The DivaCup offers women a reusable alternative to tampons and sanitary napkins. The first commercial menstrual cup debuted in the mid-1930s in the United States, according to the Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health. The DivaCup is similar in design to some of the earlier styles and offers a new generation of women valuable protection since its inception in 2003. The device is approved for sale in Canada and the United States.
Use
Like a tampon, you insert the DivaCup into your vagina. The DivaCup differs from a tampon in that it only collects menstrual flow and does not absorb it. The cup sits low in the vaginal canal beneath the cervix to collect flow and prevent leakage. You can safely leave the DivaCup inside for up to 12 hours. The Center for Young Women’s Health reports there is no evidence connecting the device to Toxic Shock Syndrome. When the cup is full, you pinch its base to break the seal and remove it from the vaginal canal. Empty the contents into the toilet and wash the cup with mild soap. You should boil the DivaCup for 20 minutes after your menstrual cycle, according to the manufacturer’s website.
Design
The DivaCup is made of health care-grade silicone with no odor, latex, plastic or BPA. The device is bell-shaped and has a short stem at its base. Around the rim, there are four small holes that help create a seal when the device is inside the vaginal canal. The smaller DivaCup size is recommended for women who are under 30 years old and have never given birth. Women who are over 30 or who have given birth should choose the larger size.
Cost and Availability
Because menstrual cups are not widely used in the United States, you might have some difficulty finding the DivaCup in stores. The DivaCup website offers a search function to locate stores that stock the device. You can also purchase the DivaCup online through several vendors. As of 2010, the manufacturer’s website states the price for a DivaCup ranges from $32.50 to $40.
Benefits
Though the initial cost of a DivaCup is greater than a package of tampons or sanitary napkins, you can save money by choosing this reusable option. You can also reduce waste by switching from disposable monthly protection. You might find the DivaCup to be more convenient than tampons because you can safely leave the device inside for a longer period of time. Many women report the DivaCup is more comfortable than a tampon.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic states you should not use a menstrual cup if you have had Toxic Shock Syndrome or if you use an intrauterine device. Properly inserting and removing the DivaCup takes practice, and you might have difficulty during initial use. Some women feel that using a menstrual cup is too messy or that the device is uncomfortable.
