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The DivaCup FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the Diva Cup?

The Diva Cup is an internally worn reusable menstrual cup that is used to collect your menstrual flow. The Diva Cup is a reusable menstrual cup just like the Keeper or the Mooncup. The main difference between the DivaCup and the Keeper is that the Diva Cup is made from soft medical grade silicone, which is 100% hypo-allergenic. The Keeper is made from natural latex rubber, which contains nitrosamine. Women who have allergies or sensitivities to any form of latex should not use The Keeper. Mooncups are also made from medical grade silicone.

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What's the difference between the DivaCup or MoonCup and the Keeper?

From a practical perspective, the Keeper and the Diva Cup or MoonCup are identical - they do the same thing equally well and for the same amount of time. The main difference between them is the materials that they're made of: The Keeper is made from gum rubber, while the DivaCup and MoonCup are made from silicone. Silicone cups can be used by a greater number of women because they are 100% hypoallergenic and will not irritate women who have a latex allergy or sensitivity, whereas the Keeper contains latex and may cause irritation for this reason. You may find slight price variations between different products depending on where you shop, but generally speaking the prices should be fairly comparable. We sell the DivaCup because it is made in Canada (the MoonCup is made in Europe) and we can therefore obtain and offer better shipping rates to our customers.

"I recently ordered a silicone Diva Cup to replace my rubber Keeper of 7 years. I love the pads and will continue to use them even though I can go back to my beloved cup!  The silicone cup is wonderful, just the right size and even more comfortable than the rubber versions I have been using for 12 years!  I will continue to shop Lunapads.com for all my cycle needs and enjoy this monthly renewal process even more than ever!" - Quinn B. 

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How is the Diva Cup different from tampons?

The DivaCup is different from tampons in a few important ways. For one it's reusable instead of disposable. It will save you money, as well as dramatically reduce waste.

Other important differences are what it's made of and how it works. The DivaCup is a menstrual cup made of 100% medical grade silicone and contains no dyes or chemicals. Tampons are typically manufactured from rayon and may also contain absorbency-enhancing gels, perfumes, bleaching agents and other chemicals.

The DivaCup works by catching your menstrual flow, whereas tampons work by absorbing it. We like the DivaCup better because tampons often deplete your natural vaginal moisture along with your menstrual flow, therefore putting you at risk for acquiring Toxic Shock Syndrome, not to mention feeling dried out.

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How do I use the Diva Cup?

When you first start using the DivaCup, putting it in and forming a “seal” can be one of the most daunting parts. But don't worry - it gets easier over time and you'll be glad you stuck with it. The main obstacle for most people is that it's relatively "hands-on" - but a great excuse to get more comfortable with your own body!

To insert the DivaCup, first, thoroughly wash your hands.  Pinch the cup end so that it's flat and fold the cup part lengthwise. Hold it this way with your forefinger and thumb, with the pinched open end at the tip of your fingers and the pull tab in the palm of your hand. It should look like a big “U” when looking “ down” at it. Relax, take a breath and insert the bottom of the “U” going in first. You might have to wiggle it around a little, moving your fingers down toward the base as it goes deeper inside. Once it's as far in as you can get it, release your pinch and rotate it a half-turn. **This rotation is key to creating a seal, which is key to avoiding leaks. If you need to move it deeper inside, you can do so while rotating it. Please see our photographic How-To Guide for more details.

To remove the DivaCup, thoroughly wash your hands and then pinch the base of the cup to break the seal. You may have to bear down if it has moved up inside you so that the tab is a little out of reach. When you pinch the cup, you'll hear the seal break with a little "pop." Make sure the seal is broken before you pull it out or it may be uncomfortable. Bear down and pull the DivaCup out slowly. Empty the contents into the toilet, give it a quick rinse or wipe, and reinsert. It's that easy!

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How long will the DivaCup last?

