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Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: Overview
The LENA Cup and the Diva Cup are two top-quality menstrual cups that are both manufactured in North America. The Diva Cup is from Canada while the Lena Cup is American made (California).
They are two of the best menstrual cups in the world, and you really couldn’t go wrong with buying either of them. They’re an eco-friendly, affordable feminine hygiene option that we hope more people will try out.
10 years ago, the Diva Cup dominated the menstrual cup world, and today, they’re still the most popular brand worldwide. They’re so popular that many people associate the name “Diva Cup” with “menstrual cup.”
Diva Cup Since 2001
The Diva Cup has been around since 2001 and is the most popular menstrual cup in the world. If you’re going to find just one menstrual cup available in a store, it’ll probably be the Diva Cup.
It’s an excellent period cup, and it’s often the first one that people buy. It’s so good, that many people end up sticking with it for the rest of their lives.
Lena Cup: A Newcomer to the Scene
The Lena Cup is a relative newcomer to the menstrual cup world and has only been around a few years. Except that it’s taken the menstrual cup world by storm because it’s such a great cup and offered at a very reasonable price.
We predict that this will be the one dominating the market in just a few years time, unless the older, established companies lower their prices.
The company’s mission is to put a top-quality menstrual cup in the hands of as many people as possible for a reasonable price. They’ve done that extremely well. We also love how many great reviews they have online. People that try the Lena Cup really seem to love it.
We also LOVE how there are two firmness options for the Lena Cup: regular, and sensitive. If you find something like the Diva Cup too stiff for you, try out the Lena sensitive and you’ll probably find that it works.
Here at Reusable Menstrual Cups, we love having more affordably priced, yet still high-quality cups to recommend!
Lena Cup vs. Diva Cup Pricing
In terms of price, the Lena Cup is a little bit cheaper on Amazon. The Diva Cup usually comes in a bit more expensive. The manufacturers of the Lena Cup want to put a top-quality, affordable menstrual cup in the hands of every person who wants one.
While the Diva Cup company doesn’t have this explicit goal, it’s in fact what they’re been doing for years.
Considering that a menstrual cup can last for up to 10 years with proper care and cleaning, a few extra bucks isn’t a big deal, if it means getting the cup that’s right for you.
Let’s sum this up! Paying a few more, or less dollars for the right cup isn’t such a big deal because you’ll save so much money when compared to tampons. It’s more important to just get the right one for your body type.
Ratings for the Lena Cup and Diva Cup
There are plenty of satisfied customers with both of these popular period cups and very few specific complaints with either of them.
Over on Amazon, both the Lena and the Diva Cup have thousands of 4-5 star reviews, and a very good overall rating.
The unhappy people seem not like menstrual cups in general; their negative review doesn’t have anything to do with problems with these specific cups.
This perhaps partly explains the Diva Cup having a slightly lower rating. It’s the first cup that most people try, while the Lena Cup has more experienced cup users who buy it for the second, or third one.
Diva Cup and Lena Cup: Registered with the FDA
Both of these excellent period cups are registered with the FDA and are made from the highest quality medical grade silicone. You really couldn’t go wrong with buying either of them in terms of design, safety and ease of use.
The Diva Cup is made in Canada, while the Lena Cup is from the USA. North American menstrual cups have a reputation for being among the best that you can buy, and these two are no exception to that.
These two menstrual cups flip flop back and forth between our top and second top rated cup, depending on the author’s mood! We love both of them and personally use them interchangeably.
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: Design
In terms of design, the Diva Cup and the Lena Cup are quite similar. They are both bell-shaped cylinders that have a long stem on them. The Diva Cup has a little bit longer bell, while the Lena Cup is a bit more stout and rounded at the bottom.
These sanitary cups are designed to sit low in the vaginal canal, unlike something like the Ziggy Cup which sits right below the cervix.
Both these period cups are similar in size, although the Lena Cup is a bit smaller, for both the small and large sizes.
Lena Cup vs Diva Cup Capacity
In terms of design, these two popular period cups are almost identical. One slight difference is in the small size of the Lena Cup which has a capacity of 25 ml vs the 30 ml of the Diva Cup.
If you have a very heavy period, you may want to opt for the Diva Cup over the Lena Cup. But, you might do even better by considering one of these high-capacity menstrual cups instead.
Check out this Menstrual Cup Capacity Comparison Chart for more details:
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup Shape
The shape of the cups is slightly different as well. If you compare the two products side by side, you’ll see that the Diva Cup is more of a cone. The LENA cup has a bit more of a bell-shape to it. Both of these designs can work well.
In our experience, if you find that the Diva Cup leaks, you can try out the Lena Cup and perhaps have better results (or vice-versa). It’s sometimes not useful to try out something so so similar.
For example, if the Diva Cup doesn’t work for you, don’t try the MoonCup next because they are almost identical to each other.
It’s the same with the Lena Cup. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t try something like the Sckooncup, which is very similar in terms of design.
