Monday, April 28, 2014

Diva Cup: Toxic Free Alternative to Tampons and Pads Review and Giveaway

We received this product free from The DivaCup to facilitate this review and an opportunity to give one away for free as well.

I have been very curious lately and have been searching for a better product to use with my menstrual flow. I have learned that pads or tampons that you can buy at the store don't have the ingredients labeled on them. Because they are considered to be a "medical device", by law they are not required to give you full (or any) disclosure of the ingredients in their products. Most of them have potentially harmful ingredients in their products. I do not want these potentially harmful chemicals inside of me or close to my skin.

The DivaCup is a reusable menstrual cup that is simply made of soft, natural un-pigmented silicone. There is nothing bad that leaches out of the silicone when it is worn. When inserted correctly, The DivaCup should sit low at the base of the canal, away from the cervix with the point down. For more information please visit their Tips for Success. DivaCup's unique bell-shape catches the menstrual flow. The DivaCup is great for women of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles. From the young woman just starting her period to the well seasoned woman, the DivaCup is the perfect alternative to mainstream pads and tampons.

A few things to keep in mind about The DivaCup:
  • The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time since it conveniently holds one full ounce or 30 ml of menstrual flow (the average woman only flows approximately 1 to 1.4 ounces or 30-40 ml per cycle) and needs only to be cleaned 2-3 times a day with warm water and the DivaWash or a mild, unscented, oil-free soap.
  • Since The DivaCup is a personal hygienic product, a general guideline is to replace it once a year, but ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide when it is necessary to replace the cup.
  • There are two sizes that you can choose from, Model 1 and Model 2. Model 1 [1/8″ (~0.3 cm) smaller than Model 2] is recommended for women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by caesarean section. Model 2 is recommended for women over 30 years old and/or for women who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean section. The cup size is stamped inside the rim. Please refer to the sizing guidelines to find the right DivaCup size!


April was the first menses I got to use my new DivaCup, since it arrived after my menstrual cycle in March. Even though I am petite I picked out Model 2 because the sizing chart on the DivaCup website clearly showed me that it was the correct choice. I had a bit of trouble at first learning the proper way of inserting it, but I think I finally got the hang of it now. Not trying to be graphic, but my period sometimes gushes and I have had problems with pads not fitting the contour of my panty and leaking over the sides, even with wings. I have never cared for tampons, because of toxic shock syndrome. I did find that the DivaCup leaked a little, but the majority of my flow went into the DivaCup like magic. I will probably need to get/make some organic: 100% cotton or hemp/cotton blend cloth pads/liners to catch the small amount of leakage left. I also found that while using the DivaCup my flow wasn't fowl smelling. It was actually very interesting to see that the DivaCup holds quite a lot. In dumping it out and cleaning it I learned how much flow my body was really producing during my menses. I love how it is reusable. No more pad or tampon waste for the Earth to take. Great for Earth Day and Mothers Day! I love that it is also saving me money.


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BUY IT
The DivaCup is a great gift for any woman wanting to have a toxic-free menstruation. The DivaCup pays for itself in just a few months since it is a reusable product. The Suggested Retail Price of one DivaCup is USD/CAD$39.99. This reflects a savings of $100-150 a year when compared to purchasing disposables. The DivaCup can be found in store and online in 23 countries around the world. Their Store Finder and trusted e tailer web page can help you purchase The DivaCup.

WIN IT
Prize: A DivaCup, winner's choice in size.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product free to facilitate this review and post. Many thanks to The Diva Cup for providing this prize for the giveaway for free as well. Winners are picked randomly on rafflecopter. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation or altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review and giveaway. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

I didn't know it could be worn for up to 12 hours!


Entered the rafflecopter form as "Wild Orchid"

Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

Mom Knows Best said...

This would take some getting use to for me. It is great for frugal people like me.

Unknown said...

I learned that it is reusable; that will save money.

Tasha said...

I learned that Because they are considered to be a "medical device", by law feminine care companies are not required to disclose any of the ingredients in their products. I didn't know they have potentially harmful ingredients in their products. :(

Anonymous said...

I learned that it can make the dreaded month a little less dreadful (and expensive after some getting used to).

Unknown said...

I actually have a Lunette - way nicer than disposable products! I'd love to try the Diva Cup, I know a lot of people who love it.

Megan said...

So cool that it can be worn up to 12 hours at a time! Can't get away with that with a tampon! YAY!!