7 Menstrual Cup Folds to Try for Perfect Menstrual Cup Insertion

So now that you’ve got your new menstrual cup, it’s time to learn some menstrual cup folds. While there are many different ways to fold your cup for menstrual cup insertion out there to do it, you’ll definitely notice there’s probably one or two menstrual cup folding methods that work particularly well for you and your body and comfort level. Time to start testing them out! It’s really trial and error to find the menstrual cup fold that you find most comfortable to insert and easiest to get that “pop”  as the menstrual cup opens, letting you know you’ve created a good leakproof seal.

 

7 Menstrual Cup Folds to Try for Perfect Menstrual Cup Insertion

 

“C” Fold

This is probably the most common fold and comes with directions for just about every cup. This one however, is the widest of them all, which may not be great for everyone. You just have to pinch the cup and then fold it in half. You will quickly see the “C” shape and you can go ahead and insert.

Punch-Down Fold

Many people find this one to be one of the easiest because it decreasing the width significantly. The only issue is it doesn’t always pop open as easily once it is inserted. Push the rim of the cup down into the cup all the way down to the base with one finger. Then just pinch the sides of the cup together and grasp at the base to insert.

“7” Fold

The 7 fold menstrual cup is very popular because it is more narrow than the “C” fold but also pops open more easily than the punch-down fold. First start off by pinching the sides together same as the “C” fold. Then fold one side of the cup over and down so that it creates the shape of a “7” and insert.

Origami Fold

This one is probably the most complicated to describe but also lovely so pay attention! First, push one side of the rim down about halfway into the cup and then bring one side of the cup across the other and down like the “7” fold. Next press the cup flat so there are folds at the bottom. Lastly just pinch the bottom and insert!

“E” Fold

The folds with the letters are the best because you know exactly what kind of shape you are aiming for. For this one, you want to pinch the right side while smashing the left side together to get a “T” shape. Bring the leafs of the “T” shape down and around and you will have your “E” shape.

“S” Fold

For this one you simply need to bend it in half and then bring one side up while bringing the other down until you have an “S” shape.

Diamond Fold

This fold is just nice because of the name of it… and it also works well! Here you’ll want to begin by folding it in half then take the front lip and pull it down towards the base and you’ll have an oval shape. Press down a bit on the left side and hold it while using the other hand to do the same on the right hand side to create a diamond fold.

Best Menstrual Cup 2018 – Find the Perfect Cup for You!

If you’re thinking about switching to a menstrual cup, good for you! Now let’s find you the best menstrual cup for your body. Read through our menstrual cup reviews and take a look at our comparison of menstrual cups on the market today. In no time we’ll help you narrow down your choices and purchase the right cup for your period.

Bear in mind that a menstrual cup is a very personal purchase and what works for someone else, may not work for you. There is a little bit of trial and error in working out the best period cup for your body. Having said that, if you know your body and understand your flow, you should be able to make a confident decision using our menstrual cup brand comparisons.

 

 

Best Menstrual Cup 2018 – Pick the Right Cup for Your Body!

Our menstrual cup comparison chart will help you work out the best cup for your body at a glance. We’ve covered the most popular models on the market in our menstrual cup size comparison. There are of course many more cups on the market but these are the top selling and best menstrual cups in our opinion.

• For a menstrual cup price comparison just click on the button to reveal the exact cost of each cup.
• You can sort this menstrual cup size chart by cup capacity, rim diameter (how wide the cup is across the top) and also by height (how long the cup is).
• Remember when making your comparison menstrual cups are a personal choice and what’s right for you won’t work for someone else so it’s important to know your vagina and cervix height to make an informed choice.
• In this table, I’ve included the cup length without the stem length taken into account. This is because many women prefer to trim the stem off their menstrual cup for comfort reasons.

