10 Reasons the Diva Cup Can Change Your Life
- June 13, 2008 by Fox | Comments: 65
I’m going there people. I’m going where the ocean ebbs and the moon wanes. I’m going where the crimson wave has little to do with surfing and where the cotton pony has nothing to do with ranch life. Yes people, I’m going there. I’ve decided to rag on so called “feminine hygiene” products.
I’ve never been comfortable with the cost or environmental waste associated with tampons, pads, and other menstrual gear listed under the banner of “feminine hygiene”. I’ve always felt cramped when dishing out big bucks for a wad of cotton on a string and I’m grumpy with the garbage created. To me, it’s just bad financial cents to bleed my bank account and rot the earth when there’s a much better way.
Last month I finally listened to a good friend of mine and tried something called the Diva Cup. The Diva Cup is a brand name for a menstrual cup, which is a reusable bell-shaped plastic device developed to collect and contain menstrual flow inside the body.
I was honestly skeptical at first. The initial idea of putting some plastic bell thing “up there” was a little off putting. But I’m sooo over it. The Diva Cup is the most amazing, useful, wonderful girly product ever. Since I want you to “have a happy period,” I’ll get over all silly shyness and share my thoughts with you.
10 reasons the Diva Cup can change your life:
1. Cost.
A menstrual cup like the Diva Cup costs about $30 and can last for up to 10 years. Yes, they can be found for far less and last not as long. But seriously, $30 bucks for a reusable device is not a heck of a lot when you consider the cost of disposables. (Buy a Diva Cup at Amazon, currently $19.99)
I’ve done the math ladies. The amount of money we spend over our lives on disposable pads and tampons is mind boggling. If I roughly guesstimate a women’s fertile life ranges from age 13-48 (seems like a good average to me), that’s 35 years!
Now for the very very rough mathy math:
- Tampon Pack: $5
- Pad Pack: $5
- Monthly Cost: $10
- Yearly Cost: $120
Lifetime 35-year cost: $4200
(This number does not account for inflation or taxes either!)
Basically, we’re making the companies behind Always and Tampax rich. Especially when you consider about 50 percent of the population needs this stuff. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather save thousands of bucks by buying a couple of Diva Cups over my lifetime. That’s just good financial sense. Period.
2. Environment.
I cringe to think how many pads are put into landfills each day. It’s sad actually. Most women use about 18 pads and/or tampons per cycle. By using menstrual cup products like the Diva Cup though, all this landfill waste can easily be avoided.
3. Health.
I’ve discovered a few health benefits since using the Diva Cup. Seriously.
- No harmful substances. Pads and tampons can contain bleaches, absorbing chemicals, perfumes, and other irritants or allergens. The Diva Cup is made of medical grade silicone which cannot be broken down or absorbed into the body.
- No Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).Tampons have been shown to have a connection to TSS, a rare but sometimes fatal disease caused by bacterial infection. No such connection exists with the Diva Cup since cups do not function though absorbency.
- “Down There” Health. Upon removal, tampons can scratch and leave tiny thread fragments. Pads can cause rashes. The natural balance “down there” is not compromised through the Diva Cup.
4. Guys, no more drug store trips!
I haven’t forgotten about the fellows. I know many of you have made a fateful trip to the drug store looking for the “exact” brand and product your female friend needs. I’ve seen you in “that” aisle carrying an empty package of the stuff your gal has unfortunately run out of. Matching up and finding the right stuff is daunting, and nearly impossible considering how often pad and tampon companies change their packaging. But you fellows brave the checkout and bashfully buy the brands. Fellows, these blushful trips can end. The day your gal gets a Diva Cup is the day those drug store trips are finished. Kudos.
5. Sports.
Participating in sports can be a drag when it’s that time. Being in the middle of a game when you need to pull the goalie is not an ideal match. Skip searching your duffle for a relief player with the Diva Cup since cups can be kept in play for 8-12 hours. When a cup is placed correctly, it does not leak and cannot be detected. Feel free to swim lots of laps, ride a bike, or run a marathon. It won’t win any races for you, but you’ll make it to the finish line without fail.
6. Sleep.
No more midnight bathroom trips. No more sleeping on towels. No more doubling-up. The Diva Cup can be worn all night long, unlike a tampon. Sleep soundly for 8-12 hours. I dare you.
