We Tried It: The Diva Cup

Posted by Alexandra C. | Friday April 26, 2013

Here at ChickAdvisor, there's very little we won't talk about. I like to think that we've gotten to the comfortable, 'old shoe' phase in the relationship (where we just slide right in and get cozy with each other). I wouldn't even be grossed out if you farted in front of me.

With that in mind, we're going to be talking about Lady Business today. More specifically, we're going to be talking about an alternative to your traditional tampons and pads: The Diva Cup.

If you haven't heard of it before, The Diva Cup is a menstruation cup. Menstruation cup - are you scratching your head yet? Fair warning: Don't freak out when I say this. A menstruation cup sits low in the vaginal canal, collecting rather than absorbing menstrual flow.

And yes, you do "put it up there".

The great thing about cups and why you would choose to go with one over a tampon, is that they offer 12 hour leak free protection. Once they're there, they are there. You can go about your daily business for hours without changing or feeling anything.

This is what The Diva Cup looks like. It comes with a handy dandy adorable pouch for carting around!

The cup is made of healthcare grade silicone. It easily bends and folds to fit and mold to your body. Don't worry, it does fit up there.

At first, I baulked at the notion of sticking a cup in my delicate area. A friend of mine, who also happens to be a Diva Cup devotee, suggested practising inserting the cup in the shower before hand. It took me about three practice tries before I properly inserted it. Nowadays, I can fold 'er on up and be done in about 15 secs. Throughout the day, if you need to empty your cup, you simply pour the contents and wipe it clean with a moist towel or toilet paper. I assumed (like most of you probably are) that "it" would just get everywhere, doing a wonderful impression of Carrie (TMI?). Well, rest easy, it doesn't.

Taking it out however, I'm not quite up to pro level yet. I found that The Diva Cup works well for women with a heavier flow because the weight pushes the cup down, making it easier to take out. For those with a lighter flow, you may have to do a bit of reaching. You can keep your cool though, it won't get lost in the abyss.

I'll admit that once I incorrectly inserted my cup and it leaked. There's a learning curve to The Diva Cup. It does take some time to fit it and figure out how to best use it. I can totally see how The Diva Cup has garnered such a cult following. Not having to worry about tampons or leaks for 12 hours is such a relief. It's also cost effective. The Cup is US/C$39.99 and lasts a few years. It's difficult to pin point an exact lifespan, since each one will break down differently considering your individual pH balance and factors like cleaning. For detailed cleaning and care instructions, click here. On a personal note, I usually wash mine once a day and I do a thorough cleaning at the end of my cycle. If this is sounding pretty good to you, check out The Diva Cup here. Their FAQ section should answer every burning query you may have!

The Diva Cup fits every woman, there are two sizes: Model 1 and Model 2. They also sell a great pH balanced and fragrance-free wash (US/C$11.99).

What do you think of the Diva Cup? Would you or do you use it?

Read our members' reviews of the Diva Cup here

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33 Comments

	on June 15, 2015 pinkskiez 6,640 said: I read so many positive things about this product but I just can't bring myself to do it. I have a hard time just inserting tampons without an applicator I have no idea who I would ever be able to do this cup. I think this is a product I just can't mentally get onboard with.
	on June 15, 2015 Holly12 1,891 said: This is my second cycle using it and I'm getting the hang of it. There is a learning curve with insertion and removal but it's easier each time. I love it!
	on June 15, 2015 Holly12 said: This is my second cycle using it and I love it! There is a learning curve to insertion and removal but I'm getting the hang of it!! Totally giving away my boxes of tampons!
	on June 24, 2013 mystictiger 3,241 said: i used the diva cup for the first timne last month and i loved it. especially in the first couple days when the flow is very heavy. but i changed back to tampons the last 2 days, i couldn't get it out very easy anymore. i don't know why.
	on May 16, 2013 danagabriela 996 said: I bought a diva cup after my first child was born and have never looked back! I looooove it! I'm not putting potentially harmful things IN my body, and I'm being kinder to both my wallet and the environment. Win win!
	on May 14, 2013 J said: I had heard about it a few times from various sources and decided to try it. I've only been using it a few days and I am absolutely sold! So much cleaner than pads or tampons, and almost no waste, aside from the initial packaging it comes in. I practiced a few times in the shower to get the hang of it and braved wearing it to work yesterday- no problems at all. Clean up has been very simple- just dump and rinse (at home) or wipe out with toilet paper (at work). As for the ick factor when changing, it's really not that bad. I keep little moist towlettes in my purse anyway, so I can always give my hands a wipe if needed.
	on May 04, 2013 emily said: One more thing ive always thought tampons and pads were nasty. One they smell two tampons hurt and gave me infections. And pads are nasty everytime you pull your underwear down there is a bloody mess starring at you. I would change my pad every time I used the bathroom. That is a lot of pads so if you are like me the this thing is the answer its awesome. If you put it in in the morning you don't have to touch it for 12 hours means go do your thing and change it when you get home before you go to bed then start over the nest morning.
	on May 04, 2013 Emily said: I have been using mine for almost a year now. I love it! I have to wear mine insideout because othetwise its too long but I love it! I often forget im on my cycle. I have a few issues with leakage but if that happens I just go to the restroom turn it a few times and its all better. But i've also never had a real heavy cycle. So maybe thats just me. I'm always telling people about it.
	on May 04, 2013 Olivia {I am still learning} said: Love my Diva Cup, and once you get past the learning curve (usually the third cycle) you're good to go! No leaks, and I love it. And I talk about it a lot (I'm no prude, ha!). Ps. For those with lighter periods and having a bit of trouble finding it, just bare down a little (like you're having a bowl movement)... and it will push the cup down.
	on May 03, 2013 Patricia 6,845 said: I think I'm sold! :) I have a pile of Shoppers Optimum points so when they have another "spend your points" event I will pick up a Diva cup.