Model	Best for	Cup Length (excludes stem)	Cup Diameter	Capacity	Price
Diva Cup Size 1	Under 30 No vaginal birth	5.7 cm	4.1 cm	30 mL	Check Prices
Diva Cup Size 2	Over 30 Vaginal birth Heavy flow	5.7 cm	4.5 cm	30 mL	Check Prices
Lena Cup Small	Light to medium flow Low cervix Under 30 Not sexually active	4.6 cm	4.1 cm	25 mL	Check Prices
Lena Cup Large	Heavy flow Over 30 Vaginal birth	5.1 cm	4.5 cm	30 mL	Check Prices
Lunette Cup Size 1	Light to medium flow Not sexually active Sensitive Low cervix	4.7 cm	4.1 cm	25 mL	Check Prices
Lunette Cup Size 2	Heavy flow Over 30 Vaginal birth	5.2 cm	4.6 cm	30 mL	Check Prices
FemmyCycle Teen	Teenagers Beginners Not sexually active Sports/active	3.8 cm	3.1 cm	17.5 mL	Check Prices
FemmyCycle Regular	Sports/active Heavy flow Vaginal birth	4.3 cm	3.6 cm	30 mL	Check Prices
FemmyCycle Low-Cervix	Low cervix Sports/active	4.3 cm	3.6 cm	30 mL	Check Prices
SckoonCup Size 1	Sensitive Found other cups uncomfortable Beginners Teens Low cervix	4.0cm	4.0 cm	23 mL	Check Prices
SckoonCup Size 2	Sensitive Found other cups uncomfortable Heavy flow	5.0cm	4.5 cm	30 mL	Check Prices
Mooncup UK Size B	Under 30 No vaginal birth	5.0 cm	4.3 cm	25 mL	Check Prices
Mooncup UK Size A	Over 30 Vaginal birth Heavy flow	5.0 cm	4.6 cm	28 mL	Check Prices
Blossom Cup Small	Beginners Budget conscious	5.2 cm	4.2 cm	22.5 mL	Check Prices
Blossom Cup Large	Over 30 Vaginal birth Budget conscious	5.4 cm	4.5 cm	28 mL	Check Prices
Intimina Lily Cup Size A	Under 30 No vaginal birth Sensitive Found other cups uncomfortable Sports/active	6.5 cm	4.0 cm	28 mL	Check Prices
Intimina Lily Cup Size B	Over 30 Vaginal birth Heavy flow Sensitive Found other cups uncomfortable Sports/active	6.5	4.35 cm	32 mL	Check Prices
Intimina Lily Cup Compact Size A	Under 30 No vaginal birth	4.7 cm	4.2 cm	18 mL	Check Prices
Intimina Lily Cup Compact Size B	Over 30 Vaginal birth Heavy flow	4.7 cm	4.5 cm	23 mL	Check Prices

 

What is a menstrual cup & how does it work?

So, what are menstrual cups? Menstrual cups (or period cups) are small, flexible silicone cups that your insert into your vagina when you have your period. They work just like a tampon but instead of soaking up the blood, it just collects in the cup. They are an economical, environmentally friendly alternative to tampons because they are reusable.

You insert the cup inside your vagina when your period begins. Wear the cup while you go about your daily business or while you sleep. Your menstrual fluid will collect inside the cup without leaking, no pads required. Remove the cup every 12 hours and just tip the blood down the toilet. You can either rinse your cup under the sink at home or wipe with toilet paper if you’re in a public restroom. If you’re changing your cup at home, many women find it easiest to do in the shower. Reinsert for another 12 hours and you’re good to go. Simple!

Why choose a menstrual cup?

The benefits of menstrual cup usage are huge!

• Menstrual cups are better for your health – They make your period more a comfortable time of the month. Many women experience a reduction in the severity of cramps after using a period cup for a few months. There’s no risk of toxic shock using a menstrual cup as there are with tampons.
• Menstrual cups are easier on the environment – No waste to landfill with a menstrual cup!
• Menstrual cups will save you money – It’s a one off purchase! Once you purchase a cup you can use it for several years. You’ll save money in the long run.
• Menstrual cups are convenient – You can shower, run, swim, sleep and do yoga while wearing your menstrual cup. The only thing you can not do while wearing a cup is have sex.
• Menstrual cups are quite discreet – Nothing to awkwardly fall out of your backpack at the wrong time! No rustling around to change pads or tampons in bathroom stalls. Your menstrual blood doesn’t smell! The unpleasant odor you might associate from being on your period actually comes from the pads or tampons.

 

How to choose a menstrual cup?

How to choose the right menstrual cup, how to choose menstrual cup

What menstrual cup is right for me? Choosing a menstrual cup is actually pretty simple. You need to consider:

• Your menstrual flow – Women with a heavy flow will obviously need a cup with a larger capacity than ladies with a light flow. If you bleed very heavily for a few days and then very lightly, you might want to get two different cups or wear a cup for your heavy flow days and then period panties for your lighter days.
• Your vagina – Every vagina is different! Your vaginal muscles are tighter when you’re under 30 and before you’ve delivered a baby vaginally. If this is you, you’ll need a smaller cup. Women who have not had intercourse will also need a smaller cup size to insert and wear a menstrual cup comfortably. Women who are older, have weaker vaginal muscles and who have given birth vaginally will need a slightly larger cup diameter. We’re not talking a huge difference in size though! There are only a few millimeters difference between small and large cups.
• Your cervix – Your cervix height can effect what cup you’re able to insert. You need about two inches of vagina to use a menstrual cup successfully. Even if you have a low cervix you should be able to use a menstrual cup. Just make sure you select one designed for women with a low cervix. Read this post to determine if you’ve got a low cervix.

So, ask yourself, what is the best menstrual cup for me? Once you’ve thought about your vagina, cervix and flow you can use the chart above to compare menstrual cups and narrow down your options.

One thing women notice when they start using a cup is just how little menstrual fluid they actually produce. It’s a lot less than you think when you collect it in these tiny cups! Most menstrual cups are around 30 mililiters (mL) which is actually only 2 tablespoons and this is plenty for 12 hours of usage on heavy flow days.

