All About Menstrual Cups (+ my experience with one)
I first learned about menstrual cups on a trip to an island with another girlfriend. We had been traveling all day with limited time on our tour for long bathroom trips [common in Europe where restrooms are not always free or plentiful] which meant I had a leak with my tampon. The best part? I was wearing a white swimsuit. Ugh!
Once back at our hotel she explained to me that another woman recommended the idea of a menstrual cup to her, though she had not taken the plunge. I made a note in my phone to check on this subject once home, although I have to admit it sounded very granola, hippish to me. Then two months ago I decided I wanted to take this cup thing seriously. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, read a bunch of articles on the major cup brands, and started reading countless reviews. By the start of my period last month I had purchased a Lena Cup, Pixie Wash, and a Silicon Cup Holder. Here’s what I know and how this change has worked out for me.
Which Cup Works for You?
The most important things are to A) Know your flow and B) Know your overall vaginal health. This means if you have a tilted uterus what cup works for you, may not work for someone else. If you have a lighter flow a regular cup size might be in order instead of a large cup for those with heavier periods. Are you sensitive? A hospital grade cleaner and cup should be at the top of your list. All these things matter when shopping for your own personal menstrual cup. Don’t let the sheer volume of choice get you down. Do your research, look over reviews, and see your gynecologist to discuss or ask any questions. A well fitting cup will make all the difference.
How To, Tips, + Tricks
Practice, Practice, Practice: It’s going to take a couple of cycles to be completely free of items like pads or break tampon habits but don’t give up. I am on my second month and seem (knock on wood) to have mastered the goals I had for my third month, that being, I won’t need a pad for leaks, I’ll be comfortable enough with the act of insertion, and will be okay with emptying the cup before bed and when I wake up in the morning.
Find a Fold That Works For You: I prefer the C-Fold. It feels easier to hold onto the cup while inserting it. However, regardless of what fold you choose it won’t be successful if you aren’t relaxed. Don’t be afraid to reinsert until you find a comfortable position for the cup. Remember, this product and lifestyle change takes practice.
The First Two Months Supplies: Keep pads on hand for leaks, keep a mini bottle of lube for the times you can’t relax, and always keep hand as well as cup soap close by for those times you need to clean the cup in between insertion. Cleanliness is key to keep your vaginal health.
It Can Be Messy: Let’s be honest, there is a lot more contact with your monthly cycle then tossing a pad or tampon. That means spills happen resulting in needing to wash your hands. If you are squeamish consider sticking with items that are one time use because this is definitely for the brave.
Did You Know:
That a cup can hold TWICE as much as a tampon or pad.
That using a reusable cup cuts down on your overall waste.
That you can keep a cup in for up to 12 hours [making travel car trips easier].
That the menstrual cup is for all ages, even teenage girls.
That 90% of first time menstrual cup users never go back to traditional period products again. [I’m part of the 90]
Have more questions? Check out Lena Cups website HERE.
Keeping Your Cup Clean
THIS.
IS.
SO.
IMPORTANT.
The cleaner you are the better chance you have of a positive experience. Make sure to wash the cup before ever using. When removing the cup pinch the sides to release the suction, empty the cup, and immediately clean it. Make sure all the mini holes located at the rim of the cup are clear and clean. When your period is completely over clean your cup and place in cloth bag.
Hands down, my favorite cleaner is the Pixie Cup Wash. This is the soap I use to deep clean and before storing. If I am on the go I will pack a few Dandelion Cup Wipes. The wipes are water based meaning that I can not only clean up my cup in the bathroom stall to prepare for insertion but I can also clean up my hands and body if things get messy.
Storage
I only own one cup, which I use through my entire menstrual cycle. So this means storage, while using, isn’t a huge topic for me. I can wear my cup for up to 12 hours, although I have never tried this since I remove, clean, and reinsert before bed and once I wake up the next morning. I chose the Lena Cup which comes with its own carry bag and invested in a silicon cup holder for storing in between periods. I made this decision because I wanted a clean, breathable environment that would keep the integrity of the cup shape. How you choose to store your cup is up to you, I appreciate knowing that when its shark week again, I can pull the cup out, give it a quick clean, and be ready to go.
Does It Live Up to the Hype?
At first I was skeptical. For someone who has gone 20+ years using pads and quickly moving to tampons the cup is a huge lifestyle and comfort change. Now that I have become quicker with insertion, better at sealing the cup which cuts out leakage, and understand how to properly clean and care for the cup I don’t think I can go back to traditional period items like pads and tampons. I am hooked and totally think a cup is worth the investment.
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