The DivaCup is a menstrual cup that a person can wear for up to 12 hours during their menstrual cycle. The company also sells products that help individuals store and clean their cups.
This article looks at DivaCup and explores some customer reviews. It also looks at competitors and notes the factors differentiating menstrual cups from other menstrual products.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Available since 2003, the DivaCup is a menstrual cup made from medical-grade, latex-free silicone, making it suitable for individuals with latex allergies. It is also chemical-, plastic-, and dye-free.
A person inserts the menstrual cup into their vagina to collect the menstrual blood. A person can wear the DivaCup for up to 12 hours, depending on the heaviness of their menstrual flow.
The menstrual cup is reusable, but the company recommends that individuals change it each year.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) does not currently accredit Diva International Inc., the manufacturer, and no current reviews exist.
There is one complaint that the company closed in the last 12 months. The customer had issues contacting the company when their DivaCup repeatedly leaked.
There is one review on Trustpilot at present. It is a 5-star review, and the customer used the Model 1 DivaCup. They said it worked well and may suit people with a high cervix.
Positive reviews on the company website focus on the menstrual cup’s quality. Users state that it is comfortable and does not move during workouts. Some also mention that the DivaCup is more cost-effective than other products.
However, DivaCup has mixed reviews on its social media page. Although some people confirm the DivaCup’s ease of use, others say it can take some time to adjust to how it feels. Some individuals who found the cup difficult to use say they experienced difficulty obtaining a refund from the company.
Individuals may prefer using a menstrual cup rather than tampons and pads. Some benefits include:
- Sustainability: Menstrual cups such as DivaCups create less waste because they are reusable.
- Cost: A person only pays a one-time price for a menstrual cup.
- Chemicals: DivaCups are chemical-free, while pads and tampons may contain high levels of metals and chemicals. One
2019 study found that people who used tampons had increased mercury levels compared with those who did not. - Capacity: The DivaCup offers protection for up to 12 hours. However, according to the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, people must change pads and tampons every 4–8 hours.
Below, we look at the main pros and cons of a DivaCup.
Pros
- less waste
- reduced cost
- chemical-free
- larger capacity
Cons
- insertion and removal can be complicated
- can be messy
- requires cleaning
- could interfere with IUD
- potential risk of toxic shock syndrome
- younger people may find them difficult to use
There are some factors that an individual should consider before buying a DivaCup.
How to insert a DivaCup
A person should follow these steps to insert a menstrual cup correctly:
- Wash the hands thoroughly before insertion.
- Fold the cup to create a curved edge and separate the labia with the other hand.
- Push the folded cup into the vagina with the open end facing up.
- Grip the base of the cup and turn it 360 degrees to create a light vacuum seal.
A person can remove the cup as follows:
- Pull on the stem until the fingers come into contact with the base.
- Pinch the cup to break the vacuum.
- Remove the cup when necessary or after a maximum of 12 hours.
- Clean the cup thoroughly.
How to choose the correct size of DivaCup
The DivaCup comes in three different sizes. The best size for an individual will depend on their age and menstrual flow:
- Model 0: This model may suit individuals ages 18 years and under. It costs $35.
- Model 1: This model is primarily for individuals ages 19–30 years who have a medium menstrual flow. It costs $35.
- Model 2: This model may suit those ages 30 years and older and those with a heavy flow. It costs $35.
How to clean a DivaCup
According to the DivaCup website, a person should boil the cup for 5–10 minutes before first using it and wash their hands before handling it.
Before and after insertion, they should clean the cup by:
- washing it with DivaWash or a mild, unscented, oil-free soap
- cleaning the rim and holes at the top of the cup
- storing it in its cotton bag away from scented products once a cycle ends
Individuals can wipe their DivaCup with dry or damp tissue and water.
A person can purchase other products from DivaCup, including:
- Diva Disc: This is an alternative to a menstrual cup. It has a flatter, oval-shaped disc design with a leak-proof edge. Diva writes its sloped basin helps to prevent leaks during wear and removal. People can use it for up to 12 hours. It costs $35.
- DivaWash: A person can use this product to wash their DivaCup. It does not contain soap and is naturally scented with citrus. It is also cruelty-free. After using the DivaWash, an individual can rinse the cup with warm water. It costs $12.
- ShakerCup: This is a small cup that a person can use to clean their menstrual cup when traveling. It is collapsible and free from bisphenol A. It costs $9.
- DivaPouch: This pouch stores the DivaCup. It is made from organic purple cotton and comes with black pull ribbons. Its dimensions are 4 inches (in) by 4.38 in. It costs $5.
There are many other manufacturers of menstrual cups. Below, we look at some other brands that a person could consider:
- Lena Cup: Lena menstrual cups come in various sizes, and the website offers a sizing guide to help people choose. The company stocks menstrual cups for first-time users, experienced cup users, and those with a heavy flow. It costs $25–40.
- Flex Cup: This cup has a patented pull-tab that allows a person to remove it as they would a tampon. It comes in two sizes. People can also purchase wipes and foaming wash. It costs $34.99.
