Why does my diva cup smell? (2023)

Why does my diva cup smell?

Your menstrual cup may produce a sour smell because it's interacting with this healthy bacteria in the vagina. But it's also possible that it's dirty and needs a proper cleaning. What should you do? Give it a rinse, sterilize it, or try one of the alternative cleaning methods mentioned above.

Is it normal for my Diva Cup to smell?

Yes! It's completely normal for a menstrual cup to develop an odor with regular use. This odor may be completely different from the smell associated with your menstrual flow. Some people have described the smell as similar to eggs, broccoli, or sulfur.

How can I make my Diva Cup smell better?

Leave the cup to soak for a few hours in a solution with equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide, and then sterilize it again with bottled water. When the cup is slightly damp, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on your hands and scrub the cup. This will get rid of the bad-smelling film which has appeared around the cup.

Why does my Diva Cup leak no matter what?

The number one reason why your cup might be leaking is because it hasn't completely unfolded. When your cup is inserted, it should “pop open” so that it suctions to the walls of your inner genitals. If the cup doesn't fully expand, there will be a crease that causes it to leak.

Why do I feel the need to pee constantly from my Diva Cup?

When a menstrual cup is sitting inside your vaginal canal to collect your period flow, it can sometimes feel like the menstrual cup is pushing down on your bladder. This pressure can make you feel like you need to pee all the time! If you feel like your menstrual cup is hurting your bladder, then remove it immediately.

How often should you boil your menstrual cup?

To sterilize your menstrual cup you need to boil it for 2-3 minutes before your first use and before (or after) your period each month. You should clean your cup by rinsing and wiping it dry each time you empty it.

How often should you sanitize your DivaCup?

You typically need to clean your menstrual cup every 12 hours. However, it's advisable to clean it more often. Try to clean your cup every 4 – 8 hours while on your period, especially if you have a heavy flow. Once your period is over, sterilise the cup to prepare it to be used again the following month.

Can I just rinse my DivaCup?

You can rinse your cup at home in the sink using hot water and fragrance-free soap (it's also okay to use cold water) If you're not going to insert your menstrual cup again, you can dry it with a micro-fibre towel, or leave it on a safe and clean surface to air dry.

Do I have to boil my menstrual cup every time?

Do you have to boil your cup? No, but if you prefer that your cup be fully sanitized before or after each cycle you can safely do so. In fact, it is recommended by most brands. You can boil your period cup in a pot on the stove, or in a specialty container in the microwave (be sure to allow it to cool before opening!)

What are the do's and don ts of DivaCup?

Don't use lubricants to insert the cup. Don't wash it with vinegar, oils, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or soda because these will damage the silicone. For the same reason, don't put the product in the dishwasher. After your period ends, wash the cup as usual or boil it for 5–10 minutes.

Why does my DivaCup leak when half full?

The most probable cause of leaking is that your menstrual cup isn't inserted correctly. Remember the DivaCup is designed to be worn horizontally, toward the tailbone, at the base of the vaginal canal. The best way to try insertion is to relax your muscles and then aim the cup toward your tailbone.

What do gynecologists say about menstrual cups?

It doesn't react with the blood or tissues of the body. Therefore, it is very unlikely to cause infection or any other potential harm. The menstrual blood collected inside the cup doesn't get oxidised as it doesn't come in touch with air. Thus, it reduces any risk of infection.

Why is there clear liquid on top of my blood in my DivaCup?

You may notice a water-like clear fluid leaking out of your menstrual cup. It's usually discharge caused by hormonal changes. Oestrogen often stimulates the production of more menstrual fluids within the body. However, if the fluid has an abnormal smell or consistency, it might be a sign of an infection.

How do menstrual cups empty themselves when you pee?

My menstrual disc empties itself

Discs can auto empty, and while that prospect sounds horrifying, 99% of the time this happens only when you go to the loo. This is because your muscles release slightly and allow the disc to empty while urinating. As your muscles contract, your disc will move back into place.

Can feel my menstrual cup when I walk?

If your menstrual cup is positioned correctly, you shouldn't be able to feel it when you walk. If you can feel the cup when you walk or move around, it might be positioned at the wrong angle. Try to remove and reinsert it.

Can the DivaCup cause a UTI?

Can menstrual cups cause a UTI? No, menstrual cups themselves do not cause UTIs. However, it is possible for bacteria that causes UTIs to be present on your fingers when inserting your menstrual cup, which may result in a UTI. Always make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before inserting your cup!

