Product Description
The DivaCup®
It goes where? I have to do what? Yes, you wear The DivaCup in “there”, in your vagina… but we promise it is not as scary as it sounds. In fact, your body will thank you for giving it the period care it deserves.
The DivaCup is a reusable, bell-shaped menstrual cup that is worn internally and sits low in the vaginal canal, collecting rather than absorbing your menstrual flow. Menstrual cups have existed since the 1930s when women were searching for an alternative to the choices of the time. Yet, its breakthrough into the feminine hygiene industry is much more recent.
Many women feel uneasy about changing their menstrual care routine. Years of dealing with the sights and odors of disposable tampons and pads cause the familiar reaction: “ick!”. The DivaCup empowers women to connect with their bodies and menstrual cycles like never before. Perfect for all activities (on air, land or sea), its easy care and use make for a better period experience. Wear The DivaCup for up to 12 hours without leaks or worry.
Model 1: Recommended for women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by caesarean section.
Model 2: Recommended for women over 30 years old and/or for women who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean section.
What Not to Do
Never use a lubricant to insert The DivaCup. The ingredients in lubricants can damage the silicone, so we suggest using only water as a lubricant!
When cleaning your DivaCup be sure to avoid using: vinegar, tea tree oil, scented/fragranced soap, castile/peppermint soap or any other oil based soap, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, pre-moistened wipes, hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing soap, bleach or harsh chemicals as some have been known to damage or compromise the silicone (may leave a sticky or powdery film, etc.) and may need to be replaced to avoid irritations, burning, etc. If you have cleaned your DivaCup with any of the non-recommended cleansers, replace the cup if there are any signs of deterioration or if you experience irritation.
We do not recommend cleaning The DivaCup in the dishwasher because chemicals, detergents and residue from previous dishwashing could harm the cup.
Cleaning Your DivaCup Rim and Holes
The four holes under the rim of your DivaCup are of vital importance. They create the seal that secures the cup in place. If the holes need extra cleaning, we suggest that you gently stretch each hole under warm running water to remove any debris. You can also 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 use a toothpick (discarding after use), as well. We do not suggest a pin as it may cause damage to the cup.
End of Cycle Care
At the end of your cycle, wash The DivaCup as you normally do with either the DivaWash or warm water and a mild, unscented water-based (oil-free) soap. As needed, you can boil The DivaCup in an open pot of boiling water for five to ten (5 -10) minutes with plenty of water. Do not leave the boiling pot unattended. If you accidentally burned your cup when the pot boiled dry, your cup may be ruined and should be replaced.
Storage
After use and proper cleaning, The DivaCup must be placed in something that will allow for air flow. For this reason, each DivaCup you buy comes with a breathable drawstring cotton pouch. After proper cleaning, place your DivaCup in your carrying pouch, in a safe place, where it can stay until your next period.
*The DivaCup should never be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag as it is impossible for moisture to evaporate without airflow
Discoloration
Over time, menstrual cups can discolor for various reasons. If The DivaCup starts to discolor, you can try boiling it as per the instructions in the User Guide. A discolored DivaCup does not mean you need to replace the cup.
Odour
Silicone itself is odor-free, but if your cup does develops an odor, depending on what cleanser was used, and a number of factors unique to each woman, the silicone may be compromised. You can try boiling the cup as per the instructions in the User Guide, however if an odor remains after boiling and thoroughly washing your cup, you may want to consider purchasing a new cup.
Disposal
Silicone is not recyclable, but, since it starts out as sand, it degrades over time depending on the temperature, anaerobic activity and moisture in the landfill. This applies to all products made from silicone, like baby bottle nipples and toys. To dispose of your DivaCup, thoroughly wash the cup, cut it up into smaller pieces, and dispose of in the trash.
General Care
We recommend that you inspect your cup regularly for signs of deterioration (such as a sticky or powdery film, severe discoloration or odor, etc.) or if you experience irritation. If for some reason your DivaCup starts to discolor or develop an odor you may want to consider replacing it or giving it a thorough cleaning by boiling it and washing it well with the DivaWash.
It is important to follow the Cleaning & Care instructions outlined in your User Guide to ensure good vaginal health and prevent any damage to the silicone. If at any time The DivaCup is exposed to unsanitary conditions such as a toilet, please replace it with a new one.
- Read your User Guide!