 

Reviews of the Top 10 Menstrual Cups Brands & Models

So, what is the best menstrual cup? The best menstrual cup for you might not be right for me and vice versa. It depends on your flow, vagina and cervix as mentioned above. Once you’ve read through the menstrual cup reviews comparison chart above, dive a bit deeper and read the specifics for each model below for details on which menstrual cup is best. We’ll help you find the menstrual cup best suited for your body and budget in no time.

As the Diva Cup is most commonly thought of as the best menstrual cup brand and sells the most units, we’ve used this as a baseline to compare all the other cups on the market. Which menstrual cup is the best is a bit subjective after all so we’ve found this a helpful way to make comparisons.

It’s also worth noting that there are so many more feminine cups available on the market. We have chosen to review to top brands, those that sell the best and the ones that women really love. You can

 

Diva Cup Review

Comes in two sizes – Size 1 and Size 2

The Diva Cup is the most popular and commonly used menstrual cup brands on the market. It’s made of high quality silicone and, as one of the first cups to appear, has been rigorously tested. It comes in two sizes, a slightly smaller-sized cup called “Size 1” which is designed for women under 30 and those who have not given birth vaginally. “Size 2” is slightly larger and is designed for women who are over 30, have delivered vaginally or who have weakened pelvic floor muscles. Having said this, many women who are over 30 and/or who have children still prefer “Size 1” as the Diva cup does run large. Both cups hold the same capacity of menstrual fluid (30mL).

What we like:

• Affordability – The Diva Cup is one of the most affordable options on our list.
• Popularity – The Diva Cup is wildly popular and can be purchased in many drugstores (useful if you need to quickly replace your cup!)

What we don’t like:

• Firmness – The Diva Cup is one of the firmed cups on the market. It can be a little uncomfortable compared to other cups for women who are particularly sensitive.
• Length – The Diva Cup is one of the longest cups available so it’s not ideal for women with a short vagina or low cervix.
• Ease of cleaning – The grooves, holes and hollow stem on the Diva Cup require a little extra cleaning than smooth cups and those without a hollow stem.

Click here to read more Diva Cup Size 1 reviews or to make your purchase.

Click here to read more Diva Cup Size 2 reviews or to make your purchase.

Lena Cup Review

Comes in two sizes – Small and Large

The Lena Cup is made from medical grade silicone, thoroughly FDA tested and manufactured in the USA. The suction holes are drilled obliquely in this cup which means getting a good seal is easier with the Lena Cup. There are two sizes available. The small Lena Cup is suggested for women who are younger, haven’t had children and/or do not have a heavy flow. The large Lena Cup is suggested for older women who have given birth or who have a heavier flow. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with a small cup. The Lena Cup comes with a small, discrete cotton storage bag.

What we like:

• Bell shape – The Lena Cup is a bell shape which many women find more comfortable.
• Easy to seal – The Lena Cup’s suction holes are designed to create a seal more easily than other cups meaning no leaks.
• Length – Women with a low cervix will like that the small Lena Cup is shorter in length.

What we don’t like:

• Firmness – While softer than the Diva Cup, many women still find the Lena Cup too firm. Conversely, if you’ve got very weak pelvic muscles, a soft cup could make you prone to leakage. Choose carefully!

Click here to read more Lena Cup Small reviews or to make your purchase.

Click here to read more Lena Cup Large reviews or to make your purchase.

 

Lunette Cup Review – Best Menstrual Cup for Beginners

Comes in two sizes – Size 1 and Size 2

The Lunette Cup is one of the best reusable menstrual cup’s on our list. Why? It’s a great all-round cup which means it’s fantastic for beginners or women who aren’t sure which cup to buy to start with. Women like the Lunette because of it’s soft, comfortable silicone and less rigid design. The Lunette Cup comes in two sizes. Size 1 is for women who are very active physically and need flexibility, who have a lighter flow or who are not sexually active. This makes it a great cup for teens. Size 2 is made of a slightly firmer silicone for women with weaker vaginal muscles. It also has a larger capacity so works better for a heavy flow.

What we like:

• Softer silicone – The Lunette Size 1 is made of a softer silicone than the Size 2 (and many other cups) so it feels more comfortable and is great for women with particularly tense vaginal muscles i.e. teenagers, women who are virgins and women who are very active.
• Easy to clean – The Lunette has a solid stem which makes it a bit easier to clean out.

What we don’t like:

• Price – The Lunette is a more expensive cup. Roughly $10 more than the Diva Cup.

Click here to read more Lunette Cup Size 1 reviews or to make your purchase.

Click here to read more Lunette Cup Size 2 reviews or to make your purchase.

