'is it safe to use a used cup?' in a nutshell yes.

'is it safe to have PIV sex with an STI free someone who has had sex with other women who may have been on their periods?' yes. would you sterilise a penis or fingers before putting them in yourself? :D

I would just give it a good boil and a good wash with soap or milton sterilising tablets in water. :)

I'm not a mod, but I don't think tagging is any kind of requirement. It's over-tagging that they've been trying to discourage.

I had a quick look for information on autoclaving, since that's the standard for sterilising surgical instruments (sterlising your cup is not as important as sterilising surgical instruments). This and the next page is mostly instructions for theatre, but it's easy to read and has the information you need.

" Sterilization is the total destruction of all forms of life, including bacterial spores. It is best done with heat, either dry heat in an oven, or steam under pressure in an autoclave. Processes (usually chemical) which do not destroy spores are termed ''disinfection'. Some of the most important agents to be removed by disinfection are HIV and HBV (hepatitis virus B). All the disinfectants described in Section 2.5 will do this if used as directed. The most suitable one for many purposes is hypochlorite, which is described in Chapter 28a.

The basis of aseptic surgery is to kill all micro-organisms on all instruments and dressings, preferably by exposure to steam under pressure. If this is impractical, immersion in boiling water for 10 minutes at sea level will kill all viruses and all vegetative bacteria, but not spores, particularly those of tetanus and gas gangrene. A boiling water ''sterilizer' is therefore badly named. At a height of 3000 metres water boils at 90[de]C and is much less effective."

"As soon as the chamber of an autoclave is full of steam at the desired temperature and pressure, it must be held there for a critical time[md]the holding time. The standard holding time is 15 minutes, at 121[de]C"

"heat is the best way of killing micro-organisms"

Boiling is probably the best sterilisation method you have available. If that's just not enough you could get a pressure cooker, which may be able to achieve autoclaving temperatures, but if you're that worried about spores I think you'd be better off just not buying second hand.

thanks so much for that clear answer. :)

Nothing, not even an autoclave, will kill EVERYTHING nowadays.

But the likelihood of someone unintentionally passing on a tainted cup is very remote. Many of the most-feared microbes don't live for very long outside a host.

As teacupcake89 said, it is more dangerous to have sex.

Hi! Don't try a used cup when you can win one! I'm running my first giveaway competition where you can win your own Diva Cup. Competition closes 5pm 24/8/2012 AEST. All you need to do is subscribe and comment if you're interested in winning the Diva Cup! Also you can read my post as you may get a sense of the learning curve ahead. I've gotten through it and I won't look back now! xx Love Eco Warrior Princess http://ecowarriorprincess.net/2012/08/secret-womens-business-the-diva-cup/

Hi jennifernini. While we welcome participation from vendors in the community, we do ask that all vendor announcements of sales and contests go to mc_sales. Thanks.