What happens if you don't boil your DivaCup?

Your cup can still be sanitized even if you don't boil it. Steaming and sterilizing tablets are an alternative to boiling and work just as well. Sterilizing tablets are usually used for baby bottles and you simply follow the manufacturer's instructions to soak the cup for the appropriate amount of time.

Can I microwave my menstrual cup?

Yes. After a menstrual cup is rinsed off, it can be put into the microwave for some deep cleaning: 1) Place the cup into a microwave-safe container. 2) Make sure that the cup is completely submerged.

How do I deep clean my DivaCup?

When you clean the cup after every use, rinse it with a shot of cold water first. Hot water can lock in smells. Then, take an unused toothbrush to scrub the cup thoroughly. Finally, make sure you're sanitizing your cup after each period.

How often should my menstrual cup be full?

Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day. Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can last for 6 months to 10 years with proper care. Throw away disposable cups after removal.

What soap to use to clean menstrual cup?

Most Hand soaps are fine to use on menstrual cups; you can also use castile soap. Any mild, unscented and oil- and dye-free soap will do the trick, but keep in mind many hand soaps may contain harsh antibacterial ingredients and fragrance.

How many ounces of blood do you lose on your period?

Although it can feel like a lot more at times, the total amount of blood lost during one period is usually about 60 milliliters (around 2.7 ounces). That's about one-and-a-half shot glasses full. At that rate of bleeding, it takes about four hours for a regular tampon or pad to become fully soaked.

Am I too fat to put my DivaCup in?

Now, the “Big” Questions: The size of your body will not affect what size menstrual cup you need. The kind of sex you have will also not affect what size menstrual cup you need. A claim that I have heard countless times (usually from cis men) is that fat cis women have loose or looser vaginas.

Do you bleed less with a DivaCup?

Though many who are cup-curious feel they have a heavy period most say they soon learned they don't bleed as much as their tampons or pads may have implied. Part of this is because of the way that tampons and pads soak up blood (think spilled milk).

How far up should a menstrual cup go?

How far up should a menstrual cup be? A menstrual cup should sit lower than a tampon, right below the cervix. If you place a menstrual cup too high, it may shift in the wider area below the cervix known as the vaginal fornix.

How do I know if my menstrual cup is sealed?

To make sure your cup has fully opened, run your finger around the cup's body to check for any folded edges or bulges. If you pull on the cup and it doesn't move – your seal has formed and you're good to go!

Why does my menstrual cup feel like its falling out?

YOU'VE INSERTED IT TOO HIGH / TOO LOW

You can try pushing the cup down slightly once inserted by pushing down on your pelvic floor muscles a little, or, when inserting in the first instance, sit in a squatting position - this helps to shorten the vaginal canal.

What happens if menstrual cup gets full?

"If the cup is very full and you have leakage, you probably just need to remove and empty the cup more often." "It may take a couple of periods to get it right. You can wear a pad as a backup while you're learning to correctly place the cup," she suggests.

What happens if you leave a menstrual cup in for more than 12 hours?

Wearing a menstrual cup for longer than 12 hours can increases chances of infection. Although in comparison to other period products, these chances are still quite low. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a risk often associated with tampons.

Is my menstrual cup touching my cervix?

Menstrual cups do NOT suction directly to the cervix, and here's why…. Tampons are designed to be worn up against the cervix, where they absorb the blood and expand until they need to be changed. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are designed to sit much lower down in the vaginal canal – just past the pubic bone.

What is the brown stuff in my DivaCup?

It's totally normal and it's ok! As long as you're cleaning and sanitising your menstrual cup as per the recommendations, stains or discolouration don't mean your menstrual cup is unclean. It's simply a reaction that occurs when the silicone cup comes in contact with menstrual blood for an extended period of time.

How much period blood is too much DivaCup?

60 ml is considered a heavy flow and if you are +80 ml, you are advised to see a doctor. I went to see a doctor, because I honestly started worrying: I empty at least four full Ruby Cups during my period!

How much blood is too much for DivaCup?

If you note 80mL or more blood with your menstrual cup for one entire cycle, your flow is heavy.

Will my boyfriend feel the flex disc?

With proper insertion, neither you nor your partner should be able to feel your menstrual disc during sex. This includes Flex Disc, Flex Plant+ Disc, and Flex Reusable Disc.

Can you wear a menstrual cup when not on period?