 

 

FemmyCycle Cup Review – Best Menstrual Cup for Low Cervix

Comes in three sizes – Teen, Regular and Low Cervix

Right of the bat, the FemmyCycle’s bulb-shape looks a lot different to the other cup or bell-shaped menstrual cups on the market. The FemmyCycle Menstrual Cup comes in three models – teen, regular and low cervix. The FemmyCycle Cup has a loop rather than a long stem for easy removal. On the low cervix model the loop is very short, making it the shortest cup on the market. If you’ve got a very low cervix this means you may have found the right cup for you at last! You still do need at least 2 inches between your vaginal opening and cervix to use a menstrual cup successfully. All this innovation comes at a cost meaning the FemmyCycle is the most expensive menstrual cup on our list. We would recommend trying this cup if you have used regular cups in the past unsuccessfully. The unique design might be just the change you needed to love your menstrual cup!

What we like:

• Variety – With three different models it’s easy to find a cup suited to your needs, particularly if you’re a teenager or have a low cervix.
• Innovative – The design of the FemmyCycle is completely different to other cups. It’s also smooth which makes it easy to clean with no worry of bacteria forming due to improper cleaning of holes, stems or ridges.
• Spill-free emptying – The unique opening means spill-free emptying although the design of this does mean you need to “pop” the cup opening out to empty your cup. It’s recommended to use a Q-tip but a pinky finger would work.
• Money-back guarantee – FemmyCycle offers a 60-day money back guarantee.

What we don’t like:

• Price – The FemmyCycle is one of the most expensive menstrual cups on the market.

Click here to read more FemmyCycle Teen reviews or to make your purchase.

Click here to read more FemmyCycle Regular reviews or to make your purchase.

Click here to read more FemmyCycle Low-Cervix reviews or to make your purchase.

 

 

SckoonCup Review – Best Menstrual Cup for Teenager

Comes in two sizes – Size 1 and Size 2

The SckoonCup is another popular choice because it’s quite a soft silicone menstrual cup. Women love it for this reason because it feels comfortable and moves with your body. It’s a great cup for beginners or teenagers to try out because of it’s softness and also because the length and diameter of size 1 are quite small. The Sckoon menstrual cup is a bell-shaped cup and has no lip on the upper rim which means it feels a lot smoother and comfortable.

What we like:

• Softness – The Sckoon Cup is a much softer feeling cup which makes it great for beginners or teens.
• Size – The Size 1 Sckoon Cup is quite a lot smaller than many other menstrual cups on the market. Even the Size 2 Sckoon Cup is smaller than the Size 1 Diva Cup in length.
• Comfort – Many women find the Sckoon cup the most comfortable option, again because of the softness.

What we don’t like:

• Harder to insert – The softness of the silicone can make the Sckoon cup a little harder to insert to begin with.

Click here to read more SckoonCup Size 1 and 2 reviews or to make your purchase. (Select size when checking out!)

 

Mooncup UK Review

Comes in two sizes – Size A and Size B

The Mooncup UK Review is the most popular menstrual cup in the UK. It’s a good option if you’re buying a menstrual cup online from the UK but not if you’re purchasing from the US. (There are more options on Amazon US and the shipping cost is much lower for US brand cups). Mooncup comes in two sizes A and B. Size B is recommended for pre-childbirth and Size A for post-childbirth or women over 30. Confusing right? Most menstrual cup brands have the smallest size cup as size 1 or A but the Mooncup is different. Bear that in mind when ordering! The Mooncup is slightly larger in diameter than the Diva Cup but still not quite as long. 

What we like:

• Good all around cup – The size and softness of the Mooncup are pretty average all around. You can get away with this cup so long as you don’t have any specific requirements such as a low cervix.

What we don’t like:

• Hollow stem – This makes the cup slightly more difficult to clean.

Click here to read more Mooncup UK Size A reviews and to make your purchase on Amazon.com.

Click here to read more Mooncup UK Size A reviews and to make your purchase on Amazon.co.uk.

Click here to read more Mooncup UK Size B reviews and to make your purchase on Amazon.com.

Click here to read more Mooncup UK Size B reviews and to make your purchase on Amazon.co.uk.

 

 

Blossom Cup Review – Best Menstrual Cup on a Budget

Comes in two sizes – Small and Large

If you want to try a menstrual cup for the first time and don’t have a big budget, then the Blossom cup is for you. Again, this is a slightly softer cup compared to the Diva so it’s suitable for trying out a cup for the first time. It also works well for active women or women who are overly sensitive. In terms of size, the Blossom is pretty much a the halfway point between all the products on our menstrual cup reviews comparison table above so if you’re unsure about your flow or cervix height it’s a great cup to try.

What we like:

• Price – The Blossom cup is very affordable!
• Range of colors including black – The Blossom cup comes in a range of 10 colors including black. It’s the only black menstrual cup we’ve seen but we think a black cup is a brilliant idea as you won’t see any discoloration.

What we don’t like:

• Capacity – The capacity of the Blossom cup (22.5mL for the small and 28mL for the large) is slightly less than other comparable cups.

Click here to read more Blossom Cup Small reviews and to make your purchase.

