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One thing we’ve noticed, is that there are a lot of menstrual cup myths circulating online.
For many, menstrual cups are a new period care option they’re still learning about. So, it’s understandable that they don’t yet know what’s the truth, and what’s simply a myth. That’s why we gathered the top 10 menstrual cup myths and provided the facts.
Myth One - One Size Fits All
Size matters when it comes to menstrual cups. That’s why the DivaCup comes in three different sizes for different life stages:
Model 0: For those new to the world of periods or 18 years of age or younger.
Model 1: You’re between the ages of 19 and 30 and have a medium menstrual flow.
Model 2: You’re over the age of 30 and/or have a heavier menstrual flow.
However, just because you fit into one age group doesn’t mean that will necessarily be the right fit for you. When choosing a menstrual cup, it’s important to do your research into what size is most appropriate for you. If you find your menstrual cup is uncomfortable even after adjusting it, slips out too easily, or leaks, you might not have the right fit.
Remember, body size and shape doesn’t determine the size of the vaginal canal. The vagina can change a lot throughout a person’s life. As people age, the walls of the vagina become more relaxed. This is one reason the DivaCup comes in three different sizes.
We have a helpful guide on our homepage to help you Find Your Size. You can also connect with our Consumer Support Team and they can help you.
Myth Two - Virgins Can’t Use a Menstrual Cup
In short, no, using a menstrual cup will not make you lose your virginity.
There’s a lot of confusion about what it means to be a virgin. In many cultures around the world, virginity is thought of as something biologically connected to the hymen and whether it’s “intact.” The truth is the only way someone becomes non-virginal is through the act of sexual intercourse.
So, to put it simply, the DivaCup does not affect the state of a person’s virginity.
While the DivaCup may stretch the hymen, it’s important to remember that someone is a virgin because they’ve not had sex. In fact, some are born without a hymen and activities like horseback riding, biking and gymnastics can stretch the hymen without you even knowing it. With that in mind, whether the hymen is intact or not has nothing to do with virginity.
This is just one common misconception, and, unfortunately, a lot of other things we’ve been told about the hymen is false, too.
We wrote an entire article all about using the DivaCup if you are a virgin.
Myth Three - You Can’t Use the Washroom When Wearing a Menstrual Cup
It is not necessary to remove The DivaCup before urinating or having a bowel movement. While rare, as people come in all shapes and sizes, we do know of some who, due to anatomy, may need to remove the cup in order to use the bathroom.
You may need to lean forward when you urinate to allow the bladder to empty easily. This may help relieve pressure on the urethra. If you feel any discomfort, simply remove The DivaCup before urinating and/or having a bowel movement and then wash and reinsert.
It is not common to have trouble with urination while using a menstrual cup. Our Consumer Support Team can certainly provide you with some helpful positioning tips which may help resolve this situation.
If you have concerns, we suggest that you speak with your healthcare provider as we are not medically staffed. They can provide you with additional insight.
Myth Four - A Menstrual Cup Can Get Lost Inside the Vagina
Don’t worry, a menstrual cup can’t get lost inside the vagina. The vaginal canal is only about 3-4 inches long until it reaches the cervix, which stops the menstrual cup from going into the uterus. It does not connect to other parts of the body so the DivaCup will not get lost.
When positioned correctly, the cup should not move out of place and the stem (sitting at the vaginal opening) should allow for easy removal. It can take some time to get used to insertion and removal. We’re here to help every step of the way! Check out this video for step by step instructions.
Myth Five - You Can’t Sleep While Wearing a Menstrual Cup
Yes, you can sleep with a menstrual cup in. In fact, compared to bulky pads or tampons, which should never be worn for more than 8 hours, many DivaCup users prefer it because the DivaCup provides up to 12 hours of leak-free protection. For those with an average flow, most find the cup isn’t even half full after 12 hours of wear. So, you can rest easy knowing your protected, clean, and comfortable when you are sleeping.
Myth Six - You Can’t Use a Menstrual Cup if You Have an IUD
We know of many customers that use the DivaCup simultaneously with an IUD. Some doctors recommend waiting 3-6 months before using the DivaCup after the IUD has been inserted. Our User Guide’s removal instructions do advise customers to always ensure the seal of the DivaCup is released prior to ensure easy removal. Not breaking the seal will make removal difficult, and in the case of an IUD, there is the small risk it may dislodge.?
We recommend following the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider because everyone’s situation is different. For some helpful information, check out our blog post about IUDs and the DivaCup.
Myth Seven - Someone With a Heavy Period Can’t Use a Menstrual Cup
The DivaCup is a great option for heavy flow as it holds much more flow compared to tampons and pads. However, some people with heavy flow may need to empty the cup more often? The first time you use the cup we’d recommend removing the cup at 6-8 hours to measure fullness. Using the DivaCup offers insight that you will not get from using tampons or pads. You may find you’ll learn more about your cycle – like at which point it is heaviest, which activities may increase/decrease your flow, etc.?An overflowing cup means that you’ll need to empty it more often during that point in your cycle, not necessarily that you need the larger size (Model 2 is only 1/8″ wider in rim diameter)?
Myth Eight - You Can’t Exercise While Wearing a Menstrual Cup
A menstrual cup is a great option for the active lifestyle! With the DivaCup you don’t have to worry about where to tuck that tampon string when swimming or if your tampon or pad can handle the various angles of your body movement during a yoga pose. As the DivaCup seals in place, it should not leak or slide down like a tampon during your exercise routine. Our Diva Diaries blog series feature many testimonials from athletes using the DivaCup.
Myth Nine - You Can’t Swim While Wearing a Menstrual Cup
Yes, you can absolutely swim using a menstrual cup! Unlike tampons that can absorb water through the string while swimming, the DivaCup gives you superior leak-free protection and maximum comfort. As well, chlorinated or salt water should not affect the silicone of the cup while swimming.
Myth Ten - Menstrual Cups are Painful/Uncomfortable
The DivaCup is made of 100% medical grade silicone, it works wonders and is a comfortable alternative to disposables. Pain or discomfort should not be part of your DivaCup experience. When positioned correctly, low at the base of the vaginal canal and fully open, the DivaCup should not move out of place and the stem (sitting at the vaginal opening) should allow for easy removal. Some users find trimming the stem can resolve discomfort. However, If you do experience discomfort, we recommend following up with your healthcare provider.
Similar to trying anything new, many people may experience a learning curve when using a menstrual cup for the first time. We recommend those who are new to menstrual cups to be kind to yourself and to be patient. For some people, it can take up to three months to find the best fit and comfort with the cup and is very common.
Learn more:
Connecting with our Consumer Experience Team will give you the best insight to find success with the DivaCup and not get confused about menstrual cup myths. This first-time users blog post may also offer some helpful tips for success.
Additionally, we recently launched a new Facebook group! The DivaCup Crew on Facebook is the place for discussing absolutely everything about the DivaCup and periods. Let rip, share, and learn in this private group for DivaCup converts!
