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Menstrual cups have been around since the 1930s but only recently been recognized as a popular period care option.
Comedians Amy Schumer and Ilana Glazer have both referenced the DivaCup in their comedy shows.
In the latest remake of Black Christmas there’s a scene at the start where one of the sorority girls is looking for her DivaCup.
And WNBA star, Layshia Clarendon, and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Natasha Hastings, are just two of many who LOVE the DivaCup.
With so much hype about these little silicone cups, you might be wondering if a menstrual cup is right for you.
What is a menstrual cup?
Let’s back up a little bit. For anyone who’s heard of a menstrual cup but isn’t quite sure what it is, don’t fret – we’ve got you. As the leader in the menstrual cup category for over 15 years we know exactly what you need to know.
Menstrual cups are small, flexible, bell-shaped cups typically made from silicone that you insert into the vagina to collect period flow rather than absorb it (like tampons).
As simple as it sounds, there’s a lot more to it. Let’s go over some of the reasons people both use and do not use a menstrual cup.
Why People Make the Switch to Menstrual Cups
Eco-Friendly
Menstrual cups are reusable, which makes them an eco-friendly period care option.
Using the DivaCup can replace hundreds of disposable products per year for each person that uses it. In fact, the average menstruating person uses and disposes an average of 240 disposable pads and/or tampons (containing ingredients such as plastic and rayon that do not break down and aren’t good for your body anyway). With proper care and cleaning, your DivaCup can last for several years.
Cost-Effective
Although it may seem more expensive to buy a menstrual cup compared to a box of pads or tampons, you only need to buy once a year. You know what that means? More money for you.
As a personal care product, our recommended guideline is for consumers to replace their DivaCup annually. The lifespan can vary depending on various factors, but we find most consumers replace their cup every year or two.
So, go ahead and splurge a little bit up front. In the long run, you’re going to save money.
Up to 12-Hours of Leak-Free Protection
Menstrual cups are the perfect period care option for people who are constantly on the go. From nomads to students, full-time employees to stay-at-home moms – we get that life is busy. Fortunately, menstrual cups can be worn for much longer lengths of time compared to pads and tampons.
The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12-hours, depending on your menstrual flow. That’s up to 12-hours of leak-free protection so you can focus on what really matters in life.
Chemical-Free
Although some companies, like Diva, voluntarily share the ingredients in their products, manufacturers of period products are not currently required by law to disclose ingredients.
We’re proud to say the DivaCup is made from 100% medical grade silicone and is BPA-free, with no added chemicals, plastics or dyes.
Track Your Flow
As a reusable option, you need to get up close and personal with your flow and body. Menstrual literacy and body literacy are benefits a person gains from using a menstrual cup. Not only will you learn how much your average monthly flow is but also a ton about your vaginal and pelvic floor health – all things that are so, so very important to learn about as you get older!
Understanding your cycle and the changes that take place month over month can also be helpful in diagnosing period or endocrine-related disorders, like endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Clean and Comfortable
Menstrual cups are clean and comfortable, and when inserted correctly you can’t even feel them. The DivaCup collects rather than absorbs flow, meaning it won’t dry out your vaginal canal and it won’t leave trace residue (bonus).
Can you think of any other benefits of using a menstrual cup? Tweet us!
But, because we know it’s important to have all the information before making any decision in life, let’s talk about some common concerns people may have about trying them, and what you can do about it.
Why Some May Hesitate to Try a Menstrual Cup
Learning Curve
Using a menstrual cup isn’t the same as using a tampon. Even though both are internal period products, they’re way different. For starters, menstrual cups collect flow; tampons absorb. How you insert a menstrual cup, and remove it, is way different, too.
The truth is many people experience a learning curve when using a menstrual cup for the first time.
Which is why we have a plethora of helpful resources on our website.
Not sure how to insert a menstrual cup? Check out our helpful Insertion page. Confused about how to remove it? Our Removal page has you covered. Not sure how to care and clean for your new DivaCup? Our Care and Cleaning page has all the information you need.
And if you still have any questions or concerns, our amazing Consumer Experience Team is available to help.
Finding Your Fit
Size matters. When choosing a menstrual cup, it’s important to do your research into what size is most appropriate for you. If you find your menstrual cup is uncomfortable even after adjusting it, slips out too easily, or leaks, you might not have the right fit.
It’s important to know that body size and shape doesn’t determine the size of the vaginal canal. The vagina can change a lot throughout a person’s life. As people age, the walls of the vagina become more relaxed, which is just one reason the DivaCup comes in three different sizes.
We have a helpful guide on our homepage to help you Find Your Size.
The “Ick” Factor
The thought of using a menstrual cup is new to many, and often the response to a reusable period care option can be shock and awe. The DivaCup is very different from tampons and pads. While people often talk about the “ick factor” of using a menstrual cup, once you go Diva, you never go back.
Selecting a Menstrual Cup
The DivaCup comes in three different sizes for different life stages:
Model 0: For those new to the world of periods or 18 years of age or younger.
Model 1: You’re between the ages of 19 and 30 and have a medium menstrual flow.
Model 2: You’re over the age of 30 and/or have a heavier menstrual flow.
However, just because you fit into one age group doesn’t mean that will necessarily be the right fit for you. If your DivaCup doesn’t feel right, connect with our Consumer Experience Team and they can help you.
Is a menstrual cup right for you?
Hopefully you should have a better idea of whether a menstrual cup is right for you, but the only way to really know is to give it a try. Keep in mind it can take up to three months to find the best fit and comfort with a menstrual cup.
Are you ready to challenge the period status quo? Check out our line of products.
Have more questions? Check out FAQs page or send us a message!