- Remember to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before insertion and removal.
- To maintain the integrity of The DivaCup clean thoroughly with warm water and The DivaWash or use a mild unscented water-based (oil-free) soap.
- Unlike tampons, be sure to insert The DivaCup horizontally (toward the tailbone).
- Be sure to not push the tip of the stem further than a 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) into the vagina. Inserting The DivaCup too high may cause leaks, and may also make removal more difficult.
- After insertion, ensure that the cup is fully open by rotating it a full 360 degrees in either direction.
- Practicing Kegel exercises will help keep your vaginal muscles strong and may help The DivaCup stay in place better and prevent leakage.
- Do not insert The DivaCup while lying down as this may result in the cup being positioned improperly, leading to discomfort and possible leaking.
- If The DivaCup does move up in the vaginal canal and you are experiencing difficulty removing it please refer to Section B of the User Guide for assistance. In the rare case that you are still unable to remove The DivaCup after more than twelve (12) hours, seek medical advice.
- If your cup does leak, it has not been inserted properly; it has not been rotated; it is not inserted at the right angle (horizontally), or the muscle tone of your vagina needs to be strengthened with Kegel exercises (usually necessary after multiple vaginal childbirths)
DivaCup FAQ’s
The fact is, menstrual cups have been around for 80 years, but the truth about them has been lost in the frenzy of disposable tampons and pads. Like anything new, The DivaCup may take some getting used to as the experience of wearing The DivaCup is totally different than the sensation of tampons. Even women who are used to wearing pads as their preferred method of period care (because they cannot wear tampons or are not comfortable with internal feminine hygiene products) are finding great success with The DivaCup! Please Note: The DivaCup should only be worn during menstruation and should not be worn during any other time of the month.
12-Hour Leak Free Protection
According to consumer research, 60 percent of women experience leakage every month when using tampons and pads! Rest assured, with The DivaCup your days of racing to the washroom to survey the leak damage after a sudden “surge” are over. The DivaCup can be worn up to a maximum of ten (10) – twelve (12) consecutive hours and should be emptied, washed and rinsed a minimum of two (2) – three (3) times daily. The DivaCup is made of soft silicone that actually softens with body heat. Because of this, the cup forms to your body.
The “ick” Factor
A common response we hear when we tell women (and men) about our product is “Ewww! That’s gross!”. With our culture’s fascination with disposables, it’s no wonder this response prevails. However, once you take the time to learn about The DivaCup, and actually try it for yourself, you will be surprised at how clean and comfortable it really is. Plus, unlike tampons and pads, by catching your menstrual flow in its unique bell-shape, The DivaCup gives you the opportunity to learn about your monthly flow, educating and empowering you about your body and your health.
Your Flow
Don’t let your imagination get the best of you. Removing The DivaCup is not at all like a scene from a horror movie. The DivaCup conveniently holds one full ounce of menstrual flow (30 ml). As the average woman only flows approximately 1 to 1.4 ounces (30-40 ml) per cycle, The DivaCup is the ideal menstrual solution to care for your cycle. In fact, many women are surprised at the amount of flow and expected that there would be much more!
The convenient ounces and milliliters measurement feature of each DivaCup allows women to keep track of their flow and report details to their health professional if needed. Tampons and pads are not a reliable or scientific method of determining flow, because they come in many absorbencies, contain surfactants and moisture control agents.
Odour
Menstrual flow only begins to develop an odor when it is exposed to air. As The DivaCup is worn internally, your days of worrying about period odor are over. Menstrual fluid on tampons and pads is exposed to air which creates odor throughout the day. For the first time, The DivaCup will leave you feeling fresh and confident the entire day!
Ideal for Women of all Shapes and Sizes
The DivaCup is suitable for women of all ages, sizes, and lifestyles. When most women are first introduced to The DivaCup they are surprised by its size and often ask us “will that even fit?”. Unlike the cylinder shape of tampons, The DivaCup is shaped like a bell. We assure women, whether age 13 or 33, that there is nothing to worry about.
The vaginal canal is an elastic, muscular tube only about four (4) – five (5) inches (10.2 – 12.7 cm) long and is designed to stretch and return back to its normal size. We know this to be true because our vaginas do just that during childbirth or intercourse.
For those concerned about the hymen, please consult your physician before use of any internal feminine hygiene protection. As for all other gynecological concerns, we suggest you consult your physician. This will help you make an informed decision!