The Diva Cup is regulated as a medical device (as are tampons) under both Health Canada and the FDA.  Both Health Canada and the FDA recommend that menstrual cups be replaced once a year.  We are unable to make any claims that the DivaCup will last beyond a year, as making such a claim is a violation of Medical Device License holders by The FDA and Health Canada. However, the silicone used in The DivaCup, which is 100% hypoallergenic, latex-free and odorless is the same material and grade used for permanent medical body parts such as heart valves, joint replacements, etc. 

The DivaCup can be boiled to sterilize the cup, and rubbing alcohol can be used to help remove the natural discoloration. The material and the cup itself should last indefinitely, but since it is a hygienic product, the Health Canada and the FDA recommends menstrual cups be replaced annually. The DivaCup is a great investment and pays for itself in 3 or 4 months for most women.

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Is the silicone the DivaCup is made of safe? Is it the same silicone used in breast implants?

Some women are concerned that silicone is dangerous because of its association with breast implants. However, there is a major difference between the silicone in breast implants, and the silicone used in The DivaCup. The older breast implants that caused all the problems were made from a sac filled with silicone gel. In the past, problems occurred when the sacs were rupturing or improperly sealed valves were allowing the silicone gel to leak into the body.

The DivaCup is made of a high quality medical grade silicone that starts as a liquid, and 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 also cured after production in an oven at a very high temperature to make sure all the molecules are bound and chain linked together. The material has gone through substantial testing to make sure none of the molecules will break away from the product. Since the end product is a solid rubber-like material, there is no possible way for anything to leak into the body.

This form of silicone is 100% hypoallergenic, has antibacterial properties, is latex-free and odorless. It has been used safely in medical applications for over 50 years in products such as medical tubing, baby bottle nipples, breast pumps, contact lenses and even permanent medical internal body parts such as heart valves and joint replacements. It is also accepted by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and Health Canada.

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How do I clean it?

To clean your DivaCup menstrual cup between cycles, wash it with warm, soapy water or with a solution of DivaWash and water. Pat it dry and place it in its little cloth bag until your next cycle. If it develops a smell, soak it overnight in a glass of warm water and 1 tsp of vinegar. You may also boil it briefly. Rubbing alcohol may be used to remove natural discoloration.

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How often do I need to clean/empty it?

This varies from person to person and will depend largely on how heavy your flow is. You can wear the DivaCup for up to 12 hours.

Most women only bleed between 2 to 4 ounces of menstrual flow per cycle. The DivaCup holds up to 1 oz of menstrual flow. On heavier days, you may need to empty it two to three times per day. On lighter days, you may only need to empty it once a day.

Clean your DivaCup thoroughly at the end of each cycle so that it's fresh and ready for next month.

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What if I have to empty it when I'm in a public washroom?

Once you try the DivaCup, you'll probably find that you don't need to empty it as frequently as you might think. Most women only have to empty it a couple of times a day, and so rarely need to do so in a public washroom. If you do need to empty it in a public washroom, simply remove it, empty its contents into the toilet, wipe the rim with a piece of toilet paper (some women bring a spray bottle and/or moistened paper towel into the stall with them for this purpose) and reinsert.

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Does the DivaCup leak?

Not usually, but this depends on how heavy your flow is and whether you’ve established a proper seal upon insertion.  When inserting the DivaCup, remember the twist to get a proper seal.  Run your finger along the top of the cup to check for folds and creases.  If you feel one, remove and reinsert till you can tell the cup is fully opened and sealed against your vaginal walls.

Keep in mind also that if you are bleeding when you insert the cup, you will have some residual blood in your vagina not caught in the cup.  If you have particularly heavy flow, the cup will overflow.  Use Lunapads Pantyliners or Lunapanties with your DivaCup as backup on heavy days or for potential leaks.

"I ordered the DivaCup and Pantyliners last month.  Yesterday was the first day I used the DivaCup and all I can say is Wow.  My sister in law and I were going to the Northwest Women's show in Seattle.  And I was a little nervous having never used the products before.  All I can say is we walked for hours and there was no leaking.  And there was no leaking overnight!!  This is a first in YEARS!  I can sleep through the night. I think this product is wonderful." - Cindy R. 