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup Color
Another small difference is color: the Diva Cup is white, which can start to look dingy after months of use, while the Lena Cup is pink and can look quite new even after a year or two.
The Diva Cup company does this on purpose. They say that their cup is more stable, and lasts longer because of this.
This disadvantage can be overcome by cleaning your Diva Cup regularly. You can also use something like the Diva Wash, which should help prevent serious staining.
But, in reality a little staining or discolouration doesn’t really matter. After all, it’s something you’re putting into your vaginal canal! You’re not displaying it to the world.
Staining in no way impacts the effectiveness of the cup, nor does it indicate that the cup is degrading and needs to be replaced.
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: Comparison Chart
Lena vs Diva Cup: Which One is Best for Beginners
You’re new to menstrual cups and you’re trying to decide between the Lena Cup and the Diva Cup. Which one is right for you?
In reality, both of them (Diva Cup + regular Lena Cup) are great beginner menstrual cups. They both have a nice firmness to them and most people will find that they’re reasonably easy to insert and get them to open.
Over on Amazon, there are thousands of happy customers with both of these products. Many of them are first-time menstrual cup users.
Another Diva Cup vs. Lena Cup Comparison
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: Which one to Choose?
Both these menstrual cups are an excellent choice for your first cup. They are top-quality products, from reputable companies and you can get them at a reasonable price.
Stiffness: Lena Cup vs Diva Cup
The Diva Cup is considered to have an “average” stiffness. This means that it should pop open reasonably well once you put it into your vaginal canal. However, it’s not so firm that it will press strongly against your vaginal canal walls. A very firm cup can cause cramping for some people.
There are two models of Lena Cup: Regular, and Sensitive. The regular one is considered to be a firmer menstrual cup, while the sensitive is one of the softer ones. We love that Lena has come out with two options, one firmer, and one softer than average. It’s a nice alternative to the majority of menstrual cups which kind of fall in the middle.
A very firm cup will be extremely easy to insert. However, it can sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable because it pushes so strongly against your vaginal canal. The soft Lena Cup can feel very comfortable, but be slightly harder to insert.
The choice really is up to you. For more details, check out this Menstrual Cup Firmness Comparison Chart:
Price: Diva Cup vs Lena Cup
Another reason to go with the Lena Cup over the Diva Cup is the price. If you have a look on Amazon, you’ll see that the Lena Cup is usually a few dollars cheaper than the Diva Cup.
Because it’s such an excellent cup, there’s no reason to spend more money if you don’t have to! We LOVE that have some of these newer menstrual cup companies are offering their cups at a bit of a cheaper price compared to the Diva Cup, MoonCup, or Lunette.
The Slight Edge Goes to the Lena Cup over the Diva Cup
Considering these factors, it looks like
Plus, you can save a bit of money. Who doesn’t want to have a few extra dollars in their wallet at the end of the month?
The other thing that we love is the different firmness options. If you’re a beginner to menstrual cups, you may want to try out the regular one. Firmer cups are easier to insert because they’ll usually just pop open when you put them inside of you.
If you’re an experience sanitary cup user, and are looking for your next menstrual cup, you may want to try out the Lena sensitive. This is particularly true if a firmer cup has caused pain or cramping.
Where to Buy a Menstrual Cup
Lena vs Diva Cup: Are they Comfortable?
If you’re new to menstrual cups, you probably want to know whether or not the Lena Cup or the Diva Cup are comfortable to wear.
In general, most people can’t feel either of these cups when they’re inserted. It’s similar to tampons, in that once they’re in, you don’t even notice that they’re there.
However, a small percentage of people may experience cramps from a menstrual cup. This is because some of the stiffer ones (The Diva Cup, or the Lena Cup Regular) can push quite strongly against the vaginal canal walls.
This can cause some discomfort for some people. A stiff cup can also push quite strongly on your urethra, which can be painful for a small proportion of people.
The solution to an uncomfortable menstrual cup? It’s usually to get a smaller, softer one. Check out the Lena Sensitive, Small and it’ll probably work well for you.
The Diva Cup is for You?
“The Diva Cup is one of the best things I’ve ever bought. Just like tampons, it takes a while to get used to it. However, it’s kind of a game-changer for your period. Don’t forget that you can trim the tail of the cup if it’s a bit too long for you.”
The best place to buy a menstrual cup is on Amazon. There is a huge range of choices and you can get the exact menstrual cup you want, instead of just choosing from the one or two at the local drugstore. Delivery will be within a few days and shipping is often free.
“I love using my Diva Cup! I was super nervous before using it for the first time, but I watched a lot of YouTube videos about how to do it. Also be sure to read the instructions that come along with it. I wasn’t let down. No leaks at all, and I couldn’t feel it when it was inside me.”
As the Diva Cup is the most popular menstrual cup in the world, you can often find it at the drugstore, even outside of North America. If a store carries only one menstrual cup, it’s probably the Diva Cup. However, prices are often cheaper on Amazon, so check there first.
