The Diva Cup is manufactured in Canada and the company is headed by a forward-thinking Mother-Daughter team who are pioneers in the realm of menstrual cups.
One of the more known menstrual cups, in my opinion.
So, let’s take a look at what’s all the fuss about and if you should by yours today, as well.
First things first, you should see how it looks and what are the specs of it.
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The Diva Cup Review 2020
Diva Cup 1 Pre Childbirth
Length: 2 ¼’’ (5.7 cm)
Diameter: 41 mm
Stem: 3/8’’ (just under 1 cm) long, round, hollow stem, can be trimmed or removed.
Diva Cup Model 2 Post Childbirth / Over 30
Length: 2 1/4 (5.7 cm)
Diameter: 45 mm
Stem: 3/8’’ (just under 1 cm) long, round, hollow stem, can be trimmed or removed.
The difference between size 1 and size 2 is that size one is 4mm smaller in diameter than size two.
Size two is meant for women who have given birth vaginally and consequently may have slightly wider cervixes.
Pros
- The Diva cup is made of Clear silicone.
- Medium-firm Silicone.
- Made in Canada.
- Longer cup, great for high cervixes.
- Resists staining pretty well.
- The firmness of the cup helps it stay in during physical activity and sports.
- The cup is easy to find and easy to use.
Cons
- The cup is challenging to clean because the stem is hollow, the vent holes are tiny, and the cup has measurement markings that seem to trap debris.
- Large or thick rim.
If you feel that you and Diva Cup just don’t click, there are other great options, such as the Mooncup menstrual cup or Lunette Cup (also a very popular choice), or the Instead Softcup (which can be used during sex on your period).
But if you just don’t know where to start, then head over to my in-depth guide on the best menstrual cups of 2020!
In-Depth Look Into The Diva Cup
Now that the Diva Cup review is out of the way, let’s clarify what it is and what it isn’t.
What is The Diva Cup?
The Diva Cup is a clear, silicone menstrual cup that sits inside you, under your cervix, collecting your monthly fluid. It is removed every 6-8 hours (up to 12 hours).
How is The Diva Cup Different From Other Menstrual Cups?
There are SO MANY good menstrual cups out there, how do you make sense of how they differ? Keep reading to see what the Diva Cup brings to the table!
The Diva Cup is Clear Unadulterated Silicone
Let’s be honest here. Menstrual cup users are split in the debate of colored or tinted products vs. unadulterated clear silicone.
Diva Cup’s stance on un-pigmented silicone is that it’s better for the body and better for the integrity of the silicone.
Diva Cup’s website states “chemical additives required to bind the particles to the silicone, create additional risk to the base chemistry of the silicone.”
A Little Extra Length
The Diva Cup is just slightly longer than many other cups out there. It works great for ladies with a high cervix.
If you have a high cervix you will appreciate the Diva cup because it is easier to retrieve.
Firmness
The Diva Cup is medium-firm. Because it falls on the firmer side, it is easy to position, remove, and it stays in place more readily, preventing leaks.
On the flip side, some users prefer softer cups because firm cups can put pressure on sensitive bladders or increase period cramps.
Sidenote: an increase is meant as something unusual. E.g., I have cramps on the 1st and 2nd day, which also stayed the same when I started using my menstrual cup.
I manage to get through those first days with the good old heating pad for cramps and some chocolate!
The majority of cup wearers will not notice the cup once it is inserted properly, but as with all cups, the cup will not be the perfect fit for every single woman.
Speaking of cramps, am I the only one to find out that this late that there is a device for managing period pain?
I’m talking about the Livia menstrual pain relief device.
What Makes The Diva Cup So Popular?
The Diva Cup is very popular because it is effective. Many users really rave about this brand.
Sure there are others who prefer different brands, and that’s cool too. Every woman is unique and her biology is unique so one size will not fit all.
So, if you don’t seem to be a fan of the Diva Cup, and you also don’t know which brand you could stand behind, check out my menstrual cup comparison article.
Another reason the cup is so popular is that this brand has been around for a while. The founder Francine promoted and sold menstrual cups for ten years before starting Diva Cup with her daughter in 2001.
Diva cups are also one of the most popular brands because they are one of the easiest to find. Diva cups are readily available in stores and online.
How Does The Diva Cup Work?
The Diva Cup works by sitting just under your cervix. It is meant to sit lower than a tampon. It stays in place by putting mild pressure on the vaginal walls, creating a seal and keeping it in place.
If you are new to using cups, wear a menstrual pad or panty liner as back up. Diva cups and all other menstrual cups take time and practice to learn to use properly.
The cup is designed to stay inside for up to 12 hours, but if it is a heavy flow time, you will need to change it sooner.
Here’s an explanatory article to better understand the difference between menstrual cups vs tampons.
What’s The Best Way to Insert a Diva Cup?
- Wash your hands to avoid introducing bacteria into your delicate lady parts. The Diva cup should be folded at the rim before insertion.
- Once folded, it is inserted into the vagina starting with the rim.
- Once you let go of the rim, it will pop open.
- You should grab the tip of the cup (not the stem) and turn the Diva cup a full 360 degrees. If it turns freely, that’s great; you likely have a good seal and have inserted the cup properly. If there is resistance while turning, the cup may not be fully open. Remove it and try again.
You can see Diva Cup’s instructions on better insertion here.
However, if you find that Diva Cup’s insertion way is not helping you open the cup fully inside the vagina, then here is a list of the best menstrual cup folds.
How to Remove a Diva Cup?
The Diva Cup is made with silicone that is somewhat firm. This creates a good seal or suction. This is great when you are wearing the cup and it stays in place and leaves you feeling secure.
Removal will not be a problem IF you first break the seal. To break the seal, simply pinch the tip of the cup. That should move it enough to break the seal.
Once the seal is broken you can use the stem to pull it out, or you can grab the tip and gently pull on that.
Final Verdict
The Diva Cup is worthy of its popularity and is so popular because its founders were committed to providing women with a liberating alternative to menstrual care, for that they should be applauded.
The cup is made of un-tinted natural silicone which many women prefer. The size and length of the cup work well for many ladies.
That said, menstrual cups are not one size fits all. The cup may be uncomfortable for those with sensitive bladders, or simply not fit women with low cervixes.
If you don’t know what type of cervix you have, here’s an article on how to check your cervical position.
However, some don’t prefer the Diva Cup due to its vent holes (that are tiny) and the measurement markings because it seems to make things difficult to clean it properly.
To this I say – if the stains are your main concern, please know that blood colors quickly, it’s only normal that it will permanently stain the clear silicone.
However, I still think you should read this article to know the more effective ways how to clean your menstrual cup (no matter where).
My Rating: 8/10
I hope this review helps you determine if the Diva Cup is right for you. If not, please take a look at some other brand menstrual cups.
Or if menstrual cups aren’t your thing just yet, please consider helping the environment and trying a reusable method for your period, for example, reusable period pads.
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
