DivaCup - BPA-Free Reusable Menstrual Cup - Leak-Free Feminine Hygiene - Tampon and Pad Alternative - Up To 12 Hours Of Protection - Model 1

Genuinely a miracle (for the most part), in the form of a medical grade silicone cup! For reference, I'm 16 and haven't given birth (thankfully). Overall, I get on really well with the Diva Cup. Soft, smooth silicone means you can barely feel it once its inside and the thickness of the material means its very easy to open it once you know how. It takes some practice to figure out how to insert and stop leaks (cover your WHOLE cervix with the cup!!!) but once you get this sorted in 1 or 2 cycles, it's wonderful to just forget about your period for 12 hours! My only problems were that when I initially cleaned it with soap, as suggested, I got a painful bacterial imbalance (the leaflet DOESN'T tell you you can boil it!) and even now, the cup can sometimes make me feel a bit like I need a wee when I'm standing up, but this is most likely a personal problem than a problem with the product itself! The few problems I have with the Diva Cup don't take away from its exceptional quality and performance and so it definitely deserves 5 stars. A comfortable, reliable and environmentally friendly menstrual product. -=-=-=-=-=-=- When it first arrived my box was a bit banged up but the cup itself (and the carry bag) were in perfect condition. The instructional leaflet provided tells you virtually everything you need to know including how to insert and care for the cup, but it does leave out a few bits and pieces. My biggest criticism is that the leaflet implies that you must clean the cup with either Diva-Wash (which is rather overpriced imo) or anti-bacterial soap. I actually got a bacterial imbalance (very painful...) from using soap at all! It wasn't until after, that I discovered you dont need to use anything. It's more than enough to boil the cup in a pan of fresh water for 2 minutes, since it wont burn or melt (see: silicone cupcake cases!) and takes away all risk of rashes or irritation. I personally feel its a shame this information was left out as it could save a lot of money and, in my personal case, pain! The cup itself is made of really nice silicone. A friend of mine has a few different cups, not including the Diva, and this one definitely has the smoothest, softest silicone. It's quite a long cup and so would probably be better suited to people with a high(er) cervix, but could still be used successfully by most! The stem isn't stretchy and isn't too flexible, which is really good for pulling/pushing when need be. The grip rings that run up onto the base of the cup, again, aren't flexible so it's much much harder to slip/lose your grip. On the inside of the cup, the DivaCup logo and "Made in Canada" is printed nearer the top, and measurements (in both metric and imperial) run down the inside for monitoring your cycle, if desired. The four teeny tiny holes punched through the top rim all go through the silicone fully (compared to cheaper cups) but, as with ALL cups, can become blocked with use. This is easily fixed if the cup is filled with water, held against your hand, turned upsidedown and squeezed to force water through the holes. However, the silicone is quite thick. This means the cup is a bit more resistant to folds and pops open with a little bit more force (it shouldn't hurt, though!) once inserted, compared to cups with thinner silicone. Some may desire this and others may not! From what i've heard, a softer and/or smaller cup (like the Meluna S or M) might typically be better suited for a teenager or someone with a small hymen (more easily inserted, less "pop" feeling) but it's purely personal preference and, considering my own age, I got on with the thick silicone really well! An advantage of this is that it's much easier to pop open the cup once inserted. If you've never used a menstrual cup before (like me before I purchased it!) I would say it's a definitely fine to start with as I found out, but there may be better options for a beginner. As I said above, the thick silicone can be a bit difficult to handle initially. A few words of advice - do some googling! Have a look at some other cups on the market and their reviews to see if the Diva is your best first choice. (PreciousStarsPads on youtube is a wonderful resource!!). And don't give up right away. It took me about 1-2 cycles before I figured out how to properly (and comfortably) insert and open the cup, so I would urge anyone to try and stick with it for a bit, maybe wear pads as backups, and just see if you can get on with it! Overall, the few problems I have with the Diva Cup don't take away from its exceptional quality and performance and so it definitely deserves 5 stars. I would recommend this to everyone I know (that can use one!), if I had the guts to shout about my period!

