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A Sustainable Alternative: The Diva Cup
Five years ago, I bought a diva cup — before they became popular enough to find in pharmacy aisles.
I still use that same menstrual cup to this very day.
What is a diva/menstrual cup, you ask?
When I first heard the term, images of gold-encrusted pink chalices with the word “DIVA” carved out in Beyoncè-style lettering danced in my head.
Not exactly. A diva or menstrual cup is a small silicone or latex rubber cup that a menstruating person inserts into the vagina to collect blood. The cup is reusable and may be left inside the vagina for up to 12 hours! Like period panties, cups are a more sustainable-budget-friendly way to period.
When I purchased my cup from Mooncup five years ago, there weren’t many options; in fact, there were two: One for people who had previously given birth and one for those who had not. There are now numerous companies to choose from and several sizes to match the length of your cervix.
What is it like to use a menstrual cup?
It’s kind of like the first time you consensually put anything new in your vagina.
Oh, this feels weird. Huh. Okay. Not bad. Oh, wow! This is amazing!