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Can you feel the DivaCup when it's inside?

You might feel the DivaCup a wee bit at first, but, like tampons, you quickly forget it's there. After you've used it a few times, you probably won't even notice it.

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The stem is poking out and bothering me.  Do I need to trim the stem?

While some women do trim the stem, we don’t recommend it, as there will be less of a stem to grab when removing it.  If the stem is irritating you, try inserting the cup higher up your vagina.  It just takes some practice finding the right spot where it sits most comfortably.

Can I wear it at night?

Absolutely. This is another great feature of the DivaCup. Since it doesn't absorb fluids, it doesn't put you at risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, which is the main reason why you can't leave tampons in overnight.

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I'm really active. Can I still use the DivaCup?

As a menstrual cup, the DivaCup is ideal for active women. Use it running, swimming, dancing, working out, climbing, hiking… any activity you can think of (well, one exception – see below)! It's great for trips because you don't have to pack pads or tampons, and you'll never run out of it. And there's no waste to deal with when you're out in the woods on a camping trip.

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Can I wear the DivaCup during intercourse?

No. the DivaCup is worn low near the vaginal opening and would make intercourse uncomfortable.

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Which size should I get?

The DivaCup is available in two models:

Model 1: for women under 30 years old who have never had childbirth or c-sections.

Model 2: for women who have had vaginal childbirth or c-sections; and for women who are over 30 years old and never had childbirth.

Model 1 is 1/8 " (~0.3 cm) smaller in diameter than Model 2. There is not a big difference between the two sizes, 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. Since it is the vaginal muscles which hold the Diva Cup in place, it is important to use Model 2 if you are over 30, even if you have not had a vaginal childbirth or c-section.

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Can the DivaCup get "lost" inside me?

No. the DivaCup sits low near the vaginal opening. Sometimes it travels a bit deeper inside, but never out of reach. If you find it has moved up when you go to remove it, bear down with your pelvic/abdominal muscles to push the DivaCup downward. You can also pull the DivaCup down a bit by the stem before pinching it to release the seal.

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I'm a virgin. Can I still use the DivaCup?

Yes. But if you have strong feelings about keeping your hymen intact, you might wait until you've had intercourse.  Using the DivaCup will not “take” your virginity.

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I have a latex allergy. Can I use the DivaCup?

Absolutely. It is made of medical grade silicone, which is latex-free and 100% hypoallergenic.

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Can I use the Diva Cup if I have an IUD?

The Diva Cup is not suggested for use with an Intrauterine Device (IUD). It is possible for the IUD to become dislodged, displaced or removed when the menstrual cup is removed by inadvertently pulling on the IUD string. As with all gynecological concerns, please consult with your physician.
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Can I get Toxic Shock Syndrome from leaving the DivaCup in for too long?

The DivaCup has not been linked at all to getting Toxic Shock Syndrome. Toxic Shock Syndrome results from a chemical imbalance in the vagina caused by the absorption of vaginal fluids that carry dead cells and other organisms away. Tampons absorb these fluids, disturbing your body's natural cleaning cycle, which is why they put you at risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome and bacterial infections (read the warnings on the side of your box of tampons for more info). Used and cleaned as directed, the DivaCup poses no health risk to the user.

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Do I need to take the Diva Cup out when I urinate or have a bowel movement?

No. You can comfortably keep the Diva Cup in when you urinate or have a bowel movement just as you can a tampon.

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Has the Diva Cup been federally approved?

Yes. It was accepted for sale by Health and Welfare Canada and the US FDA in 2002.

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I've heard that some women who use the Diva Cup get relief from severe period cramps. Is this true?

Yes, anecdotally, we have heard from customers who suffer from severe menstrual pain that they don't experience as much pain when using the DivaCup as they do using tampons.  We don't know why this is the case.

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