The Diva Cup
Feminine Hygiene Menstrual Cup

The DivaCup is available in two models:

Model 1: For women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by ceasarean section.
Model 2: For women over 30 years old and/or for women who have delivered vaginally or by c-section.

The Model 1 cup is 1 11/16" (~4.3 cm) in diameter and the Model 2 cup is 1 13/16" (~4.6 cm) in diameter. Both cups are approximately 2 1/4" (~5.7 cm) in length in the body of the cup, with another 3/8" (~1 cm) stem (2 5/8" total length). The stem may be trimmed to adjust for comfort.

There is a small difference between the two sizes (Model 1 is 1/8" (~0.3 cm) smaller), but it is important to use the recommended sizing to prevent leakage.

We recommend Model 2 if you are 30 or over 30 years old, because as we age, our hips naturally widen and the vaginal muscles lose elasticity. Because the vaginal muscles hold The DivaCup in place, it is important to use Model 2 if you are over 30, even if you have not had childbirth.

I'm 29 but will turning 30 soon, should I buy Model 1 or Model 2?

Model 2 may be best for you. There is 1/8 inch difference between the two models (Model 1 is 1/8" (~0.3 cm) smaller), but it is important to use the recommended sizing to prevent leakage.

We recommend Model 2 if you are 30 years old or older, because as we age, our hips naturally widen and the vaginal muscles lose elasticity. Because the vaginal muscles hold The DivaCup in place, it is important to use Model 2 if you are 30 or over 30, even if you have not had childbirth.

Is the model number indicated on the cup itself?

The model number (1 or 2) is stamped on the inside rim of the cup.

I am a very small framed woman, over 30, with no children. Should I still purchase the Model 2?

Yes, you should still purchase the Model 2. The size of a women's body does not affect the size of a vaginal canal. Many of our customers that are over 30, with no children are very small framed and use Model 2.

Physically, The DivaCup is suitable for women of all ages as the vagina is just made up of very flexible tissue and muscles. Women's bodies are designed this way to be able to stretch to deliver a baby. After being stretched after intercourse or childbirth the tissue returns back to its normal size.

There is not a big difference between the two sizes (Model 1 is 1/8" (~0.3 cm) smaller), but it is important to use the recommended sizing to prevent leakage.

We recommend Model 2 if you are 30 years old or older because as we age, our hips naturally widen and the vaginal muscles lose elasticity. Since it is the vaginal muscles which hold The DivaCup in place, it is important to use Model 2 if you are over 30, even if you have not had childbirth.

In order to get the best results it is very important to insert it correctly. Make sure that you aim it horizontally towards your tailbone and that you are able to make one full rotation. Please review the User Guide for more tips on insertion and sizing when you get your DivaCup.

What is the difference between the two sizes?

There is only 1/8 inch difference in diameter between the two sizes.

What about women under 30 years of age who have had a miscarriage but no childbirth?

For a miscarriage it depends on which trimester it occurred. It is best you consult your physician.

Note: there is only a 1/8 inch (~0.3 cm) difference between Model 1 and Model 2.

How do I wash the DivaCup?

You can wash the DivaCup with a PH neutral mild detergent.

How do I insert and remove The DivaCup?

(This is a condensed version of the User Guide. Customers receive a full version with purchase of The DivaCup.)

On your first trial with The DivaCup, make sure you are relaxed and have time to read the User Guide thoroughly beforehand. Insertion and removal will only take a few seconds once you master the technique.

Wash your hands well with warm water and soap. Rinse. While sitting or standing in a comfortable position, insert your DivaCup according to the following instructions.

Step 1: "U" Fold - Moisten the rim of The DivaCup with water if needed. Press the sides of the cup together and then fold it in half again. You can also do the "Push Down" fold by placing a finger on the top rim of the cup and pressing it down into the center of the inside base to form a triangle.

Step 2: Hold - Hold the folded sides firmly between your thumb and forefinger. The single curved edge should be facing away from your palm.

Step 3: Insert - With the vaginal muscles relaxed, gently separate the labia with your free hand and then push the curved edge of the folded DivaCup into the vaginal opening.
Step 4: Removal - Wash your hands well with warm water and soap. Rinse. Pull gently on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup. Pinch the base of the cup to release the seal and continue to pull down to remove. The contents should not spill during removal. Simply empty the contents in the toilet, wash it well with warm, soapy water, and reinsert.

