I’ll be honest, the first time I tried a reusable menstrual cup, it felt wrong. I’d heard all the rave reviews about how “liberating” it was, how it could handle everything from Pilates to pool workouts without breaking a sweat. Everyone swore it was the menstrual product for athletes.
So naturally, I thought: Why not me?
Spoiler alert: my first experience was not the “love at first insertion” story I’d hoped for. There I was a leg tooted up in my bathroom like a confused flamingo, trying to fold a cup that seemed way too large to fit anywhere near comfort. I was sweaty (which did not help), stressed, and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. When it finally went in, I was too scared to move. Forget drills, I wasn’t even sure I could sit down.
To be real here…the insertion wasn’t nearly as bad as getting it out. I felt unfamiliar with my body as I reached up, squatting, bearing all my weight down while trying to dig with my index finger any semblance of an “edge”. It took an embarrassingly long time to get this foreign object out of me.
Needless to say, I ghosted menstrual cups after that.
Round Two: Growth, Grace, and a Little Bit of Grit
Fast-forward a year and a few cycles later. I’d gotten tired of the endless rotation of tampons, pads, and period panic. Every athlete knows the struggle of that low-key fear of leakage mid-sprint, the constant checking, the backup leggings/shorts in the gym bag.
My period always showed up right before a big game or training session, and I was over it.
After hearing that the Chicago Winds teamed up with DIVA, makers of the DIVA Cup and DIVA Disc, I decided to give reusable menstrual care another go. This time, though, I came in with a better game plan. PLUS, the DIVA Disc had a pull-tab, which really was a gamechanger when thinking of the dreaded removal. Because, as any athlete knows, success comes down to technique and mindset.
The Warm-Up: Getting to Know My Body
First lesson? You have to know your body. I realized the first time I’d tried a menstrual cup I was approaching it like a competitor, impatient, determined to “win.” But this wasn’t something to conquer; it was something to collaborate with.
I took a deep breath, did my research, and approached my body with curiosity instead of criticism. I learned that the DIVA Disc doesn’t sit like a menstrual cup--it tucks behind the pubic bone, settling in place in a way that’s both magical and mysterious. The first time I inserted it correctly, I literally said out loud, “Ohhh, that’s what they meant!”
Then, the removal was far easier (but not less awkward with the positioning). Feeling the pull tab is a relief when inserting your finger and searching for this object. Less panic, more relaxation and relief when it releases from behind your public bone.
And just like that, the game changed.
The Play-by-Play: Training with the DIVA Disc
Once I had the hang of it, I tested it out during a light workout. To my surprise, it didn’t move. Not during stretches, not during sprints, not even during squats. I almost forgot I was on my period, which, if you’ve ever worked out during one, you know is saying a lot.
By day two, I was doing full-on training sessions drills, lifting, cycling, and running.
No leaks. No discomfort. No panic.
I started to realize how much of my athletic life had been dictated by my period — planning workouts around it, adjusting intensity, avoiding certain movements. With the DIVA Disc, I go that freedom back. I won’t lie; I still have requested some teammates to check my butt for leaks (IYKYK). It was like switching from running in sand to running on turf — same effort, way smoother results.
The Real MVP: Freedom
Let’s talk about freedom for a second.
With a tampon, I can feel it with every movement. To be transparent, there have been times when I would feel the tampon pop out at practices. I can’t feel the DIVA Disc while exercising. That means no panic about where did that tampon go or having to miss part of practice trying to get another tampon inserted.
I also love that it supports my flow without making me feel disconnected from my body. Periods aren’t gross. They’re part of what makes our bodies powerful, resilient, capable, and cyclical. Using something that works with my body instead of against it has honestly changed the way I move through that time of the month.
The Locker Room Talk: Real Talk About Menstrual Discs
Let’s be real, getting comfortable with a menstrual disc can take a few cycles. The learning curve can be steep for some, and yes, you will have some awkward moments. (Like the first time you take it out in the shower and suddenly feel like you’re in a low-budget horror film. Been there.)
But once you get the hang of it, it’s honestly life changing. Here’s what I’ve learned that might help:
- Practice makes progress. Don’t expect perfection right away. Try it on a lighter day or when you’re not on the go.
- Find your position. Squatting, one leg up, sitting, everyone’s got their favorite position. It’s like finding your pre-game ritual.
- Relax. Seriously. Your muscles will thank you.
- Shower removals are elite. Enough said.
- You’re not weird for needing time. Every athlete has to train for new skills — this is no different.
- It WILL feel weird to go to a bathroom if you need to remove and clean for whatever reason (you know your flow better than I do). You’ll need a clean space for dumping and inserting. Be aware of this when using the DIVA Disc.
The Emotional Comeback
Somewhere between the trial runs and triumphs, I realized this wasn’t just about a menstrual disc. It was about reconnecting with my body, trusting it, listening to it, and not letting shame or fear control my experience.
As an athlete, my body is my instrument. It’s how I move, compete, and express strength. But sometimes, especially around menstruation, that relationship can feel strained. The DIVA Disc helped me rebuild that trust to feel like my body wasn’t betraying me every month, but rather inviting me to slow down and tune in.
Now, every time my period comes around, I don’t dread it. I grab my DIVA Disc, stretch, hydrate, and carry on like the powerhouse I am.
The Takeaway
Falling back in love with reusable period care wasn’t instant. It was a process of patience, laughter, and a few hilarious learning curves. But it’s one of the best training partners I’ve ever had, one that’s quiet, dependable, and doesn’t get in my way when I’m chasing my goals.