I cannot recommend this product enough! It has changed my life forever for the better. I can now sleep, walk, exercise and do just about anything without ever having to worry about leakage. I sometimes really forget I am even on my period because the cup can stay in easily 10-12 hours without emptying. At first it was a bit uncomfortable using a cup, I had no idea how to insert it properly and how to place it in the right way so the suction can take place and it can stay in place. After trying a couple of times I found the way to use it best, here are some tips: 1. Cut the end bit off, not entirely but keep just enough on the cup so you can grab it easily when it's inserted. Leaving it the way it is can actually harm the tissues in this very sensitive area. 2. Disinfect it, although it's new and comes in it's original packaging, don't trust anything that isn't disinfected to insert into your body. I have an old tiny pan I don't use anymore, I fill it up with hot boiling water and put in the cup, leaving it on low heat on the stove for a couple of minutes for it to get really disinfected. Between uses I just empty it in the toilet and rinse it thoroughly in the sink. Make sure to wash your hand thoroughly before taking it out and inserting back in. 3. For insertion I've found the best method to be folding it in a C shape, which is basically pressing in the middle and folding it. I wet it with water beforehand so it's easier to go in, it can irritate skin/tissue if you insert silicone dry. Once inserted I want to make sure that the suction has taken place so I pull it out a little and push it back up, this takes a couple of trials to get it right. The benefits of the cup supersedes any other product I've used such as pads and tampons. In fact, allow me to list the benefits. 1. Environmentally friendly, it's made of medical grade silicone (super durable) 2. Cost efficient (buy once a year) 3. No harsh chemicals such as bleach or fragrance as found in tampons/pads causing risk to health. 4. Leave it in for 10-12 hours without worrying about emptying, no more worries about waking up to red stained sheets. 5. It collects everything (blood and clots), tampons only absorb the liquid blood and leave the bits in which is not the healthiest way for the blood flow. 6. In my experience, way less cramps since I started using this. 7. It's so comfortable, it adjusts to your body shape cause the material is so flexible, you might feel it being there in the beginning when you're getting used to the suction but once you're used to the cup you will sometimes forget you're on your period. Don't be put off by dealing with blood, it's very natural and in my experience I've learned a lot about my menstruation. I had no idea how much I actually bled and how it differed from one day to the other and between different cycles. It's a great way to experience the body relationship and learn about something perfectly natural. I've been using this cup (have tried the moon cup too but found it a bit too big and of less flexible material) for about 1.5 yrs and like I said before, it has totally changed my life and made my period days so much easier to deal with. The #1 benefit is that it is completely natural, it does not expose your body to any chemicals and causes no damage at all (even regular pads contain bleach but are just less invasive than tampons). I can't tell you how happy I am with the cup, especially the diva cup. It really delivers the quality it's promising.

I was sceptical about the idea of menstrual cups when I first heard about Diva Cup, but seeing the reviews on here I was persuaded to try it out. They weren't wrong! Other reviewers weren't exaggerating when they say this will transform your period experience. Using the cup I genuinely only have to think about my period twice a day, when I empty it. No worries about leakage or whether I have enough tampons in my bag. Because the capacity of the cup is generous (I have regular flow and find it around 1/4 full after 10 hours wear) you really can just forget about it. So far I've used it for 2 periods and haven't experienced any leakage. I was surprised how easy I found it to empty and clean, as I was expecting to feel a bit grossed out but it's actually quite interesting to be able to monitor your flow this way. I just use plain unscented soap to clean it rather than the special cleaner that's available and run it under warm water. Obviously as with all gadgets you need to read the instructions thoroughly if want it to work properly. You'll quickly get used to using it even if it is tricky at first, and there are lots of tips in other reviews as well as YouTube videos and websites if you're struggling. I would advise that if you are finding you can feel it when inserted or the stem is bothering you, remember to push backwards when inserting, rather than upwards like a tampon. If you have long or false nails you may struggle to remove it - just use a tissue/toilet paper to grab it to give more grip! Using the Diva cup will make your life so much easier, it's made me feel cleaner, happier about what I'm putting in my body and the environment AND saved me money. Highly recommend!