Please note: Do not insert The DivaCup while lying down. If The DivaCup is uncomfortable or leaking, then it is not positioned properly. In order to get the best results it is very important to insert it correctly.

Do you have more folding suggestions?

The 'U' Fold (also called the 'C' Fold):
Press the sides of the cup together and then fold it in half again.

The 'Push Down' Fold:

Holding the cup between your fingers, place your index finger on the rim of the cup. Punch down one side of the rim into the base of the cup to form a triangle. The opposite, remaining side will now appear as a small tip which is easy to insert.

Are there any expanded insertion techniques?

To ensure proper insertion, carefully read and follow the instructions. Make sure that you aim it horizontally towards your tailbone and that you are able to make one full rotation. Also, try running your finger around the cup pushing it against the opposite side of the vaginal wall. The stem may be trimmed for comfort.

You may want to use another method – the "push down" method: push one side of the cup into itself, then pinch the sides together.

The DivaCup sits lower than the cervix, so it is important to aim it toward the tailbone not "up". Your cup could be positioned at an angle, so you may need to push the cup (toward your tailbone, not up) slightly further.

Please try this little tip: put the cup in about half way, turn the cup one full rotation and then push it the rest of the way in. Since it will open up before inserting fully, you will know that it is has fully opened and that you will create the seal for it to stay in place; therefore, the cup should not give you any discomfort.

With a bit of practice it will only take a few seconds to insert and remove it correctly.

How do I know when to empty The DivaCup?

The DivaCup holds one ounce (30 ml). The entire average monthly flow is approximately 1 to 1.4 ounces (30-40 ml). By monitoring the fullness of the cup over a couple of periods, you will quickly learn how often to empty it according to your specific needs. Most women find that the cup is not even half full after 12 hours. For those with heavier flows, the cup is simply emptied more often.

The DivaCup is emptied, washed and reinserted 2-3 times per 24 hour day. It can be worn up to 12 hours at a time, but it must be emptied, washed and reinserted at least 2 times a day (twice in a 24 hour period). It can be worn up to 12 hours overnight. Most women need only to empty it in the morning and again in the evening.

It is not necessary to remove it for urination or bowel movements; however, The DivaCup must be removed prior to intercourse.

If you have a fairly regular cycle, you may insert The DivaCup right before your period to avoid spotting.

On the rare occasion you need to empty the cup in a public washroom, you can use a dry or damp tissue to clean the cup. Wash it well with warm, soapy water at the next convenient opportunity.

Have you ever…(?)

co-opted toilet paper from a public washroom as a temporary measure
planned a vacation around your period
avoided white pants for that one 'special' week of the month
done a supplies hand-off with a girlfriend while the dates weren't looking
cautiously tucked the telltale string into your bikini
accidentally pulled a mystery object from your purse in front of a curious male audience
scuttled to the washroom to survey the leak damage after a sudden 'surge'
clogged your toilet with "flushable" feminine products
left a party with a jacket tied around your waist...?
The DivaCup to the rescue!!!

The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly.

The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess!

The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose.

The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows. Perfect for overnight use.

The DivaCup's expert, proprietary, patent-pending features make it comfortable and assures ease of use and reliability. Perfect for traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing, camping, swimming, diving, scuba, yoga, extreme sports and more...

Latex-free, BPA-free, plastic-free

No dyes, colors or additives

Comfortable, reliable

Clean, convenient, easy-to-use

Worn for up to 12 hours at a time

The DivaCup Features:

The DivaCup, a menstrual alternative, ends hassles with unreliable disposable tampons and sanitary pads in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. This makes it perfect for all activities.

Menstrual Cup History and Our Story:

The menstrual cup was developed in the 1930's. It was first made from latex rubber (an allergen for many)... The DivaCup Team has over 38 years of combined experience in natural feminine hygiene alternatives.

Quality and Standards:

The DivaCup is the only menstrual cup allowed for sale in Canada by Health Canada. It also holds market approval by the U.S. FDA, and is the only menstrual cup to achieve the rigorous ISO 13485 certification.

Be a "Green" Diva:

The DivaCup, an innovative menstrual cup, is reusable making it an environmentally responsible choice as important as switching from plastic to canvas bags! Disposable tampons and pads create billions of tons of disposable waste that is dumped into landfills each year.

Menstrual Health Worldwide:

We are all aware of the difficult plight of women in developing countries. Most of these women face challenges in dealing with their monthly cycle, and they do not have adequate feminine hygiene protection options.

Does The DivaCup leak?