Click here to read more Blossom Cup Large reviews and to make your purchase.

 

 

Intimina Lily Cup Review – Best Menstrual Cup for Heavy Flow

Comes in two sizes – Size A and Size B

The Intimina Lily Cup is another slightly different shaped menstrual cup. Rather than being cup or bell-shaped like most menstrual devices, the Lily Cup is more of a cone shaped. Because of this unique cone shape it’s the only menstrual cup that you can roll up to the size and shape of a tampon. This makes it super easy to insert. The Lily Cup also has a spill-free rim. The cup itself is made of matte silicone so it feels smooth. If you’ve tried standard menstrual cups and haven’t quite gotten the hang of inserting them or feeling comfortable with them inside you then in the Intimina Lily Cup would be a great menstrual cup for you to try out.

What we like:

• Easy insertion – We love that the Lily Cup can be rolled up as thin as a tampon for easy insertion. Even with the other folding methods you’ll find this one of the easiest cups to insert.
• High capacity – The Lily Cup Size B is the highest cup capacity that we’ve found at 32 mL so if you’ve got a heavy flow check out this cup.
• Spill-free – The Lily Cup has a spill-free lip to prevent leaking and make it easier to remove without mess.

What we don’t like:

• Longer cup – Because of the design, the Lily Cup is a lot longer and many women don’t like this.

Click here to read more Intimina Lily Cup Size A reviews and make your purchase.

Click here to read more Intimina Lily Cup Size B reviews and make your purchase.

 

 

Intimina Lily Compact Review – Best Menstrual Cup for Travel

Comes in two sizes – Size A and Size B

The Intimina Lily Compact is the world’s first collapsible menstrual cup! It pops down into a handy little disc-shaped carry case so you can keep it easily and discreetly in your purse or backpack. This makes it the best menstrual cup for travel as it won’t take up any space in your toiletries bag for the weeks when you’re not using it. Great huh? The Lily Compact comes in two sizes – Size A and Size B. Neither are particularly high capacity though, due to the folding design, so if you have a heavy flow you’ll want to change it more frequently or select a different kind of cup. Diameter wise it’s a pretty average sized cup and length wise it’s not overly long so it could work well for women with a low cervix. Once expand you won’t need to worry about it collapsing on you as it holds it’s shape really well. The silicone used it lovely and smooth.

What we like:

• Collapsible – The only collapsible menstrual cup on the market. It’s discrete, can be carried anywhere and is great for travel.

What we don’t like:

• Cup capacity – The capacity of the cup is quite small which means emptying more frequently if your flow is heavy.
• Price – The cost of this cup is on the high side.

Click here to read more reviews on the Intimina Lily Compact Size A and to make your purchase.

Click here to read more reviews on the Intimina Lily Compact Size B and to make your purchase.

Which is the best menstrual cup for my body?

If you’ve gone through our reusable menstrual cup comparison and reviews on menstrual cups and are still not quite decided on which cup would work best for you, then take a look at this handy chart:

If you're looking for the...	Then consider...
Best Menstrual Cup for Beginners	FemmyCycle Teen Blossom Cup Small SckoonCup Size 1 Lunette Cup Size 1
Best Menstrual Cup for Teenagers	FemmyCycle Teen Blossom Cup Small SckoonCup Size 1
Best Menstrual Cup for Low Cervix	FemmyCycle Low-Cervix SckoonCup Size 1 Lunette Cup Size 1 Lena Cup Small
Best Menstrual Cup for Heavy Flow	FemmyCycle Regular Diva Cup (any size) Intimina Lily Cup (any size) Lena Cup Large Lunette Cup Size 2
Best Menstrual Cup for Weak Vaginal Muscles	Diva Cup Size 2 Lunette Cup Size 2
Best Menstrual Cup for High Cervix	Diva Cup (any size) Intimina Lily Cup (any size)
Best Menstrual Cup for Very Active Women	FemmyCycle (any size) Intimina Lily Cup (any size) Lunette Cup Size 1 SckoonCup (any size) Blossom Cup (any size)
Best Menstrual Cup for Yoga	FemmyCycle (any size) Intimina Lily Cup (any size)
Best Menstrual Cup for Travel	Intimina Lily Cup Compact (any size)

 

Once you’ve selected a menstrual cup where to buy is the next question. The best place to buy menstrual cups is online at Amazon. We’ve found Amazon have the best prices, availability and range of menstrual cup brands available. If you’re in a pinch and need a cup asap, you can pop down to your local drug store and see what they have but it’ll most likely be that a Diva Cup is your only option in this instance.

We hope you’ve found our complete guide to the best menstrual cup reviews helpfully and have worked out which is the right cup for your body. If you haven’t decided yet, then shoot us a message and let us know. We’d be happy to help you narrow down your choices and make a purchase.

The good news is that period cups are not an expensive item to purchase. It’s easy to buy menstrual cups online so you can purchase a few discretely and trial them out over the course of your cycle.