7. Freedom.
Stop stuffing your purse full of tampons and pads. Carrying stashes of girlie stuff is a thing of the past. With the Diva Cup, your period worries are no longer woes. Go to school or work and forget about it. No more bathroom trips till you get home hours later. You are free.
8. Less cramps?
I have no scientific proof. But I seriously think the Diva Cup lessens cramps and quells pain. Since I have a history of fainting from crippling painful cramps, I am the first to wonder how a cup can contain this condition. But I think it does. Again, I have no scientific proof.
9. Comfort.
You don’t feel a thing. No mess, no fuss, no problem. It doesn’t matter how heavy or light your flow, one cup covers all stages in a cycle. Yay.
10. International.
I’ve mostly mentioned the Diva Cup brand since it’s available in North America, and that’s where I live. Other menstrual cup brands are available around the world, so I’ve summarized them below:
- DivaCup (Canada, USA)
- Mooncup (United Kingdom)
- Keeper (USA)
- Moon Cup (USA)
- LadyCup (Czech Republic)
- Lunette (Finland)
- Miacup (South Africa)
- Femmecup (Far East)
I went there people. I went where cutesy advertising campaigns tell me to “Have a Happy Period,” and annoy me. I went there and provided a real solution to environmental concerns and cost considerations. I went there. I went there ’cause I want you to go there too. Would you consider it?
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Pings:
- kimberlykaye.com » Blog Archive » 10 Reasons I LOVE my Diva Cup! June 13th, 2008
- The Eight Little Pigs-Festival of Frugality #130 « To Be Debt Free June 17th, 2008
- » Festival of Frigality #130 Is Up on the Festival of Frugality June 17th, 2008
- Celebrating the Diva Cup, Emergency Funds and the Carnival of Personal Finance June 19th, 2008
- Sunday Roundup the Plonkee Fangirl Edition June 29th, 2008
- Boys - This Post Isn’t for You. « Elizabeth, You Were Born to Play That Part July 18th, 2008
Comments:
I only read this out of morbid curiosity. As off-putting as the subject is for us guys, it was well written. Thanks for sharing…I think!
@Frugal Dad Well, the Diva Cup is frugal….and perhaps “Frugal Mom” might be of interest.
Thanks for sticking with the article! My “other half” mostly appreciates #4.
Haha, frugal dad gets a merit badge for bravery …. good job frugal dad! I have never sent senor guinness to the drugstore for me (he’d refuse anyway, the big wuss) & hadn’t actually realized it was that common. Was just looking at these over at the Big Carrot the other day, I will admit I had never even considered them until Mrs Micah started posting about them and now you too. So despite the deafening silence I aqnticipate in this comments section somebody is listening to your advocacy! Good post!
Gawrsh leaving ANYTHING IN the body overnight… seems kinda freaky to me… however latex rubber seems to be the body’s best friend so… enjoy your good night’s rest dear… yes, another man that read the whole article… perhaps you’ve unknowingly written a fetish piece. Only Google ads can tell.
Yeah…. I was not planning on commenting on this one, but you just did such a fab job. I never expected to laugh out loud on this topic! Well done.
I have never heard of this product before… but honestly, now I am curious. The money savings alone are a big attraction, but the waste that is created with conventional products is another big factor. I think I will check my local pharmacies and see if they carry this. (i don’t watch TV much, and when I do, it’s taped so I ffwd over all commercials - which may be why I have never heard of this.)
It’s worth a try, that is for sure.
Thanks for the post!
I love my Diva cup!
and I thought Canadian Dream cutting his own hair was being frugal…
I’ve read Mrs. Micah’s post about this too. Is it really no mess? Because that’s what I fear the most - pulling out the cup and spilling blood everywhere …
It almost makes me wish I had a vagina!…. except not really
Excellent article! I’ve been using the Diva Cup for several years, and I love it. When I think of the money I used to spend and the amount of waste I tossed or flushed… *shudder*
To CFO’s question about mess (if I may): There can be a bit of mess while you’re getting the hang of things (insertion and removal), but it doesn’t take long to get used to it. Also, you have to rinse it and wash it every day, but it’s a small price to pay- and you’d be washing your hands anyway, right?
Oh boy. Oh.Boy. Well. Hm. Er. Erm.