According to consumer research, 60% of women experience leakage every month when using tampons and pads! The DivaCup is reliable. The majority of women feel secure without the hassle of worrying about leakage.

If leaking occurs, the cup has not been inserted properly; it has not been rotated; it is not inserted at the right angle; or the muscle tone needs to be strengthened with kegel exercises (usually necessary after multiple vaginal childbirths).

Success with The DivaCup increases when the instructions are followed precisely. Sometimes it takes women one or two cycles to master insertion and removal. Most women find that once they find the right position, it is not necessary to use a backup pad or liner and that they would not be without it!

Many women can't believe that it is possible for a feminine hygiene product to actually do its job and not "leak". Believe it, ladies!!! This product actually works. Our testimonial pages are just a small sample of the many thousands of satisfied users worldwide who agree that The DivaCup is the best feminine hygiene product they have ever tried!

Is The DivaCup messy?

Almost every woman's initial reaction to The DivaCup is, "Ewww! That's gross!" When tampons were first introduced it took quite a while before the concept caught on. Once you take the time to learn about The DivaCup, and actually try it for yourself, you will be pleasantly surprised about how clean and NOT messy it really is.

The cup sits low in the vaginal canal and you can avoid reaching inside the vagina by pushing the cup out slightly. Simply bear down on the muscles for removal. Most women find that once they start using The DivaCup that every other method is messy and gross!

Just imagine a product that actually lives up to its expectations: no leaking, no odor, convenient, comfortable, clean AND helps to save the planet! It's hard to believe that all this could be a reality, but try it for yourself and you will see that it is true.

Is there odor with The DivaCup?

No, there is no odor when using The DivaCup. Menstrual flow only begins to develop an odor when it begins to oxidize and break down from being exposed to air. Menstrual fluid on pads is exposed to air, so it does create an after odor. Tampons are not as bad since they are worn internally, but they can still create odor.

With The DivaCup, odor is not created because the flow is not exposed at all; consequently, it allows women to feel clean and secure. No more worrying about embarrassing odor or leakage!

Can young girls and virgins use The DivaCup?

Physically, The DivaCup is suitable for women of all ages as the vagina is made up of very flexible tissue and muscles. Women's bodies are designed this way to be able to stretch to deliver a baby. The tissue returns back to its normal size after expansion with intercourse or childbirth. It is the muscles that usually need to be strengthened after childbirth.

It is ideal for young women who are very active (such as swimmers or gymnasts) who are looking for a more reliable method other than tampons or pads. 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.

Everyone is unique and there are many variables. Please read and understand all of the FAQs; and consult with your physician and parent or guardian. This will help you make an informed decision!

Can you feel The DivaCup when you are wearing it?

If you can "feel" the cup, it has not been inserted properly. Please see our inserting and removing FAQ. Because The DivaCup is made of soft silicone that actually softens with body heat, you should not feel the cup. The DivaCup is totally different than the sensation of tampons. The DivaCup does not dry out the vagina, so it is extremely comfortable. You won't even know it's there!

Can The DivaCup be used for light and heavy flows?

The DivaCup works very well for women with light or heavy flows. The DivaCup holds one full ounce and the average women only flows about three to four ounces in her entire cycle. For most women, the cup is not even half full after 12 hours.

We always recommend you empty the cup, wash, rinse it, and reinsert it at least every 12 hours (2 times a day) even if your flow is light.

Women with heavy flows will simply need to empty the cup more often. The convenient ounces and milliliters measurement feature allows women to actually keep track of flow and accurately report flow details to their health professional.

Can I sleep while wearing The DivaCup?

Yes! You will feel fresh, secure, and liberated. No worries about staying close to a bathroom. No restrictions on physical activity. You can wear The DivaCup for 12 hours at a time, so you have the convenience of not having to think about your period all night long!

What do I do in a public restroom?

Most women find that they do not have to remove The DivaCup more often than every 12 hours, and that taking it out in a public restroom does not occur very often. However, for women with heavier flows, or on the occasion you need to empty it in a public restroom, simply remove the cup, empty the contents and use a dry or damp tissue to clean the cup and reinsert. Make sure your hands are clean before going into the stall. Wash your DivaCup well with warm, soapy water at the next convenient time.

Can you wear The DivaCup during intercourse?

No, The DivaCup is bell-shaped and worn low near the vaginal opening. It should be removed before intercourse. The DivaCup is not a birth control device and should not be used for this purpose. The DivaCup is regulated by the FDA and Health Canada solely for use only as feminine hygiene protection.

