About DivaCup

Information cited from The DivaCup website

Are DivaCups safe?

The DivaCup is made of a high-quality, soft healthcare grade silicone that starts as a liquid. Then the molecules are bound together (or vulcanized) with very high heat to form a solid stable piece of silicone (similar to the feel of soft rubber). The DivaCup is cured after production in an oven at a very high temperature to make sure all the molecules are bound and “chain linked” together. Since the end product is a solid material yet flexible and durable, there is no possibility for anything to leak into the body (no leaching). This form of silicone is odorless, has antibacterial properties, is latex-free, plastic-free and BPA-free. It has been used safely in healthcare applications for over 50 years. Our silicone is approved for use in The DivaCup as feminine hygiene protection by the U.S. FDA and Health Canada. The FDA has cleared The DivaCup for use by the FDA for use as feminine hygiene protection. It also holds a current Health Canada medical device license.

How often should I replace my DivaCup?

Due to government standards and the personal, hygienic nature of the product, a menstrual cup should be replaced once a year.

Does The DivaCup Leak?

According to consumer research, 60% of women experience leakage every month when using tampons and pads! The DivaCup is reliable. The majority of women feel secure without the hassle of worrying about leakage. If leaking occurs, the cup has not been inserted properly; it has not been rotated; it is not inserted at the right angle; or the muscle tone needs to be strengthened with kegel exercises (usually necessary after multiple vaginal childbirths). Success with The DivaCup increases when the instructions are followed precisely. Sometimes it takes women one or two cycles to master insertion and removal. Most women find that once they find the right position, it is not necessary to use a backup pad or liner and that they would not be without it!

How do I insert and remove The DivaCup?

This is a condensed version of the User Guide. Customers receive a full version with purchase of The DivaCup. On your first trial of The DivaCup, make sure you are relaxed and have read the User Guide thoroughly beforehand. Insertion and removal will only take a few seconds once you master the technique. Wash your hands well with warm water and soap. Rinse. While sitting or standing in a comfortable position, insert your DivaCup according to the following instructions. Step 1: Fold - Moisten the rim of The DivaCup with water if needed. Press the sides of the cup together and then fold it in half again.

Step 2: Hold - Hold the folded sides firmly between your thumb and forefinger. The single curved edge should be facing away from your palm.

Step 3: Insert - With the vaginal muscles relaxed, gently separate the labia with your free hand and then push the curved edge of the folded DivaCup into the vaginal opening.

Step 4: Remove - Wash your hands well with warm water and soap. Rinse. Pull gently on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup. Pinch the base of the cup to release the seal and continue to pull down to remove. The contents should not spill during removal. Simply empty the contents in the toilet, wash it well with warm, soapy water, and reinsert. Please note: If The DivaCup is uncomfortable or leaking, then it is not positioned properly. In order to get the best results it is very important to insert it correctly.

Which model/size should I use?

The DivaCup is available in two models:

Model 1: For women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by ceasarean section.

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

The Model 1 cup is 1 11/16" (~4.3 cm) in diameter and the

Model 2 cup is 1 13/16" (~4.6 cm) in diameter.

Both cups are approximately 2 1/4" (~5.7 cm) in length in the body of the cup, with another 3/8" (~1 cm) stem (2 5/8" total length). The stem may be trimmed to adjust for comfort. There is a small difference between the two sizes (Model 1 is 1/8" (~0.3 cm) smaller), but it is important to use the recommended sizing to prevent leakage. We recommend Model 2 if you are over 30 years old, because as we age, our hips naturally widen and the vaginal muscles lose elasticity. Because the vaginal muscles hold The DivaCup in place, it is important to use Model 2 if you are over 30, even if you have not had childbirth.

How do I clean The DivaCup?

The DivaCup should always be thoroughly cleaned. Washing the cup in mild soap and warm water provides sufficient cleansing. The best cleaning agent to use is The DivaWash. We have formulated it as a pH-balanced wash that is best for the cup and you, because it does not leave residue. Remember to wash your hands before inserting and removing your DivaCup. The DivaCup’s top quality, healthcare grade silicone can tolerate high temperatures. At the end of each cycle The DivaCup should be washed and rinsed as specified and then submerged in an open pan of boiling water (continuous rolling boil) for twenty (20) minutes.

Do not leave the boiling pot unattended and use enough water so that the pan does not boil dry.

Do not use vinegar, tea tree oil, scented soap, antibacterial soap, hydrogen peroxide, bleach or harsh chemicals as these may damage the silicone and ruin the cup.

We do not recommend cleaning The DivaCup in the dishwasher because chemicals, detergents and residue from previous dishwashing could harm the cup. After use and proper cleaning, the cup must be placed in a storage that allows for air flow. The DivaCup comes with its own drawstring cotton pouch. The four holes under the rim are of vital importance. They create the seal that secures the cup in place. If the holes or stem need extra cleaning, we suggest that you soak the cup in warm water for a few minutes then use a soft toothbrush (specifically designated only for the cup) for this. You can also use a toothpick (discarding after use). We do not suggest a pin as it may cause damage to the cup.

Is The DivaCup sanitary?

Yes, when used as directed, The DivaCup is more sanitary than tampons or pads. The DivaCup is made from top quality, healthcare grade silicone, which is 100% latex-free, plastic-free, BPA-free and odorless. It is non-absorbent and does not disrupt one’s natural vaginal environment. The vagina is self-cleansing and continually producing fluid that “flushes” the vagina. Tampons (rayon and cotton) absorb this protective fluid and can disrupt the normal acidic vaginal environment. Remember to wash and rinse your hands before inserting and removing your DivaCup. Wash your DivaCup well with The DivaWash or a low or balanced pH, unscented soap and warm water at least twice a day. The best cleaning agent to use is The DivaWash. We have formulated it to be pH balanced at 5.5, which is best for the cup and you, as it does not leave residue. Also, it should be boiled for 20 minutes at the end of each cycle. Please see "How do I clean the DivaCup?" FAQ for boiling instructions.

Does The DivaCup save you money?

At first glance it may seem that The DivaCup is expensive compared to buying a box of tampons or pads. However, every DivaCup user will attest that it is worth every penny. The best part is that The DivaCup pays for itself in just a few months since it is a reusable product. You no longer have to purchase endless menstrual products. Switching to The DivaCup is a small investment (the cost of a moderately priced blouse or a dinner out) and yet it can save approximately $100-150 U.S. a year. Because The DivaCup offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on menstrual cups that can be found, please refer to The DivaCup website at www.divacup.com for the most current information. The DivaCup updates and revises its website often.

Click here to read more, or to purchase The DivaCup.