You can get the Diva Cup on Amazon today:
Or, is the Lena Cup the One?
“I used the Diva Cup for years, but was never really happy with it. It always seemed like the cup was pushing out whenever I went to the bathroom. I found that the Lena Cup just worked better for me…it sealed really nicely to my vaginal wall, which made it not leak as much.”
—>Check Lena Cup Prices<—
“I’m on my second cycle with the Lena Menstrual Cup, and it’s true what everyone says—there is certainly a learning curve. However, it’s going much better than the first few times, so I’m not going to give up.”
Perhaps you’ve decided that the LENA Feminine Hygiene Cup is the one for you?
It’s often quite difficult to find the Lena Cup at your local stores because it’s a newcomer to the menstrual cup world. The best place to buy it is on Amazon. You can check out the reviews and compare prices over on Amazon:
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: More Information
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: How Often to Replace Them
A common question that people have is how often they need to replace the Diva Cup or the Lena Cup. What do the companies recommend?
Diva Cup’s Recommendation
Well, the Diva errs on the extreme conservative side of things and says that you should replace the Diva Cup every year or two.
Lena Cup’s Recommendation
The Lena Cup says to replace it when it starts to become worn out, and they actually give no specific timeframe.
More Details
Both companies mention that some discolouration is normal and that it’s not a reason to replace your menstrual cup.
What about user experience? Most people find that top-quality menstrual cups that are made from medical grade silicone (like the Diva Cup or Lena Cup) can last for 5-10 years. This assumes you take care of them properly.
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of your Diva Cup or Lena Cup
Neither of these menstrual cups are cheap! That’s why it makes sense to take the best care of them possible in order that they last for a long time. Here are a few quick tips:
- Wash your menstrual cup with mild soap (water based) or menstrual cup wash and water. Do this every time you remove your menstrual cup.
- Deep clean your Diva Cup or Lena Cup at the end of your period by scrubbing it well with an old toothbrush.
- You can sterilize your cup by boiling in a pot of water on the stove for 5 minutes.
- Most importantly, NEVER store your Lena Cup or Diva Cup in an airtight container. Keep it in the cloth bag that came with it.
Compare Menstrual Cup Washes
Lena vs Diva Cup: Toxic Shock Syndrome?
What about toxic shock syndrome with either the Lena or the Diva Cup? Is it possible for this to happen, and is the risk higher or lower than with tampons. Let’s find out.
Every year, there are hundreds of cases of TSS from tampons. However, there are many people who use tampons so the overall risk is actually not that high. This is especially true if you take basic precautions such as changing your tampon frequently enough.
There’s been only one reported case of Toxic Shock Syndrome happening from a menstrual cup. It happened with the Diva Cup. The person cut themselves when inserting it at the beginning of their period, and then came down with TSS around a week later.
It’s clear that the overall risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome is lower with menstrual cups that with tampons. But, as far as Diva Cup vs Lena? The overall risk is probably the same.
Lena Cup vs Diva Cup: Compatible with an IUD?
If you use an IUD, you wonder whether or not the Lena Cup, or the Diva Cup is the better option. Both of them are very similar in terms of whether or not they’ll work for you if you use an IUD.
Here are a few general tips for using an IUD along with a menstrual cup:
- There should be room between your cervix and the rim of the cup. If you have a low cervix, neither of these cups may be a good choice for you to use along with an IUD.
- You can get your doctor to trim the strings on your IUD as short as possible so they don’t interfere with your cup.
- Check the location of your IUD strings periodically to make sure they haven’t shifted.
- Be careful when removing your Lena Cup or Diva Cup. Make sure to break the suction seal first (squeeze in at the base with two fingers) before pulling out the cup.
- DO NOT pull out the Diva Cup or Lena Cup completely by the stem. It’s the fastest way to dislodge an IUD.
Lena vs Diva Cup: What about Sex?
A common question that people have is whether or not they can have sex while using the Lena or Diva Cup. For anything up to penetrative sex, they’re a great option. This is because unlike tampons, there are no strings hanging out.
However, for penetrative sex, the Lena Cup and the Diva Cup are not suitable. There isn’t room for everything, and they’re also quite stiff. Even if you were to try, you, as well as your partner would probably find it very uncomfortable.
Try the Intimina Ziggy Cup Instead
If you want to have non-messy sex during your period, then an excellent option is the Ziggy Menstrual Cup.
The Ziggy Cup is made from the same material as the Lena or Diva Cup, but it’s a flat, flexible disc. Instead of sitting low in the vaginal canal, it fits right below your cervix. Most people report that neither they, nor their partner were able to feel it during sex.
We LOVE that there’s now a reusable option for period sex that we can recommend to people. Nice work Intimina!
You can check out the Ziggy Cup for yourself over on Amazon:
How to Use the Intimina Ziggy Cup
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: Have your Say
Diva Cup vs Lena Cup: Which one are you going with? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
Last update on 2021-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API