DIVA CUP 
DIVA CUP FAQS 

Q. Does The DivaCup leak?

A.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!

 Q. Is The DivaCup messy?

A. 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.

Q. Is there odor with The DivaCup?

A. 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!

 Q. Can young girls and virgins use The DivaCup?

A.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.

Many of our customers are as young as 11 or 12 years old. It is ideal for young girls 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. Many young women use The DivaCup. Please read and understand all of the FAQs. This will help you make an informed decision!

Q. Can you feel The DivaCup when you are wearing it?

A. 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 cannot feel the cup at all. 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!

Q. Can The DivaCup be used for light and heavy flows?

A. 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.

Q. Can I sleep while wearing The DivaCup?

A. 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!

Q. What do I do in a public restroom?

A. 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.

Q. Can you wear The DivaCup during intercourse?

A. 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.


Q. Can The DivaCup be worn with an IUD?

A. The DivaCup 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.


Q. Can you wear The DivaCup with the NuvaRing®?

A. 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. Consequently, 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. 


Q. 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?

A. 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.


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

A. 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.

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

A. 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.


GUIDE ON SIZING

Q. Which model/size should I use?

A. 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.

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

A. 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.

Q. Is the model number indicated on the cup itself?

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

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

A. 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.

Q. What is the difference between the two sizes?

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

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

A. 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.