Sex, Birth Control, and Anatomy
It is not necessary to remove The DivaCup for urination or bowel movement; however, as The DivaCup sits low in the vaginal canal, it cannot be worn during intercourse. The DivaCup is not a birth control device and should not be used for this purpose. The DivaCup is regulated by the US FDA, Australian TGA and Health Canada solely for use as feminine hygiene protection.
Please note the following when using The DivaCup with an internal birth control device such as an IUD or NuvaRing®.
The DivaCup is worn low at the base of the vagina and away from the cervix. This means that it should not interfere with an internal birth control device. However, please use caution when using any internal feminine hygiene product with an IUD as there is the possibility that they can be dislodged. When using The DivaCup, it is important to carefully follow the directions in our User Guide, paying close attention to inserting The DivaCup low in the vaginal canal and breaking the seal (suction) before removal. Many of our customers use The DivaCup with an IUD or NuvaRing® simultaneously, but we recommend that you become familiar with your birth control device’s risks (such as the body expelling the IUD, etc.).
As with any gynecological concerns, please consult your physician prior to using any kind of internal feminine hygiene product, including a menstrual cup.
Lifespan
Silicone is very durable, but we recommend that you inspect your cup regularly for signs of deterioration such as a sticky or powdery film, severe discoloration or odor, etc. If you detect any of these signs or if you experience irritation we recommend you replace your DivaCup with a new one. Depending on the factors unique to each woman, like vaginal pH, how well and often the cup is cleaned, what cleansing agents are used, etc., the lifespan may vary. Since The DivaCup is a personal hygienic product, a general guideline is to replace it once a year, but ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide when it is necessary to replace the cup.
Will the DivaCup Get Stuck or Lost
The vaginal canal is an elastic, muscular tube only about four (4) – five (5) inches (10.2 – 12.7 cm) long! This means that the vagina does not connect to other parts of the body so The DivaCup cannot get lost. When inserted correctly, The DivaCup should sit low at the base of the canal, away from the cervix.
Colors and Dyes
The DivaCup is exclusively available in a natural un-pigmented silicone. We considered manufacturing The DivaCup in colored silicone but decided against it because the skin, including the sensitive skin of the vaginal walls, should not be exposed to dyes, chemicals, etc. Although colors are fun, adding other components such as pigment particles, along with chemical additives required to bind the particles to the silicone, create additional risk to the base chemistry of the silicone. Diva International feels that this is an unnecessary risk to take as there is still a possibility that the particles or other chemicals may not bind properly and could leach into the body.
Product Cost
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, and more. Plus, The DivaCup pays for itself in just a few months since it is a reusable product.
When Not to Use
There is no known increased risk of yeast infections with the use of menstrual cups. However, if you have a vaginal infection, it is best to discontinue use of The DivaCup until the infection has cleared up completely. It is unknown if yeast (Candida albicans) can be completely eliminated with boiling therefore, we suggest replacing the cup with a new one if you had a yeast infection while using The DivaCup.
Also, never use the cup at the same time that a topical medication is being used. The medication may compromise the silicone and ruin the cup. If this happens, please replace the cup with a new one.
The DivaCup should not be used during postnatal bleeding. We suggest you contact your physician before using any internal feminine hygiene product after childbirth. For further questions concerning vaginal infections and use of a menstrual cup, please contact a physician or healthcare provider.
Allergies
Synthetic latex rubber and natural latex or gum rubber contain a protein called “nitrosamine”. This is the chemical that produces the allergic reaction that many people have to latex. The DivaCup is made from durable top quality, healthcare grade silicone that is suitable for use by women with latex allergies because it is nitrosamine and latex-free.
The DivaCup: One could have a sensitivity to any substance, but it is extremely rare to have a sensitivity to silicone. Studies indicate that silicone is biocompatible with the body. This is why silicone has been used in healthcare applications for over 50 years. If you do experience skin sensitivity, immediately discontinue use and contact your health care provider.
Packaging: Please note that the packaging for our products of The DivaCup and DivaWash comes from a variety of sources, and because of this we cannot guarantee that the packaging is free of gluten, tree nuts or peanuts; however, The DivaCup itself does not contain any of these ingredients.
Above all, should you have any concerns about allergies, please consult your physician or dermatologist.
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