Yes.
That’s all I’m gonna say!
Thank you for writing this post! I’ve had a Diva Cup for over 2 years and kept thinking I should write a post about it because it makes sooo much sense from a pf perspective (as well as a lot of others!) but I just didn’t have the nerve
And the diva cup is super duper awesome for traveling… No need to pack a box of products that will take up a lot of precious space or worry about finding the brand you like in a foreign country.
I’m very impressed…that I read this whole post!
Seriously, it wasn’t gross at all - I was expecting a photo though…
@guinness416 I highly recommend giving the Diva a try. Trust, I rarely get this excited about a plastic bell-shaped thing.
@Sara So happy you saw some humor in this post. I actually had fun writing it.
@hmmm Ahhh, another fine fellow comments.
@SunkistMom I too have never seen the Diva Cup advertised on TV. I found out about it through a friend of mine. There’s nothing like word-of-mouth to get the message out.
@Hedy I love my Diva Cup too! Isn’t it funny how such a silly thing is so loved? I don’t know any woman who says, “I love my pad.”
@moneygardener The Diva is indeed frugal. But there’s so much more to it than just money. It’s a device which really makes a huge difference every darn month. But yeah, saving thousands of bucks is pretty darn cool.
@Chief Family Officer There is a bit of a learning curve to a cup. It only takes a few tries though. I’ve never made a mess of it…just pinch the cup closed.
@A.J. LOL. Yeah, best to stick to your man bits.
@AllisonWonder You stated usage very well! Thanks for mentioning rinsing…I forgot this in the post. I’ve found so many women (like you) who have used the Diva for years…it’s a funny product which women really really love. I only wish I listened to my friend years ago and started using it then.
@Hayden Tompkins You crack me up…you and your Ds.
@centsprout I waited a week before posting this article. I wavered…so I know what you mean. You make an excellent point on travel. It’s hard to find the right brand and also annoying to pack. Carrying the Diva Cup is sooo easy. Travel should be point #11.
@Four Pillars I’m thrilled you read the whole article. Now go tell Mrs. Pillars how cool the cup is. Seriously.
Well, they don’t have it at the pharmacies around here. I didn’t ask because I had 2 small kids in tow in and standing still is not an option in a store. I did find a box of ’softcup’ disposable ones, you cannot use the same one twice apparently. I also live in a small town, which could be why they do not have them yet. But hopefully I can get a chance to get out alone this week, and ask. There is still one more pharmacy in town I haven’t tried.
@SunkistMom Here’s a Diva Cup store finder: http://www.divacup.com/en/search/
I used the store finder to find one in my local little town. But in the store they kept them hidden away…so I had to ask. If the store finder fails to find you a local store, you can always buy a Diva Cup on Amazon.
I didn’t know they could be purchased in brick and mortar stores. Last time I bought mine was ten years ago and it had to be purchased online. I actually need to buy myself a new one, since my Keeper is starting to show its age (the little stem is getting stretchy). Maybe I’ll try The Diva Cup this time. Thanks for writing this post! I didn’t realize Mrs. Micah had written one, too, I’ll have to go over and read hers. I have to say one of the most fantastic things about using these cups are the lack of smell that you get when using pads.
@Allison & Fox - Thanks! I’m going to look into this.
Sweet! Thanks Fox! I found a store in town. The Nutters of all places!
@Mrs. Accountability I wish I had started using a cup ten years ago. It’s amazing how long they last! Yeah, pads are terrible on so many levels.
@Chief Family Officer Excellent!
@SunkistMom LOL! I’m happy you found one in town and don’t have to wait for mail delivery.
Thank you for writing about this! I’ll definitely check it out =)
I use it and it trully is a good investment.
To wash it you just use soap and when you are done with it till the next month, you just boil it to keep it clean (I boil it with baking soda).
Advantage #11: For those of us who cannot time our period’s arrival to the minute, you can safely put it in on the “hmm, am I gonna get it today? I don’t know!” day.
I love mine too!
http://www.divacup.com/en/products/faqs/
I bought mine new on Ebay btw for anyone that cannot find them elsewhere.