Good luck and happy menstruating!

 

Best Menstrual Cup Cleaner & Wipes

If you’re looking for the best menstrual cup cleaner to keep your cup clean and fresh then take a look at the options we have found! Grab the best menstrual cup wash and and menstrual cup wipes for when you’re on the go!

 

Best Menstrual Cup Cleaner

 

Best Menstrual Cup Wipes

 

Using a Menstrual Cup for the First Time

If you’re new to using menstrual cups to manage your period then I’ve got a few tips to help you get started smoothly and successfully. Many women try a menstrual cup once and are subsequently put off because they have issues with discomfort, problems inserting or removing it or leaking while using their menstrual cup.

There is a learning curve with using a menstrual cup for the first time. It does take a few cycles to truly get to know how it works with your body but, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it a comfortable and convenient way to manage your menstrual cycle each month.

I’ve put together a few menstrual cup tips to help you get used to using and removing a menstrual cup. Give them a read below and feel free to ask any questions below in the comments!

 

Menstrual Cup Tips: Using a Menstrual Cup for the First Time

Make sure you’re using the right menstrual cup!

Picking the right cup to get start is absolutely crucial to your success. You need a cup that is the right size, shape and capacity for your body and cycle. Use this guide to find the right menstrual cup. If you’re unsure, I would advise choosing a softer, smaller cup to get started with ease. You can always go larger if you find yourself emptying it more often than every 12 hours.

Practice during your period

Don’t try and do a “dry run” with your cup before you have your period. It doesn’t feel great and you’ll have no indication that your cup is properly inserted and won’t leak. Try once your period starts.

Start out in the shower

Give yourself time to warm up and relax in a hot shower. Squat or put a leg up and have a go at inserting your menstrual cup for the first time. It might take a few goes and it might be a bit messy but doing it in the shower takes care of that problem.

Experiment with different folds

There are quite a few ways to fold your menstrual cup to insert it but the most common are the C fold and the punch down fold. It might take you a couple of tries to master each fold and figure out one works best for your bod. You can read more about the different folds here and get directions on how to use them. I find it easiest to slide a finger up along side the cup as it goes in to make sure I’ve got the angle right and to stop the fold popping open to soon.

Make sure you have a good seal

Once you’ve inserted your cup you need to make sure you have a good seal to prevent it leaking. Fold it, insert it and then make sure your cup has popped open and formed a seal inside your vagina. You should be able to feel the cup pop open and into place. You may need to wiggle it into place a little. Give the stem a very gentle tug to make sure it’s in place. If it easily starts to move down your vagina when you tug it, there is no seal. Try turning it around a little until it slips into place. If it doesn’t work, take it out and try again, maybe even using a different fold style. If it has sealed properly you shouldn’t be able to pull it out when you give it a gentle tug. If you get a good seal, your cup won’t leak (unless it’s full to the brim!).

Tips for removing menstrual cup

Again, I recommend doing your removals in the shower. At least for the first few times. You can’t always use a shower when you’re out and about but, to start with, it’s the best place to practice. Squat and insert your thumb and index finger in to reach your menstrual cup. You might be able to reach the stem or the base of the cup but if you can’t you’ll need to move your cup down a bit using your vaginal muscles. Just bear down and push the cup down your vagina, similar to pooping. Do this with your fingers still inside yourself and you’ll soon feel the cup. Pinch the base or run a finger up the side to release the seal and the pull the cup out. It takes a few goes to get used to it so practice in the shower!

Wear back up protection

Just while you’re getting used to using your menstrual cup for the first few times, I would recommend wearing some back up protection. If you haven’t quite got your cup inserted right you could leak. Likewise, if it’s not inserted right and you’re feeling really uncomfortable, you want to be able to whip it out. I would suggest using a panty liner or pad or wearing a pair of menstrual panties just until you get used to your cup and are sure you won’t leak. Read our guide to buying the best menstrual panties here.

 

If you’ve got any Diva cup tips or tips for using other menstrual cups, let us know in the comments!

How to Ask Your Mom for a Menstrual Cup

If you’ve just started your period or had it a few times already then you know that using tampons and pads can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, smelly and a bit embarrassing. Switching to a menstrual cup is great for your health, the planet and your wallet. By starting out using a menstrual cup you’re setting yourself up for a healthier period. Trust me.

It can be tricky for teenage girls to talk to their moms about their bodies. If you want to ask your mom for a menstrual cup, here’s how.

 

Asking Your Mom for a Menstrual Cup:

If you feel comfortable talking to your mom about your period and your body then I suggest having a quick conversation and running through the benefits of using a menstrual cup over pads or tampons.

