Hi Ladies!
Things in the world are changing, and we are all looking towards making better choices when it comes to the environment. That’s why a menstrual cup is such a great option over a sanitary pad or tampon, as you can use it over and over again!
Menstrual cups have really become popular over the years, but which one to choose? We look at two very popular choices, the Flex and the Diva Menstrual Cups.
The Flex Menstrual Cup
Cost
The Flex Cup came out originally as the Keela Cup, and was the first menstrual cup that had a ‘pull-string’. The Flex Cup today has a very convenient pull tab (the only one of its kind to have one) which makes menstrual cup removal a breeze! It’s made in the USA, is FDA registered, and can be located in Target, CVS, and H-E-B stores and online for $32.99 (at the time of this article).
Sizes
The Flex Cup comes in two sizes – “slim fit” and “full fit”. The “slim fit” is smaller of course, and perfect for beginners. It is bell shaped with a standard rim. It offers a pull tab, and can easily be slid in and out of the vagina.
These cups aren’t, in general, really considered the correct choice for ladies with a very low cervix, however, they are shorter other average-sized small and large cups. Ladies who have a medium to low cervix may still find them short enough to fit perfectly. However, ladies who have a very high cervix may find it quite difficult to reach if the cup settles too high into the vaginal fornix (space around the cervix).
Firmness
The Flex Cup is of medium firmness. The small size “slim fit” is a little bit firmer than larger “full fit”.
Colors
The Flex Cup is only available in black at the time of this article.
*It is made with color pigments that are FDA compliant.
Click the button below to find additional info on the Flex Cup, and where you can find it online!
The Diva Menstrual Cup
Cost
The origins of the Diva Menstrual Cup reside in Canada. It’s been on the market since 2001, and is a very well-known FDA registered brand. This popular cup is available at drug stores, specialty health stores, and online. Its cost is between $35 and $40.
Sizes
The Diva Cup is special in the fact that it comes in 3 different sizes. There is Model 0, Model 1, and Model 2. Their smallest size, Model 0 is well known as their “teen” cup because it is so narrow. Although it’s known this way, it’s also the perfect cup for first time users, and ladies who often feel a lot of pressure on the bowels and bladder. This is due to its narrower diameter which is smaller than Model 1 by 1/8th of an inch.
Model 1’s diameter is typical of other average small-sized cups, and Model 2’s diameter is typical of other large-sized cups.
Firmness
The Diva Cup has a medium firmness with a soft silicone rim. It becomes more flexible with body heat.
It’s perfect for you if you like “V”-shaped cups. All the models are of the same length, which is quite long compared to other cups out there. It’s perfect for teens and women who have a medium to high cervix. Its length and tapered base make it really comfortable, and easier to reach.
Colors
This cup only comes in a standard opaque white. It has no color pigments, making it very safe to use.
Click the button below to find additional info on the Diva Cup, and where you can find it online!
How to Decide Which Menstrual Cup is the Best Choice!
Even though there’s a whole range of menstrual cups available, there are different factors which affect the final decision of which menstrual cup is best for you and your vagina. These are some of those factors:
1. Cervix Height
So which cup is the best fit for your cervix height? Let’s take a look:
In order to know which is the best menstrual cup for you, you need to know the true measurement and height of your cervix.
When it comes to cervix height, keep in mind that the cup must sit comfortably inside your vagina, and it must be easy to reach when you need to take it out.
Now that you know how important cervix height is in the choice of menstrual cups, let’s compare both menstrual cups and see which one is the perfect one for your specific cervix height:
- The Flex Cup is bell-shaped. Bell-shaped cups are typically shorter than “V”-shaped cups and often feature a rounded base. Individuals with a medium to low cervix will find this shape more comfortable. Ladies with a high cervix may find this cup to be difficult to reach when it needs to be removed, but the Flex Cup does have a pull tab which makes it easier to reach and pull out.
- The Diva Cup is “V”-shaped with a soft rim. The extra length makes it possible for those with a high cervix to reach it more easily. Those with a low cervix may find this cup a bit uncomfortable as it is so long, and may not even be able to insert the cup completely.
2. Bladder & Bowel Sensitivity
If you’ve ever had bladder and/or bowel sensitivity with any sort of penetration of the vagina, your vagina will be more comfortable with the softer of the two cups that are being compared. When it comes to the Flex Cup, the best thing to do is choose the small Flex Cup (the “slim fit”) if you feel that the larger one (the “full fit”) is too wide and may cause pressure issues. Otherwise the Diva Cup Model 0 or 1 is a good choice.
3. Physical Activity
In most cases, when you perform very strenuous activities and do hard workouts such as aerobics and dancing, or even play tennis, you want a firm cup that will prevent leaks. Both these cups are of medium firmness so a firmer cup, such as the Lunette Cup will prove to be more effective, if you have a very active lifestyle.
