Can You Use a Diva Cup With an IUD?

A Diva cup is a reusable feminine hygiene item. The menstrual cup does not absorb your menstrual flow in the same way as tampons or pads do, instead this flexible cup is designed for use inside the vagina to collect blood during your period. If you have an IUD, you can use a menstrual cup. A menstrual cup, like a tampon, lies inside the vagina, whereas your IUD sits inside the uterus. It will not interfere with the functioning of your IUD.

What Is an IUD?

IUD is an abbreviation for Intrauterine Device (a device inside your uterus). It's a little piece of flexible plastic in the shape of a T. An IUD is implanted in your uterus to prevent conception. It is long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective ways of birth control available. There are five FDA-approved IUD brands, and these IUDs are further classified into two types: copper IUDs (Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla). The Paragard IUD has no hormones. It's encased in a trace of copper and can prevent pregnancy for up to 12 years. Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs contains the hormone progestin and can prevent pregnancy for up to 7 years, 5 years, 7 years, and 3 years respectively.

Is It Safe to Wear a Diva Cup With an IUD?

Yes, it is safe to use IUD with a menstrual cup. Since an IUD is placed inside the uterine cavity, and the menstrual cup is placed inside the vagina, they shouldn't interfere with one another because they're in different locations. According to a 2011 study, women who used a menstrual cup had no increased risk of losing their IUD. However, a research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in April 2020 discovered that women who used a menstrual cup had a greater likelihood of IUD dislodging than women who used tampons or pads. While this was only one study, it does indicate that we should keep it in mind. It's critical to understand how to use your menstrual cup correctly.

What to Consider When Using a Diva Cup With an IUD

Follow these precautions to reduce the likelihood of your IUD coming out when you use a menstrual cup:

• Keep your menstrual cup away from the strings of your IUD.
• Keep an eye out for changes in your strings.
• Request shorter strings from your doctor.
• Not all cups fit the same, so choose the appropriate size.