I've been using this product for 3 months, so the review is based on 3 periods usage. I suffer from extremely heavy periods, I've only ever used pads and on a bad day would be changing them every couple of hours minimum. I'd lose nights of sleep, have to plan what I was wearing and I'd even plan holidays to avoid the dreaded period days. An advert for Diva Cup randomly popped up on my Facebook feed, I'd not heard of a menstrual cup before so I was intrigued. I went to the website and watched the video and then began reading testimonials. It sounded worth trying do I gave it a go, I thought worse case scenario I go back to pads, but at least I'll know. As I said I've only ever used pads, not even tried tampons so this was entirely new. Sticking something up there and walking around was daunting to say the least. When it arrived the size scared me a little but then as pointed out in reviews, women give birth - you're designed to be flexible. First time I tried to put it in was a failure, it took about 3 separate tries and then I put it in wrong. I knew this because an hour later I was running to the bathroom in pain trying to remove it. I think it was wonky, because the next time I tried it went in no problem. It was on my mind constantly though, and I was going to the loo every couple of hours crazy paranoid that it might have leaked or got stuck. "What if it gets stuck?! What if I have to go to casualty?! What will I say/how will I live it down?" Well you can stop that train of thought because gravity exists, and I cannot see any plausible way that this product could ever get stuck. When full it'll lower itself, and if too full it will start to leak. Even if it's not full your muscles easily push it down making it easy to remove. Just make sure you break the air seal or it will hurt to remove. I've worn pads with the Diva Cup whilst getting used to using it, I'm learning so much more about my period and flow that I'm surprised by my own body. It feels like I've been avoiding it as though it's not part of me. I've had a few days where I've forgotten to check the cup and it's leaked, but that has taught me what days to be extra vigilant over. The first month I used the cup it must have been too low as I could feel the end of it, a lot of people on here have complained about that and/or have cut it shorter. I thought about doing this but now after month 3 I don't feel it, I've got use to inserting and removing the cup and once in I don't feel a thing. Probably why I forget to check it sometimes! I have yet to try it in a public restroom and it would worry me a little, I think I'd want a few more months really getting used to it before trying. If it leaks then yes you're going to get messy so I'd take some wet wipes with you as the sink is usually the other side of the door, and you don't want anyone walking in on you having a Carrie moment. My main positives would be being able to sleep at night (on my back!) without worry, not having to worry about accidental pad leads, feeling cleaner, and using less pads. I also don't have as much pain, I had one day last month which was painful with cramps, but not debilitatingly so. Apparently the product has made cramps easier to deal with, I don't know if it's true but it does seem to hold true. The negatives for me were learning to insert and remove, it took me quite a long time and i'm still not 100%. But practice makes perfect, and it's changed my period for the better so I'm glad to have discovered the Diva Cup. It is messy when you're learning, and you need to be happy to stick your fingers up there, don't be too gentle with yourself and don't overthink things. Get to know your body and make it work for you, not the other way around. On a side note, I am 29 and went for size 1. I don't have children.

I have had this for a few months now. It comes with a lovely bag that is fantastic. There are a couple of ways you can fold it x it is made from silicone. I have never liked using tampons as I don’t like the feel of them when they are inserted. But with this cup you can’t feel it. It has a stem at the end that you can cut off if it is too long. There are 4 holes near the top of the cup. These are to ensure the cup has good suction and doesn’t move. Make sure when you insert it you twist the cup to allow the holes to work. It is easy to remove with a bit of your finger put to the side of it then just pull. Make sure you have something like toilet roll with you tho as it can drip a little. It took me about 2 weeks to get used to how it suits my body to insert it and make it so it doesn’t come loose. To start with it can be a little awkward feeling but keep at it, because it is defo worth it. I would never go back to using pads or tampons again. The only time it has leaked is when it is full. Which has been once since I have had it (during night). You can sleep in it, do all sorts of sports including swimming and even do handstands and you don’t feel anything. You can change it upto every 12 hours. Which is the best thing ever. I just make sure when I would need to change it again, I will be at home, then you never have to worry about it when you are out, no more changing in toilets and making sure you have enough with pads or tampons with you. No more filling you bin with pads and because of this it is great for the environment and you aren’t putting anything like cotton into your body. I am almost 30 and can have a very heavy flow, I have had 2 children so it’s great for when you have had children too (not as tight as you used to be 😉). Over all defo worth the money as it would cost me £4-£5 per period before and now I don’t need to ever pay out anything ever again, unless I would like to try another cup.

The product had a slight smell out of the box but that went away after washing it with an odorless soap and warm water, boiling it for about 7mins, then washing it again. The lettering on the actual cup is on the inside so that it won't irritate whist it's inside. It also came with a nice little bag to keep it in. Despite knowing that the Diva Cup is one of the larger cups available I decided to try it (having bought and returned a Lunette because of it's awful smell out of the box). I'm 18, 5'6, ~55kg, medium to light flow and a virgin and I couldn't manage to get it in (trying both folds). The Diva Cup is much stiffer than the Lunette was so it pops back to its original shape much easier. I found that made it difficult while trying to get it in as it was less pliable. Maybe I'll find a smaller cup and leave this one until I'm older.