- Lunette: This menstrual cup has a flat stem for easy cleaning and ridges for secure removal. It also comes with a smooth interior for easy cleaning. In addition, the company offers cup cleaners, cleaning kits, cup wipes, and reusable pads. It costs $39.99.
- Cora Cup: The Cora Cup is made from soft silicone, so individuals can fold it and insert it like a tampon. Its base has a slip-free grip for clean and easy removal. The company also offers alternative products, including period underwear, bladder liners, and cup cleanser. The cups cost $39–59.
The table below compares each DivaCup and the company’s main competitors.
| Price | Features | Materials | Additional products | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diva Cup 0 | $35 | for 18 years and under holds 4 tampons of flow | 100% medical grade silicone | DivaWash DivaDisc ShakerCup DivaPouch DivaWash Travel Retro DivaPouch |
| Diva Cup 1 | $35 | for 19–30 years holds equivalent to five tampons of flow | 100% medical grade silicone | DivaWash DivaDisc ShakerCup DivaPouch DivaWash Travel Retro DivaPouch |
| Diva Cup 2 | $35 | for 30 years+ holds six tampons of flow | 100% medical grade silicone | DivaWash DivaDisc ShakerCup DivaPouch DivaWash Travel, Retro DivaPouch |
| Lena Cup | $25–40 | small and large sizes cups for sensitive anatomies available in multiple colors | medical grade silicone & dyes | one- and two-cup packages |
| Flex Cup | $34.99 | made for beginners equipped with pull-tab 12 hour leak protection lasts up to 10 years | medical grade silicone | Wash & Wipes Duo Flex Cup Starter Kit Flex Discs Foaming Cleanser Eco Disposal Pouches |
| Lunette | $39.99 | available in light and heavy flow sizes | silicone and FDA-approved dyes | Cup Cleaner Cup Wipes Lunette Intimate Wipes Lunette Storage Pouch Lunette Starter Kits with one or two cups Lunette Reusable Pad Period Panties |
| Cora Cup | $39–59 | available in light and heavy flow sizes free from dyes, phthalates, latex, and BPAs | medical grade silicone | Cup & Disc Cleanse Free-to-Flow Period Underwear Free-to-Flow Period Sleep Shorts |
Below, we look into how a DivaCup compares to tampons.
Environmental effect
Researchers estimate that a person will use
While not all menstrual cups are reusable, a DivaCup is. In contrast, a person should never use tampons or pads more than once.
According to the manufacturer, a Diva Cup can last for years with proper care. Additionally, a person can sign up with the company’s recycling program. This may save people money and reduce menstrual products’ impact on the environment.
Exposure to chemicals
Additionally, research shows that a person who uses tampons could be
A DivaCup can also be more convenient than a tampon because of its larger capacity. A person can use a DivaCup for up to 12 hours. They should change a tampon every 4–8 hours.
Ease of use
That said, inserting, removing, and cleaning a DivaCup can be more complicated than using tampons. Although
Some people may be unable to insert tampons or menstrual cups due to limited mobility, dexterity, or health conditions that make inserting such products into the vagina painful, such as skin conditions like lichen sclerosis.
Cleaning
Cleaning a DivaCup is more complex than disposing of a tampon. In addition to washing, cleaning, and drying a DivaCup with clean water, many users also boil their cups regularly to sterilize them.
Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about the DivaCup:
Do DivaCups interfere with intrauterine devices?
According to the DivaCup website, the menstrual cup should not interfere with internal birth control devices.
However, with an intrauterine device (IUD), this may depend on how long a person has used one. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that a person may accidentally pull the IUD strings out if caught between the vagina and the cup’s edge. It recommends that individuals only use a menstrual cup 3 months after IUD insertion.
Are DivaCups safe?
Do DivaCups leak?
The DivaCup is designed to be leak-free so that people can wear it for swimming, running, yoga, and sleeping, among other activities. The cup should not move if a person uses the correct size because it has leak-resistant holes that secure it in place.
A person should remove the DivaCup before engaging in sexual intercourse or other vaginal sexual activity.
Is a DivaCup healthier than a tampon?
Research has shown that tampons may
Can people feel the DivaCup during sex?
Sexual partners may be able to feel a DivaCup during sexual intercourse. People should remove the DivaCup before having sex.
What is a DivaCup, and how does it work?
A DivaCup is a menstrual cup. A menstrual cup is a device, frequently made with silicone, that a person inserts in their vagina to collect menstrual flow.
Is a DivaCup easier to use than a tampon?
DivaCups can be easier than a tampon. A person does not need to change it as regularly as tampons or replace the entire DivaCup as often as they would need to buy new packs of tampons.
However, people unfamiliar with menstrual cups may find them difficult to insert and remove.
However, a 3-month study found that
The DivaCup is an eco-friendly and cost-effective menstrual product. It is reusable, and, unlike pads and tampons, a person can wear it for up to 12 hours. It is important never to keep the DivaCup in place for longer than this.
A person can choose the size that best suits their menstrual flow, and DivaCup offers a user guide to help people insert, remove, and clean their cups.
It is a safe product and a person can wear it for most activities, including walking, running, sleeping, exercising, and more. However, it is essential to remove a menstrual cup before having sex.