Menstrual cup questions from a beginner

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure where to put this question! Can someone please give me some basic info about using a menstrual cup?

—what brand is best?
—Do you get multiple sizes for different flow days? What size do you recommend for light/medium flow?
—what do you keep it in when not in use?
—what’s your routine for cleaning it?
—why do you prefer it over tampons?

[Anonymous]

Brand, for a beginner I'd get a Diva Cup. It comes in a little cloth bag for storing when you don't use it. You clean it by boiling it in water for a couple minutes. You only need to do this once after the end of your cycle. There will be instructions in the box. You don't need different sizes. If your flow is light/medium you can wear it all day and then empty it when you get home. You will learn to tell when it's getting full. You just pull it out carefully and tip the contents into the toilet.

What I like best: no packaging, no waste. It's reusable, safe, easy to use, doesn't take up a lot of space, you can just keep it in your purse when you know you're due, and not carry around a whole thing of tampons. Give it a go, you won't look back.

[Anonymous]

Plug for the Saalt brand. I bought their cup first and then the disc (I prefer the disc). Agree with everything PP said.

I prefer both the cup and the disc to tampons because:
- zero waste
- no wrapping tampons in TP so others can't see your period blood
- less need to take it out because it is safe to keep in longer and has higher capacity. I sleep better.
- you can put it in before your period starts if you feel like it's going to start any moment. With tampons that would be wasteful and also not recommended due to risk of TSS, but the risk with cups and discs is lower due to them using non porous materials that don't absorb your vagina's natural food bacteria and lubrication. (Period underwear also works great for this)

The disc specifically has been amazing for me because it "auto dumps" - when you bear down to use the bathroom it empties partially, which is wonderful on heavy days. Cups do not do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Plug for the Saalt brand. I bought their cup first and then the disc (I prefer the disc). Agree with everything PP said.

I prefer both the cup and the disc to tampons because:
- zero waste
- no wrapping tampons in TP so others can't see your period blood
- less need to take it out because it is safe to keep in longer and has higher capacity. I sleep better.
- you can put it in before your period starts if you feel like it's going to start any moment. With tampons that would be wasteful and also not recommended due to risk of TSS, but the risk with cups and discs is lower due to them using non porous materials that don't absorb your vagina's natural food bacteria and lubrication. (Period underwear also works great for this)

The disc specifically has been amazing for me because it "auto dumps" - when you bear down to use the bathroom it empties partially, which is wonderful on heavy days. Cups do not do this.

Disc? What's that? Auto dumps I have no idea what you're saying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Plug for the Saalt brand. I bought their cup first and then the disc (I prefer the disc). Agree with everything PP said.

I prefer both the cup and the disc to tampons because:
- zero waste
- no wrapping tampons in TP so others can't see your period blood
- less need to take it out because it is safe to keep in longer and has higher capacity. I sleep better.
- you can put it in before your period starts if you feel like it's going to start any moment. With tampons that would be wasteful and also not recommended due to risk of TSS, but the risk with cups and discs is lower due to them using non porous materials that don't absorb your vagina's natural food bacteria and lubrication. (Period underwear also works great for this)

The disc specifically has been amazing for me because it "auto dumps" - when you bear down to use the bathroom it empties partially, which is wonderful on heavy days. Cups do not do this.

Disc? What's that? Auto dumps I have no idea what you're saying.

The disc is the same idea as the cup, but a different shape. I also find the disc to be more comfortable.

I have a ridiculously heavy flow and struggle with filling the largest disc hourly during the heaviest part of my flow. But that's the same problem I have with tampons and pads. I usually have to wake up several times a night to deal with it and that sucks, but I've found the disc to be the best option. It holds the most.

[Anonymous]

I started with diva cup which I was very happy with. Unfortunately, after the birth of my second child and some prolapse issues, I wasn't able to use a cup anymore.

[Anonymous]

I also find the disc much more comfortable (it basically has the same dimensions as a diaphragm). I didn't like the cup. I use Flex Disc. You can have sex with a disc in, but not the cup.

I shower in the morning and at night and empty then, and usually give a quick rinse with a soap like Baby Dr. Bronners.

It will empty itself when you pee -- you can actually learn how to move your cervix/pelvic floor muscles a bit to empty it out. Hard to explain but you will understand when it's in.

at the end of the cycle, I boil it with water with a splash of vinegar and then store it in the cloth bag.

I love it. I truly forget that I have my period.

[Anonymous]

I have always used a Diva Cup, and wear it all day, no problem, even at my heaviest flow. I put it in while in the shower, empty and rinse at the end of the day, repeat the next morning. You'll get the hang of folding and suction (so you know it's in right) very quickly.

Best decision ever

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brand, for a beginner I'd get a Diva Cup. It comes in a little cloth bag for storing when you don't use it. You clean it by boiling it in water for a couple minutes. You only need to do this once after the end of your cycle. There will be instructions in the box. You don't need different sizes. If your flow is light/medium you can wear it all day and then empty it when you get home. You will learn to tell when it's getting full. You just pull it out carefully and tip the contents into the toilet.

What I like best: no packaging, no waste. It's reusable, safe, easy to use, doesn't take up a lot of space, you can just keep it in your purse when you know you're due, and not carry around a whole thing of tampons. Give it a go, you won't look back.

+100000 but my preferred brand is Saalt. I use the sensitive cup, which is a softer and does not block my urine. At the beginning there was a steep but quick learning curve but once you go cup, you will never go back.

[Anonymous]

I tried a Diva Cup about 20 years ago and have never used anything else since. Works amazingly for me.

There is a learning curve with the Diva Cup for sure. If you have a moment of panic that you can't get it out of the first time you take it out there is a blood bath - that is normal but it is a quick learning curve. It takes a few cycles to completely get a feel for when it is full, how to empty it, how best to fold it, how to double check the seal but it is absolutely worth those minor growing pains.

I actually wear mine every day - period or no period. It keeps me from peeing when I sneeze or laugh and just also catches any discharge. I don't sleep with it in unless I have my period.