Here are some talking points:

• Talk to your mom about the cost-saving benefits of using a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups cost between $15-40 and are one-off purchase. The average woman spends $50 to $70 on disposable tampons and pads per year. That’s a big difference!
• Talk to your mom about the environmental benefits of using a menstrual cup. Zero waste to landfill. No smelly waste paper basket to empty from the bathroom.
• Talk to your mom about the physical health benefits. Tampons pose a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Teenage girls have died from toxic shock syndrome in the past.
• Let your mom know that using a menstrual cup can lessen cramping during your period.
• Let your mom know that using a menstrual cup doesn’t mean you’re not a virgin. (Some moms might think this is a concern. It’s really not OK!)

 

Alternatively, send mom this blog post!

Sometimes it’s easier to talk over email or instant message about these kinds of “awkward” subjects! You could send them this blog post to read through or copy the points below to an email and send it to your mom if you feel that would be easier.

Moms! If you’re reading this post because your daughter sent it to you, have a look through my guide to buying menstrual cups. I outline the full benefits and features of using a menstrual cup, how it works and which models are best for teenage girls.

>>>> Guide to Buying Menstrual Cups <<<<<

Blossum Cup is one of the best menstrual cups for teens! Click here to find out more about the Blossum Cup.

 

If you really want to, just buy a menstrual cup yourself!

I totally get that talking to your mom about your period can be tough or embarrassing. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your mom about your period at all then consider buying a menstrual cup online and having it shipped to a friend or relative’s house. A Blossum Cup is the most affordable menstrual cup and the great news is that it’s one of the best menstrual cups for teenagers.

Best Period Panties 2018: Reviews & Guide on Using Them!

If you haven’t yet heard about menstrual underwear, girl… it’s time you knew! We’ve made a list of the best period panties and will tell you why you’ll fall in love with period proof underwear. In this period panties review and buying guide, we will help you pick the best period underwear for your cycle. Once you’ve read this post and tried a pair or two out for yourself, you will be a period panty convert. Trust us!

What is Menstrual Underwear? What Does It Do?

What are period panties? Period panties are lined, leakproof panties that you wear on your period. You can use them in two ways – as back up leak proof underwear to your tampon or menstrual cup or as completely free bleeding underwear. It’s kind of like underwear with built in pad.

How do you use period panties? How to use period panties completely depends on your personal preference, your flow and your cycle length. For me personally, I like to wear them with a menstrual cup for days one and two of my period. One day three I wear my period undies with my cup during the day and by night I switch to just the sanitary panties overnight. On days four and five my period if light enough to do a free flow period and simply wear my reusable period panties overnight.

What makes period underwear leak proof? Menstrual panties are leak proof panties with pads that are strategically placed to absorb your menstrual fluid.

Can you wear period absorbing underwear alone? Yes, you can! On days where your flow isn’t super heavy, you can wear the period panties on their own. If you’re on days one or two of your period and you still want to do a free bleeding period then you can still wear leak proof period panties but you will need to change them a couple of times throughout the day.

Do period panties work? They do but it is a matter of knowing your flow and your product. Some leak proof underwear for periods is designed as a back up, think of them kind of as pad panties. Others can hold more fluid and can be worn alone most of the time.

Note: This is not a review of funny period panties with crazy images like the Harebrained ones. You can read our post on them later.

 

Best Period Panties 2018 at a Glance

Our period panties comparison chart will help you choose the best underwear for periods. For all these period panties Amazon is the best place to buy them, except for Thinx period panties which can only be purchased on their website. We’ve added a link to you can click through and check prices on all these panties for periods.

Best Period Panties	Material	Pros	Cons	Price
Thinx Period Panties	Cotton + elastane	Six styles - thong, cheeky, sport, boyshort, high waist & hiphugger Antimicrobial Very absorbent with full coverage and moisture wicking	Expensive!!	Check Prices
Hesta Organic Cotton Period Panties	Organic cotton + spandex	Affordable 3 pack Two colors - black & beige Full coverage liner from front to back Soft organic cotton	Beige pair not lined with black Slightly wide crotch	Check Prices
Dear Kate Underwear	Nylon, lycra, polyester + spandex	Three styles - thong, mini & full Super soft Comfortable, breathable fabric Moisture wicking and odor control	Expensive!!	Check Prices
Anigan EvaWear Period Panties	Nylon, cotton + spandex	Two styles - bikini & hipster Affordable Comes single or in a 2 pack Full coverage liner from front to back Soft, hypoallergenic material	Narrow crotch Sizing only up to XL	Check Prices
Period Panteez	Nylon, cotton + spandex	Boyshort style Shapewear effect 30 day money back guarantee Two colors - pink & white	Part coverage Best paired with a pad	Check Prices
Knixwear Knix Everyday Seamless Panties	Nylon, spandex + cotton	Four styles - Thong, bikini, boyshort & high rise Antimicrobial Moisture wicking Comfortable, breathable fabric Seamless cut	Light leak protection only	Check Prices
Simple Necessit-Ease Bff Period Undies	Cotton + spandex	Comfortable, breathable fabric Very affordable	Light leak protection only Front coverage could be higher	Check Prices
Yoyi Fashion Bamboo Leakproof Panties	Bamboo + spandex	Soft bamboo fabric Comfortable and breathable Very affordable	Part coverage at the front only Light leak protection	Check Prices

 

Top 8 Period Panties – Review of Best Brands

Our period underwear reviews will help you choose the best underwear for your period. We’ve picked out the top 8 brands of women’s period panties. Read through theses period proof underwear reviews and work out the ideal pair for your cycle, flow and if you’d like to use them as back up menstrual cup or tampon underwear or if you would like to free flow menstruation. Either way, protective underwear for period blood is a game changer for us girls!