Use Only During Menstruation

The cup is designed to be used during menstruation, meaning a key element of success is menstrual flow. If you inserted your cup when you're not menstruating, the vaginal canal will be less lubricated and the cup will not glide in as easily.

Why does my menstrual disc leak when I sneeze?

Because the disc does not create a seal, some find that certain movements such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or bearing down in any way, may dislodge the disc and allow menstrual fluid to leak or gush out.

Why does my menstrual cup move when I cough?

Usually at night, it's fine, but while up and about during the day, cough and sneezing fits can cause the cup to shift and move down.

Why does my menstrual cup move when I sleep?

The vaginal muscles are what hold the DivaCup in place. Sometimes during sleep the muscles relax a bit more than when you are awake, which may loosen the positioning of your menstrual cup, causing it to slightly move. To help bring it back down, simply take a deep breath and relax your pelvic floor muscles.

Can you get BV from DivaCup?

Is bacterial vaginosis associated with menstrual cups? If using and cleaning your menstrual cup as directed, it won't cause you to develop bacterial vaginosis. This study by The Lancet notes zero reported cases of vaginal flora upsets after using menstrual cups.

Are Diva cups healthier than tampons?

Tampons are associated with a higher risk of TSS, while the risk is much lower with menstrual cups. Tampons may contain substances that can harm your vaginal flora. Menstrual cups are made using medical-grade silicone, which is gentle with your body. Menstrual cups can be used for longer periods of time than tampons.

Can DivaCup damage cervix?

Even though there have been rumors about it, there is currently no known evidence of menstrual cups damaging your cervix. If your cup is the right size and in the right place, there should be no issues of pain or problems with your cup getting stuck to your cervix.

Do I need to wash my DivaCup every time I take it out?

When you clean the cup after every use, rinse it with a shot of cold water first. Hot water can lock in smells. Then, take an unused toothbrush to scrub the cup thoroughly. Finally, make sure you're sanitizing your cup after each period.

Why do my cups smell bad?

Residues from your sponge stay in the glass after washing and rinsing and drying. After some time, this causes the glasses to smell because bacteria hides in that cloudy look that the glasses have so far developed.

What's the longest you can leave a DivaCup in?

Since both the DivaCup and Diva Disc are internal medical devices, there are regulations around their safe use. We do not recommend wearing your DivaCup or Diva Disc for longer than 12 hours at a time.

Why can I smell my period before it comes?

A person might notice a smell that is similar to body odor during their period. This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. Apocrine sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin to produce body odor. The glands release this type of sweat during periods of stress or anxiety.

Why do I smell bad even though I have good hygiene?

Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.

What should menstrual blood smell like?

“Healthy” periods can have a slight smell of blood. This may be a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria.

How do you sanitize a DivaCup without boiling it?

Hydrogen peroxide (1%): You can find this in most drug stores or pharmacies. Use one part 1% hydrogen peroxide and one part water. Submerge your cup and let it soak for 24 hours. Give it a good, thorough wash to remove all of the hydrogen peroxide residues before using it or storing it.

Should I boil my DivaCup between uses?

This is often the question. While boiling the DivaCup can help with discoloration and give your cup a more thorough clean, it is not a required cleaning step. Note: the DivaCup will naturally discolor over time, but this will not impair its functionality. Boiling the cup is really a personal choice.

Can I put my menstrual cup in hot water instead of boiling?

Cleaning a menstrual cup during periods is simple: just rinse thoroughly with clean water every time you remove and empty it. You don't need to boil your cup or use hot water during your period.

Why do my cups smell fishy?

A fishy smell can be caused by some elements like Barium or Cadmium metals. Chloramine is a compound of chlorine and ammonia used to disinfect public water sources. Unfortunately, it can cause an unwanted fishy odor in your water.

Why does my mug smell weird?

Most coffee mugs, except Klean Kanteen Bottles, retain the smell of coffee. It's especially true for plastic coffee cups because the material is more porous than stainless steel. But even stainless steel coffee mugs will sometimes begin to smell after awhile because the gaskets and plastic parts can absorb odors.

Can I boil my menstrual cup with vinegar?

In case of smell, you might want to try boiling your cup for 20 minutes every time BEFORE and AFTER every cycle, rather than 5 to 10 minutes. You can also soak your cup in a 50-50 solution of water and clear vinegar for an hour. Remember to thoroughly clean your cup and then boil it to remove any residue!