you - http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1285963.html
I didn’t have a problem when I first used a cup, I hated tampons as my flow is super-heavy so I’d leak after 15 minutes even with the most absorbent tampons and they cause me constant infections, so I think my excitement about switching to a cup made it easier. I got a bit confused about removal, but after inserting the cup and checking the instructions many times, I got it sussed and as soon as you get used to it using a cup becomes like second nature, so much easier to use :-)
- How do I care for them?
Silicone cups like Divacup and Ladycup are the easiest to care for because you can boil the cup if you want to – some women boil or put into sterilising fluids to make them sterile, you don’t need to do this though as they are perfectly sanitary without this, also tampons and pads aren’t sterile so no reason cups need to be. Some women also use diluted vinegar to clean their cup as it prevents discolouration, but you don’t need to do this, and doing this too often can damage the silicone cups. When using the cup just washing with soap and water is more than enough to keep it and you clean, I normally just use soap and water at the end of my cycle and pop my cup into a draw to dry it out and store it until my next period, that’s all you need to do.
- Can I go a whole school day with one in?
Yup, this is one of the best things about cups in my opinion, they can be worn for up to 12 hours no matter your flow, you can also use them overnight which you’re not supposed to do with tampons and you can wear them before your period. Also with tampons you’re supposed to alternate with pads to allow your vagina to clean itself out after using a tampon, as when a tampon is removed the bacteria it’s encouraged to grow remain in your vagina, with cups as they don’t encourage bacterial growth and allow vaginal self-cleaning it means you don’t have to alternate with pads.
- Can I participate in PE like normal without it moving around/shifting or leaking?
Yes, cups can shift around as they aren’t stuck in place within your vagina, they can move further up or further down in your vagina but if they do this then they will not make you feel uncomfortable or leak. Cups hold more fluid than tampons or pads, they also have suction which will remain even if there is some movement, so this prevents leaking.
- Do I need to wear pads with this?
No, you never need use pads again, menstrual cups don’t leak so you don’t need them as back-up, you also don’t need to use them overnight or during light flow as you do with tampons, so again, no need for pads – hoorah!
- How long do they last?
For up to 10 years – although I’ve known people keep their cups for longer, as long as they’re still doing the job then they are still fine to use. My first cup (Mooncup) I had for 6 years, it still worked but I wanted a new cup and I was given one as a gift so I switched to my Ladycup, which I’ve had now for about 3 years...still just as good as it was when I first got it, although I’ll be getting a MeLuna soon as they come in different colours and I want one in my favourite colour, lol.
In response to some of the other answers you have gotten;
Menstrual cups are far less mess than tampons, I suspect those who claim cups are messy are actually confusing them with softcups which are totally different things. I also suspect that one answer is actually from someone who has never used cups, given as the benefits they give for tampons are matched and outweighed by the benefits of cups! Your age makes no difference, I’ve known far younger than you use cups, your vagina works the same way and you’re just as likely to be comfortable with your body. Tampons are far less sanitary than menstrual cups, and I’d argue more disgusting than menstrual cups too, as well as leaking (even when used correctly tampons do indeed leak) tampons encourage massive bacterial growth and prevent vaginal cleaning, thus why they are a major cause of odour and vaginal infections.
Do check out the menstrual cup support community - http://www.menstrualcups.org as they are a free community where you can get help, look through the tags on the right-hand side, in particular their FAQ's on the top right of the page! Also Lunapads have a good FAQ section, here - http://www.lunapads.com/productfaq/divacup.htm