 

Thinx Period Panties

Thinx really set the gold standard when it comes to women’s leak proof underwear for periods. Not only have they made menstrual period panties mainstream, they also make a fantastic product. I have tried these out personally and have used them free flow or as a back up to my menstrual cup. They are great underwear for menstrual cycle use.

Thinx period pants are anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, absorbent, and leak-resistant. They don’t feel damp or diaper-ish. They’re super comfy and come in six different styles from thong all the way up to full waist.

However, there is one huge problem. The main downside with Thinx underwear is that they’re just so darn expensive! They range in price from $24 for a thong up to $39 for a pair of their period panties boyshorts. To buy a whole cycle of set would cost hundreds of dollars.

What we recommend is buying one or two pair of the heavy duty Thinx menstrual panties and using these for free bleeding or for nights on your heavy days. Then for your lighter days, sleeping during days 3+ of your cycle you can use a cheaper menstrual panty from the rest of the list below.

If you plan on using absorbent period underwear simply as back up to menstrual cups or tampons or for sleeping then you don’t need to spend the money on Thinx underwear.

You can get a $10 off coupon on your first pair by clicking here.

 

Best Plus Size Period Panties

When it comes to period panties plus size women can have a hard time finding a pair that fit. My top picks for plus size period panties

• Hesta – Hesta’s Organic Period Panties go up to a size 4XL which is a real winner for plus size women looking for cute period panties
• Thinx – Thinx period panties go up to a size 3XL. Just be aware that their sizing is snug around the leg holes so go up a size.

 

Where to Buy Period Panties

Wondering where to buy period panties? We recommend buying them online to get the best possible pair for you. Using my reviews and chart above you should be able to make a quick pick.

When it comes to period underwear Amazon has a few really good options that are affordable compared to Thinx. Before you buy Amazon period panties other than the ones I’ve mentioned here, pay close attention to the sizing details and reviews.

 

How to Wash Period Panties

What makes period panties great is that it is reusable underwear for period blood. No waste to landfill, packing or purchases each month. Washable period panties are an affordable choice and can be used again, month after month. If you’re wondering how to clean period panties, it’s actually pretty simple.

1. You need to give them a good rinse first. Rinse until the water runs clean. (I find the easiest way to do this is just to put them over the drain of the shower and let the water run through!)
2. You do not need to soak your washable period underwear or use any stain remover.
3. Once your washable absorbent underwear is completely rinsed just through it in on a cold wash cycle with the rest of your clothes.
4. Line drying is advised for all menstrual panties (but I do sometimes throw my Thinx in the tumble dryer with no issue at all.)

And that’s how to wash period panties. Simple!

 

Got questions on reusable menstrual panties?

If you have questions or comments on how to use your menstrual cycle underwear, then we’d love to hear from you. Which do you think is the best reusable best panty for periods? Are you a fan of Thinx or do you prefer on of the other brands of period leak proof panties? Do you have any tips on using absorbent period panties? Feel free to drop us a comment below. We would love for your feedback.

 

Best Reusable Pads: Buying Guide

Intimina Lily Compact Review

Intimina Lily Compact Review – Best Menstrual Cup for Travel

Comes in two sizes – Size A and Size B

The Intimina Lily Compact is the world’s first collapsible menstrual cup! It pops down into a handy little disc-shaped carry case so you can keep it easily and discreetly in your purse or backpack. This makes it the best menstrual cup for travel as it won’t take up any space in your toiletries bag for the weeks when you’re not using it. Great huh? The Lily Compact comes in two sizes – Size A and Size B. Neither are particularly high capacity though, due to the folding design, so if you have a heavy flow you’ll want to change it more frequently or select a different kind of cup. Diameter wise it’s a pretty average sized cup and length wise it’s not overly long so it could work well for women with a low cervix. Once expand you won’t need to worry about it collapsing on you as it holds it’s shape really well. The silicone used it lovely and smooth.

What we like:

• Collapsible – The only collapsible menstrual cup on the market. It’s discrete, can be carried anywhere and is great for travel.

What we don’t like:

• Cup capacity – The capacity of the cup is quite small which means emptying more frequently if your flow is heavy.
• Price – The cost of this cup is on the high side.

Click here to read more reviews on the Intimina Lily Compact Size A and to make your purchase.

Click here to read more reviews on the Intimina Lily Compact Size B and to make your purchase.

Intimina Lily Cup Review

SckoonCup Review