Very interesting post Squawkfox. Congrats on your bravery–it sure did stimulate a lot of discussion! I’ve heard of these, but had felt a little icky about the daily re-using part of it. Thanks to your post, I think I’m mostly over it. I will definitely consider using this once my sale stockpile runs low… Amanda
Great post. I’ve had a Diva Cup for five years now (I ordered it online) and I love it too. I don’t find that it helps with cramps that much (although mine have never been that bad to begin with) and I do get leaks sometimes, but it’s at least as good in those areas as anything else I’ve used, and there are still the cost/convenience/environment factors.
To all the squeamish guys: Don’t tell me you’ve never talked about your own bodily functions in mixed company.
This was so well written! I have been looking into buying a Diva Cup for a couples of months now and after reading your post I think I am going to go find a store that carried them. They look like a great investment!
~Jo
Savin Oxide
One of my friends tried it and just couldn’t get comfortable…her experience turned me off, but you just may have convinced me to try it. Thanks!
Wow, I never heard of this in my life! I don’t really know what to think about it yet…
Any of the menstrual cups are a good idea! I have the Moon Cup US and my friend has the Diva Cup. We both like them and relaize we should have been using them years ago. By the way we both got ours at South Coast Shopping. I think the Diva was only $16.99 and the Moon Cup $21.99. No more tampons!
I just purchased my Diva Cup 2 months ago, and it worked well, even on a weekend trip with lots of public washrooms! Love love love it… as a side note, I did find it to be somewhat uncomfortable sometimes, but I found that when I trimmed the stem, the discomfort was take care of. For any ladies who have the same problem, just trim it a smidge and try it again
I love it, too! I switched a few months ago and enjoy the freedom immensely.
I’m a new Diva cup convert, and I love it. I bought mine new on Trade Me. A LiveJournal community for menstrual cups is a source of very frank discussion: http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/
Oops, forgot to include that I live in New Zealand. Kiwis will be familiar with Trade Me.
Ok ok. You convinced me. I’ve read about them before but the price kept me from doing it. Now with gas prices going up I don’t want to have to make an “emergency” trip to the far away store for more supplies. I just bought it off ebay as Suz suggested. Only $23.50. Less than I thought. I am looking forward to becoming a fan.
A note of major importance:
If you have an IUD, you cannot use most of the cups listed above, but you CAN use the Diva Cup. Not to be too graphic, but here’s the deal (I checked with my gyn): if you have an IUD, you have the IUD string. Many of the menstrual cups sit up against the cervix like a diaphragm or cervical cup. This type of cup can catch the string of the IUD and when you remove the cup you can accidentally remove the IUD. THAT WOULD BE BAD.
The Diva cup sits lower, so you aren’t going to catch that string. If you are concerned, just make sure you don’t catch the string.
N
Mine brings me so much joy. It’s one of those rare products that makes me do a happy dance. I used to have completely miserable periods. Now I don’t. Perfect!
As for the cramping, I have no evidence either, but it seems like it’s gotten a lot better for me too.
Great post! I agree that there is definitely a learning curve to prevent spillage. I was able to find Instead cups at our local WalMart and I live in a VERY small town.
Excellent article and well written! I got mine from South Coast Shopping for only $16.99. They have them on sale now for $16.50. Burn the tampons!
I got mine and I am disappointed. I am 36 and I got the #2 according to the recommendation on the site but I think I should have gotten the smaller one. I even trimmed the end but I can’t get comfortable. It’s not just the pointy end. I usually use regular and slender tampons and this thing is much bigger. I guess my hips haven’t spread like the site says. I don’t want to spend another $20 for the #1 if it won’t work either.
Anyone else have this problem?
@Daizy I was just reading over the divacup FAQ and there is very little difference between the two models. Model 2 is only a 1/8 inch (~0.3 cm) wider in diameter than Model 1. Both are the same length. When I first used it I too thought I was mistaken in getting Model 2…but I found later I didn’t quite get it inserted correctly. Did you twist or spin the cup around to open it correctly? It took me a bit to figure out how to do this. I actually emailed a friend of mine who explained it best…”You need to push it out a bit using your muscles and then spin it. RELAX” Sigh. When I got that bit of lovely information I was comfortable as the cup then positioned itself and I no longer noticed it there.
So yeah, I had that problem too.
