We have a special guest blogger today. Social worker, Joy, recently discovered the DivaCup while participating in the ROSE study. The ROSE Study seeks to investigate the cause of endometriosis and bring improved diagnostics and treatments. Continue reading to learn more about the research study and Joy’s experience.
I have been a social worker for over 10 years and have been working in hospitals throughout the New York City area. Having chosen a career that helps people, I always find additional ways to volunteer and help people in need. I love volunteering at community blood drives, food drives, annual cultural fairs and summer camps for underprivileged children. So when I was asked to participate as a normal control in the Rose Study to learn more about the causes of endometriosis, I immediately said “yes”. Millions of women and girls suffer from this disease, including some of my close friends and coworkers. Women who suffer from endometriosis can have symptoms that range from painful menstrual cramps to incapacitating abdominal and pelvic pain and infertility. The disease can be very debilitating.
In order to participate in the study, I had to meet with a research nurse who went over what I would need to do as a participant. I was asked to provide a blood sample from my arm, as well as a sample of my menstrual flow that was to be collected at home. And this is where the DivaCup came in! I’ve always used Tampons for my monthly cycle and had never heard of any other option, other than maxi pads. The nurse provided me with the DivaCup that I was to take home and use to collect my menstrual blood sample. The nurse explained that women around the world are using this in place of tampons because they are better for your body and the environment. I wondered aloud, how come I never heard of this?! The first time I used the DivaCup I was pleasantly surprised! The cup fit well and took only a couple of tries for me to insert properly, I just needed to get the hang of it. I was truly amazed by how comfortable the DivaCup felt, way more comfortable than tampons ever had.
The Feinstein Institute’s ROSE Study (Research OutSmarts Endometriosis) seeks to investigate the cause of endometriosis and bring improved diagnostics and treatments for women living with the disease. One element of the study includes asking participants to provide a sample of menstrual flow through the use of the DivaCup.
My shifts at the hospital can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Many days are so busy that I hardly have time to make it to the bathroom. Having to change my tampon during a shift was always a pain. First I would be so embarrassed to grab a tampon out of my bag in the very public nursing station where doctors, nurses and physical therapists can see your every move. And if I didn’t happen to have one on me the day my period started I’d have to run around trying to scrounge one up. With the DivaCup, I NEVER have to worry about looking for a tampon again.
My life at home is just as busy taking care of my three small children. I am constantly making grocery and shopping lists on my phone only to forget to look at them when I arrive at the store. One of the things I so frequently forget is to buy a box of tampons. Sometimes I’d have to send my husband out at night to the 24 hour drugstore to get the forgotten tampons, and I don’t have to tell you how grumpily he’d react to that. Not to mention the half dozen calls I’d receive form him while at the store as he was trying to sort out what type, size, and scent I wanted. the DivaCup has given me the freedom to forget about buying tampons forever! And having one less thing to remember is gift I gladly accept!
The ROSE study is actively looking for participants. Women both living with and living without endometriosis in both Canada and the United States can participate in the ROSE study to help find answers for those who are suffering. Learn more HERE.
Joy Stein
Joy was born in Israel and raised in Long Island, New York. She is a mother of three and currently works part-time as a hospital social worker in New York City. Joy has run the community blood drive at her children’s elementary school and says donating blood is very close to her heart. In the summer Joy enjoys volunteering at a church in her local area that provides free summer camp to underprivileged children. Joy is a participant in the GAP research registry as well as the ROSE study and she highly encourages women to volunteer for this cause.