4. Cup Capacity
Neither of these menstrual cups are considered high capacity. However, the “full fit” Flex Cup holds the most at a capacity of 35 ml to the top of the rim, while the Diva Cup holds 30 ml. If you’re someone that has an extremely heavy flow, you’ll want to consider a high capacity cup, such as the Venus Cup, which amazingly holds up to 47 ml!
5. More to Consider
Other things that may factor in your ultimate decision with regards to cup choice may be price and accessibility. Perhaps you have decided which cup is best for you, but find that it is too expensive, or not easily available where you are situated in the world. Here is the information around price and accessibility with regards to these cups:
- The Flex Cup currently costs $32.99, while the Diva Cup costs between $34.99 and $39.99.
- Both Cups can be found online and in certain stores spread across the world. In fact, the Diva Cup is available in over 22 countries. The Flex Cup is available at Target, CVS, and H-E-B stores in the United States, as well as online.
Review Videos
Other Menstrual Cup Options
Before making up your mind, you should take a look at other menstrual cup options, as well as cups that are similar to both the Flex and the Diva Cups.
Other menstrual cups similar to the Diva Menstrual Cup are:
- Venus Cup – The Venus Menstrual Cup is equal in length to the Diva Cup; however, it is softer in comparison. The Venus Cup holds 17 ml more menstrual fluid than the Diva Cup (and 12 ml more than the large Flex Cup). It is the best choice for those who experience a heavy flow!
- Casco Cup – The Casco Menstrual Cup is very similar in shape and size to models 1 & 2 of the Diva Cup. It is, however, softer and may be more comfortable for those with a sensitive bladder or bowel.
Other menstrual cups similar to the Flex Menstrual Cup:
- Ruby Cup – The Ruby Cup comes in 2 sizes, small and medium. Both are shorter than most cups on the market, and are perfect for those with a medium to low cervix. The Ruby Cup is similar to the firmness and length of the Flex Cup; however, it does not have the convenient pull tab, which makes the Flex Cup so easy to remove.
- LaliCup – The LaliCup is similar in length to the Flex Cup but what’s great about it is the fact that it offers cup capacities of 36 ml and 40 ml for the medium and large sizes respectively, which is more than the Flex Cup has on offer.
Conclusion
Well ladies, after comparing these cups, I’m sure you have a better idea which cup is going to be the better choice for you and your body. Whether you opt for the Flex Cup, the Diva Cup, or any other menstrual cup, it all starts with the measuring of your cervix!
After doing that, you can say goodbye to tampons and sanitary pads forever! You will really be contributing positively towards the environment and will have a wonderful product that will take care of your menstrual flow easily and significantly!
FAQ
Which menstrual cup is best for beginners?
If you are just starting out with menstrual cups, the best choice between the Flex Cup and the Diva Cup would be the “slim fit” Flex Cup or the Diva Cup Model 0. Alternatively, a great choice would be a starter kit that offers different sizes you can try out such as the Venus Menstrual Cup Starter Kit.
Does the Flex Cup leak?
You need to make sure that that your Flex Cup is inserted correctly. Check that the cup is fully open by running your finger along the cup’s bottom. If you notice any pleats or indentations, it indicates that it isn’t fully open, and will cause a gap that will create potential leaks. Always insert the cup carefully.
Can you get an infection from a menstrual cup?
Getting an infection from a menstrual cup is rare. If you happen to get one, it is most likely caused by bacteria on your hands which is then transferred to your cup. Any form of bacteria can be reduced by making sure your hands are washed properly, with warm water and soap that has antibacterial properties, before touching the cup.
Can a guy feel a menstrual cup?
If you’re going to get intimate with a guy, it’s best to use a softer cup such as the Saalt Soft Cup with the stem removed. You and your guy need to know that any form of intimacy from behind will be felt more greatly than from any other position. Your vagina will lengthen when you are turned on, making more space for the penis, and will therefore be more comfortable.
Can you sleep with a Diva Cup?
The answer here is yes! It’s great to know that you can sleep with a menstrual cup instead of a bulky sanitary pad or tampon. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, so just place your Flex, Diva, or any other menstrual cup of your liking, inside before going to sleep. Always make sure your cup is fully rinsed and clean before going to sleep with it.
Related Comparisons:
- Diva Cup vs. Lena Menstrual Cup Comparison
- Diva Cup vs. Lunette Menstrual Cup Comparison
- Diva Cup vs. Saalt Menstrual Cup Comparison
Red Herring has been sharing her experience and knowledge of menstrual cups on YouTube since 2015. She has worked on or with several menstrual cup companies but chooses not to be credited.
"I want to help people find the right menstrualcup for their situation.Not pressure them to buy a menstrual cup [that I might have helped with] for the sake of sales."
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