When it comes to eco-friendly periods, DivaCup is arguably the industry leader. Sold in at least 21 countries, with countless awards and accolades, this reusable menstrual cup has been around since 2003 and is tried and tested for menstrual management.
DivaCup Menstrual Cup
Highlights: Made of medical-grade silicone. Can be used for up to 12 hours with leak-free protection for most. Could be used for up to a decade if properly cared for.
DivaCup Menstrual Cup at a glance:
| Country of Origin: | Canada |
| Materials: | Medical-grade silicone |
| Certifications: | ISO 13485:2003 Certification – required by Health Canada for all medical device manufacturers worldwide, Approved by FDA, Health Canada, Australian TGA and COFEPRIS, Certified B Corporation |
Overview
Made of medical-grade silicone, and available in two sizes, DivaCup is likely to work for most people who have periods and can dramatically reduce or totally eliminate the need for disposable menstrual management products.
DivaCup can be used for up to 12 hours and offers leak-free protection for most people, even on heavy flow days. Because it collects fluid rather than absorbing it, DivaCup does not have a drying effect and minimizes odor and irritation. As with all menstrual cups, DivaCup can be used while swimming, but needs to be removed before engaging in penetrative sex. When the right size and shape are used and inserted correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel your menstrual cup.
DivaCup is very eco-friendly because it can be used for up to a decade or so, if you take proper care of it. This means wiping and rinsing it in warm soapy water every time you empty it, then boiling it for five minutes at the end of each period (allow it to air dry and store it in the breathable cotton pouch).
There are two models of DivaCup, one intended for people under the age of 30 and/or folks who have not birthed a baby. Model 2 is designed for those older than 30 and/or who have delivered a baby (either vaginally or by C-section). DivaCup is typically a little less firm than other menstrual cups, which can be good for those who find firmer cups uncomfortable. However, this softer cup may also make it harder for some to get the cup positioned properly with a good seal, meaning more leak potential.
While DivaCup was the original menstrual cup, there is now a plethora of shapes, sizes, and designs, meaning that if DivaCup didn’t work for you, one of the others might. That said, many of these newer companies do not have the track record of DivaCup, and their products are not necessarily certified to the same degree of made under Good Manufacturing Practices. Unlike DivaCup, which does not use any dyes or other additives, many of the newer cups are colored, so be sure to check that these dyes are safe for use internally. DivaCup is a certified B Corp and is the most widely available reusable menstrual cup allowed for sale around the world.
If you’re having trouble using a menstrual cup, do not use silicone-based lubricant to try to make things easier. This will damage the cup (just as you shouldn’t use this type of lube for silicone-based sex toys). Water-based lubricants or just water itself can make things easier if you’re struggling.
DivaCup vs. Moon Cup, Lena, and The Keeper
DivaCup have been leading the field since 2003 and offer a high quality product that is reliable and easy to use. This cup is a little less firm than some other cups, meaning that it doesn’t ‘pop’ into shape and create a seal as easily. It also has a hollow stem that increases the likelihood of discoloration, and its shape is longer and thinner, tapering to a point, which may not work for those with a lower cervix. Lunette, Moon Cup, Lena, and The Keeper may be better for such folks, but if you want to keep track of your flow, DivaCup is one of the few cups that has measurements on the sides of the cup (5 mL, 10 mL etc.).