Product Review: the DivaCup

Although in my mid forties, my monthly cycle is regular as clockwork. However, I am becoming more concerned about what I put into my body, and what eventually ends up in the landfill. So, I was very happy to find out about the existence of menstrual cups as an alternative to tampons. I purchased a DivaCup and have been ‘tampon-free’ for over a year now.

What is a menstrual cup?

According to the DivaCup website, menstrual cups were developed in the the 1930s. However, over the years companies folded and it has only been in the last 15 years that they have gained in popularity again.

The DivaCup is a non-absorbent cup that collects menstrual flow. It is made from health care grade silicone and safe for those of us who are allergic to latex.

The cup comes in two sizes:

Model 1- for women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by cesarean section.

Model 2- for women over 30 years old and/or for women who have delivered vaginally or by cesarean section.

The reason for the two models, is due to to the natural widening of our hips, and the loosening of our vaginal muscles as we age.

I had to admit my inital reaction to having to purchase a larger size was one of offence. “Huh, so I’m all loosey-goosey, am I?”, but I quickly got over that. It’s all part of the aging process.

How do you use the cup?

There are 4 basic steps to inserting the cup: fold, hold, insert, twist.

There are very clear instructions on the website and included with the cup. I did find the first several attempts a bit frustrating, but no more than when I first tried to insert a tampon way back when. Within 24 hours I was a pro, and can now insert the cup in seconds. You know you have it right when you cannot feel the cup, and it twists easily.

How long can you use it, and does it leak?

As there is no risk of toxic shock syndrome with the DivaCup, it can be worn up to 12 hours. However, I find that during my heavier flows it will leak if left that long. I just make a habit of emptying it each time I go the washroom.

How is the cup cleaned?

With each emptying, I wash the cup with soap and water. DivaCup also sells a cleanser you can buy. I did purchase it, but generally just use it at the end of my cycle before putting the cup away.

What are the benefits of using the DivaCup?

The obvious benefit is financial. According to government standards, the cup should be replaced one per year. I don’t plan on replacing my yearly, as I keep it very clean. However, even at once per year, the average yearly amount spent on tampons and pads is $150 to $200 U.S., as compared to $30 for a DivaCup.

As well, you are keeping waste out of the landfills. The following is thrown out each year in North America:

• 12 billion sanitary pads
• 7 billion tampons

And from a health perspective, tampons bring a risk of toxic shock syndrome. As well, they leach good fluids out of your body, along with your flow.

Are there any inconveniences assoicated with using a DivaCup?

I found there were two inconveniences, but I overcame both:

1. the ‘stem’ at the base of the cup. I found it quite long and caused irritation. I am assuming it is there to help remove the cup; however, I never use it, and simply grasp the base of the cup to remove it. So, I trimmed back the stem and no longer experience any irritation.
2. how to clean it when you are in a public washroom. I simply soak one paper towel with water and soap, and another one with water, which I take into the stall with me. This works quite well, and I follow up with a really good scrubbing once I get home again.

I’m all for simplifying my life now, and being more ‘green’. The DivaCup is a safe, reliable product, that protects both me and the environment, while providing me with far more convenience and protection from leaks than a tampon.