I first heard about menstrual cups about 3 years ago, but for whatever reason didn't want to try one. Anyway, fast forward to about 5 weeks ago and I'm having a conversation with my sister about sanitary towels and tampons and we start discussing what's actually in them, so I decide to look them up and feel slightly horrified by what I discover. I remembered my conversation about menstrual cups with a friend from 3 years ago and started spending hours researching cups as an alternative to my disposable towels. I found Precious Star Pads on YouTube (fantastic resource of reviews, general info and comparisons about cups!) and slowly started to narrow down a choice of cups to look into buying. I chose Diva Cup because they struck me as a reputable company; the price was reasonable; I could buy it on Amazon; I have a high cervix and the reviews I'd read in various places were generally very positive. Of course there are negative reviews from people who just don't get on with menstrual cups. My cup came within the specified time and very promptly. The packaging was a little damaged in transit, but other than that - all perfect! Thankfully my period came the following day, so I could do a little 'dry run' on day two, before the flow gets really heavy. I will say it is useful to read the instructions quite carefully. They don't specify to sanitise the cup before first use, but I did. I boiled it in a pan for 5 minutes. It does take a little time to get accustomed to putting it in and checking it's in place properly. On my third try (getting used to putting it in and taking it out) I added slightly too much lube and it pinged out of my hand and landed on my floor! It reminded me of that scene from Pretty Woman when she's in the restaurant... Anyway! I boiled it again and used it the next day when my flow was heaviest. So far I've had no issues (the stem, when too low can be a minor irritant, but is generally not noticed if sitting still), just a blissful period! I've had no leaks, just a teeny bit of spotting, I think because there is blood residue below where the cup sits, rather than from leakage. Taking it out also takes some practice. The more you can fold the cup as it comes out, the less painful it will be. Removing it when the rim is fully open was painful for me. If you angle it slightly and curve it, that really helps. I thought this would cause the contents to spill, but even after 7 hours of continuous use, there was no spillage at all. I can honestly say this is the cleanest period I have ever had! Even with tampons that I've used in the past, there has been more hassle and mess. If you are thinking of getting a cup, but you're not sure, give it a try! I was worried about the whole leakage/getting lost inside me thing, but the cup sits very comfortably and doesn't ride up (at least it hasn't yet). This is hands down THE BEST THING I HAVE BOUGHT FOR YEARS. I wish I'd had the courage/foresight/inclination to buy it 3 years ago. I've had better nights sleep with the cup than I ever had with towels or tampons. I also wondered if I would feel it. I imagined that a silicone cup would feel very intrusive, but it doesn't at all, I can only feel the stem slightly when I take a long walk. I'm approaching 35, but haven't had kids, so bought the smaller size which is a perfect fit. Also, some people cut off the stem if it irritates them. I'm still considering this. I think I need to have a couple of periods with the cup before I can decide if I have to. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Good for your body, for the environment and long term good for your wallet.

Diva cup is great. I've been using it for a year now, so it's been through everything life throws at it - I've worn it to exercise, swim, lounge on the sofa, to work, on long car journeys and on holidays abroad. People say you can't feel a tampon - but you can always feel the irritating string, well with a diva cup you really can't feel it when you get it in right! It leaked a few times in the first couple of months while I was getting used to putting it in, but I wore a very light panty liner and that was more than enough to cope. Now I'm used to how to put it in, I get no leaks and can wear my best knickers and white pyjama bottoms without worrying! Getting used to putting it in is a case of getting to know your body and tweaking how you do it - no hard and fast rule. I found that warming the diva cup under the hot tap and using some lube was the best way for me. Taking it out is a case of being relaxed and bearing down like you're having a poo - it's a bit tricky the first few times but gets easier after you've done it a few times. I change mine in the shower where I'm most warm and relaxed. Because it can stay in for 12 hours I very rarely have to change it when I'm out, but on the few times I have, I've taken a bottle of water and some baby wipes into public toilet stalls and used them to clean the cup before popping it back in, and it's been fine. You also save space with not having to carry a wad of pads and tampons everywhere with you, and you don't have to worry about running out of pads and having to find a supermarket on holiday. Best of all there is NO SMELL, which is amazing and makes me feel so much cleaner and happier. I would recommend a diva cup to everyone who has periods!