Stunned flier warns why you should ‘never wear a Diva Cup on an airplane'
The TikTokker, who goes by El WiWi (@orangelilguy), says she learned the hard way that menstrual products and cabin pressure don't always play nice at 30,000 feet.
Her story sparked a flood of questions online about what really happens when a diva goes airborne. To get answers, The Post spoke with Dr. Jennifer Peña, chief medical officer of Wisp, the nation's largest women's telehealth platform.
4 TikTok user El WiWi was left in pain when she wore her menstrual cup on a recent flight.
Tiktok/@orangelilguy
What is a Diva Cup?
It's a brand name for a menstrual cup: a small, flexible, reusable cup made from medical-grade silicone that's inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Once in place, it creates a seal and collects period blood, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Although many dread that time of the month, menstrual cups have built a cult following. Surveys show that many users experience fewer cramps, less dryness and odor, and enjoy greater convenience compared to traditional products like tampons.
Still, Peña said it's possible to run into turbulence when it comes to mile-high menstruation.
What could happen if you wear a menstrual cup on a plane?
Before takeoff, El WiWi filmed herself for TikTok as she wondered how the change in air pressure would affect her menstrual cup — and the internet was all ears.
At the end of the video, she shared a close-up of her face, looking somewhat traumatized as she warned others not to follow in her footsteps.
So what happened? She later shared in the comments that the cup 'just kinda pulled on the inside a lil bit,' adding it 'made my tummy hurt more than anything.'
4 Menstrual cups have been around since the early 1930s, but they've grown in popularity in recent years.
David Pereiras – stock.adobe.com
That said, wearing a menstrual cup on a plane is generally safe, convenient — and might even offer some perks for travelers, according to Peña.
'Most people experience no issues, and the cup can provide up to 12 hours of protection, which is ideal for long flights,' she told The Post.
Cabin pressure changes generally won't affect the cup's seal, Peña explained, though some may feel mild pressure or fullness.
'If the cup isn't inserted properly before the flight, it could lead to leaks, especially with heavy flow,' she noted.
Peña also warned that the low humidity inside cabins can cause dryness, making the cup less comfortable for some users.
When might a menstrual cup be a no-go?
Peña said it's best to avoid using one right after childbirth, surgery or if you're dealing with a vaginal infection, since insertion might irritate or worsen things.
4 Some menstrual cup users may experience leakage if the device isn't placed properly.
KYNA STUDIO – stock.adobe.com
She also warned that people with IUDs need to be careful when removing menstrual cups to avoid disturbing the device.
Conditions like vaginismus or pelvic pain can make inserting or removing the cup tough, so Peña said it might not be the best option for some women.
'Also, in unhygienic conditions where you can't clean the cup or your hands properly, other products might be more practical,' she said.
When are menstrual cups a first-class choice?
'Menstrual cups are especially useful during long days when bathroom access is limited, such as during travel, work shifts or outdoor activities,' Peña said.
'They're also great for overnight use since they can be worn safely for up to 12 hours without leaks,' she added.
Available in different sizes to fit various body types and flows, menstrual cups can hold up to five times as much fluid as regular tampons.
'Many people prefer them for swimming or sports because they stay in place and create less mess than pads or tampons,' Peña said.
It also doesn't hurt that they're reusable, making menstrual cups a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for anyone looking to reduce waste and save money over time, she added.
What's the best period product for flying?
'There isn't one 'best' period product for air travel, as it depends on personal comfort and flow, but menstrual cups are often a top choice,' Peña said.
4 Most people won't experience pain while flying with a menstrual cup, experts say.
Baranov – stock.adobe.com
'They offer long wear time which is ideal for flights and layovers when bathroom access may be limited,' she noted. 'They're also leak-resistant and discreet, making them convenient for travel.'
That said, anyone who's flown knows airplane bathrooms are notoriously small, which Peña said can make emptying or rinsing a menstrual cup tricky.
Because of this, she recommends inserting an empty cup before boarding and bringing along wipes or a small water bottle for any necessary clean-ups.
'For those who prefer something disposable or easier to change, high-absorbency tampons or period underwear can also be great options,' Peña said.
'Ultimately, the best product is one that you're confident using and can manage easily while on the go.'
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