Can The DivaCup be worn with an IUD?

Please use caution when using any internal feminine hygiene product with an IUD as there is a rare possibility of dislodging it. We recommend that you become familiar with your particular IUD risks (such as body expelling IUD, etc.). As with any gynaecological concerns, please consult your physician prior to using a menstrual cup.

Can you wear The DivaCup with the NuvaRing?

The DivaCup is worn low at the base of the vagina and is away from the cervix, it should not interfere with your NuvaRing®.

There is a possibility that the NuvaRing® can become dislodged while using any kind of internal feminine hygiene protection. Therefore, we recommend that you consult your physician before use of any kind of internal feminine hygiene product, including a menstrual cup.

Many of our customers use The DivaCup and the NuvaRing® simultaneously and have not reported any problems.

I am unable to wear tampons, because they do not stay in once they are inserted. Will I have the same problem with The DivaCup or will it stay in place?

You will probably need to try the cup to see what happens. You may find that if the vaginal muscles are weak and do not hold The DivaCup in place that you may need to do Kegel exercises. Also, as with all gynecological concerns, please consult your physician – they will be able to determine this best.
Please note: The DivaCup sits below the cervix and not up against it, so it is important to aim it toward the tailbone not "up". It is not inserted in the same way as a tampon.

Can I use The DivaCup to collect fluids other than menstrual flow?

The FDA has approved use of menstrual cups only for menstrual feminine protection only. We do not suggest using it at any other time of the month.

Do we really need measuring marks? Who measures their menstrual flow?

Menstrual blood is measured for health reasons. Gynecologists, physicians, naturopaths and acupuncturists will ask about flow and change of menstrual flow to determine health and hormonal factors, fertility concerns, etc. A good site to refer to is www.endometriosis.org.

Disposable tampons and pads and even washable pads are not a reliable or scientific method of determining flow, because they come in many absorbencies, contain surfactants and moisture control agents.

Can The DivaCup become stuck? If it happens, what to do?

It is highly unlikely that The DivaCup will become "stuck", because the vagina is only approximately 4 or 5 inches long! If The DivaCup moves up and becomes harder to reach, simply push down (or bear down) with your stomach muscles (similar to having a bowel movement). Reach inside the vagina and pull on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup. Squeeze the base.

Make sure that you are relaxed while doing this so that your vaginal muscles do not become tense. Once you have squeezed the base to release the air, pull the cup out at a sideways angle. This allows more air to enter the vagina, and it will then be able to be removed easily. If you still cannot reach The DivaCup, squat on the floor. This will automatically lower the cup because this position shortens the vagina.

The important thing to remember is not to panic as this will make the vaginal muscles very tense and can cause the cup to be harder to remove. If the stem feels "slippery", wait a bit, relax, and try again by bearing down on the muscles. This will push the cup down to the lower part of the vagina, then you will be able to pinch the base and remove.

By following the instructions: rotating 360 degrees to make sure it has fully opened and creating the seal, and by wearing it low in the canal (not pushing it up high like a tampon), the cup should be very easy to remove.

What should I do if I cannot rotate the cup?

If you cannot rotate it, please try this little tip: put The DivaCup in about half way, turn the cup one full rotation and then push it the rest of the way in, always horizontally, toward the tailbone. Since it will open up before inserting fully, you will be aware that it has "eased" opened. By creating a seal, you are ensuring that The DivaCup is not going to move around, feel uncomfortable or leak.

Is it possible to leave the cup in for long periods of time, such as over 24 hours?

The cup should be removed, emptied, rinsed or washed and then reinserted at least every 12 hours. Do not wear the cup for 24 hours without emptying.

In situations like traveling for an extensive period of time, it is possible to remove it, empty, simply wipe it, and then reinsert it. It can be thoroughly washed once it is convenient.

Do you have to remove The DivaCup before using the bathroom?

If inserted properly, The DivaCup will stay in place during urination or a bowel movement.

What should I do if the stem irritates my vaginal opening?

If the stem irritates the vaginal opening once it is positioned correctly, you may remove the cup and trim the stem slightly. Please use a sharp embroidery or fingernail scissor to round the hard edge to prevent further irritation.

Can I use a water-based lubricant to insert The DivaCup?

Some lubricant ingredients can be damaging to the silicone, so we suggest using only water as a lubricant! Otherwise, the silicone may be compromised and may ruin the cup.