I use the Keeper. (The difference between the Diva Cup and the Keeper is that the Diva Cup is made of silicone and the Keeper is made of rubber.) I bought it at le Frigo Vert in Montreal about 6-7 years ago, and I just love it. It’s better for all the reasons you mention. The only downside, I guess, is that you are more likely to get a bit of blood on your hands — NOT spilling everywhere, just a few drops. And I only have to empty it about once every 12 hours, so I always do it at home.
@Daizy. I too purchased the Diva Cup larger size. I am 48 yo, no children. I am a petite, small-framed person. I tried it for 3 periods. It was painful to insert, painful to wear, pressed on my urethra pretty badly and leaked constantly. I had to admit it was just too big (both in diameter and length). After researching on the internet, I ordered a Ladycup (the small size) - supposedly one of the smallest cups you can get. Surprise! Insertion is easy, no pain, it works for me. My point is, the sizing methods all the companies are using is too broad. Age and childbearing are not the only factors to determine what size you need. Don’t be afraid to try a smaller sized menstrual cup. Hope this helps!
I am a Diva Cup drop out. I’m just not built right. It worked, no leaks, but it was not comfortable at all. I even tried cutting off the top ring but it was still too big. Maybe I’ll try the Ladycup small that Wendy recommended when I get the nerve to try again.
I’m a bit jealous of you Diva-girls!
@Daizy Ohh I am sooo sorry to hear the Diva didn’t work out. I think @Wendy’s story is encouraging regarding the LadyCup so do give it a try when ready. I love menstrual cups in general and finding the right one is key. It’s awesome there are so many choices on the market. When/If you try the LadyCup do tell us how it goes. I am certain this conversation thread will help others (perhaps too shy to comment) as well. HUGS!
I finally got a chance to use my Divacup. And it is amazing, more comfortable than it looks that is for sure. I’m rather impressed. When you look at it you don’t expect it to be comfy.
I hope Daizy can find one that works for her. I can understand that every woman will be built a little different.
The cup is a great invention!
@SunkistMom Yay! I’m so happy you found success! I agree the cup fails on every level to look comfortable, but it is for me. The cup is indeed an amazing invention!
I am actually having a small problem with small leaks. But I think that was due to my first born, 100+ stitches and awkward healing. Other than that, it works fine. I might have to keep buying panty liners for a while until I figure out a good position.
Insertion and removal requires a learning curve, so don’t get frustrated. It’s like a bicycle: all of a sudden, you just “get it” and you can’t remember why it was so difficult.
If you need help, there is an excellent LiveJournal community with instructions and hand-drawn examples here:
http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/
I hope it’s ok that I linked my post about the Diva Cup back to this post about it. You just said it all so well that I couldn’t say it better!
Thanks for your comment!
@Elizabeth I love it when others link to me. HUGS. I feel honored when anyone feels a post is worthy of their own readers. Thank you thank you. I am especially thrilled when others share their views on the Diva Cup. Getting the word out is the best way to let other women know about this awesome little product…especially since they don’t seem to advertise.
Just passing through…Forget pharmacies, try the health food store. Chain pharmacies couldn’t care less about the world and their products reflect that. You can get Diva Cup at little health food stores and coops in NH and VT.
I’ve found print adds in outdoors magazines (forgot which ones) advertising the Diva Cup; however I learned of it through word of mouth. I wish I had this 10 years ago! What a difference it truly makes, on my outlook at periods and “that time of the month” has truly changed for the better! Pads were too uncomfortable, tampons left me feeling “out of balance” for up to a week afterwards - these are perfect! Never in my life have I ever slept as well on my period as with the diva cup! I truly cannot stop singing about how wonderful it is. And here is a bit more food for thought - those “feminine hygiene” products are made in factories, how sanitary is that? Really? Think about it now, and we have million dollar ads telling us those are good and safe and the only thing we can use! Ugh!
does anyone know if i can have sex with the diva cup in place.
Oh man..my husband is going to freak out once I bring this baby home..HAHAHAHA
The Diva Cup website says that it can’t be used with an IUD. Too bad, I was almost converted!
For reference, search for “IUD” at this link: http://www.divacup.com/en/home/faqs/
Great post! Love mine too. Don’t understand the cramping either, but I couldn’t use tampons and can the Diva Cup, it is an interesting mystery. It’s been suggested it is dioxin related.
I know it was awhile ago, but for emily, you can’t have sex with it in, way too large