Menstrual cups are becoming mainstream and accessible as more people use them. Have you thought about using a menstrual cup? Here are a few things we wish we had known about using cups when we first used them.

It’s not a blood bath.

Using a cup can feel awkward at first as you get used to using it; do your best not to whip it out like Indiana Jones in the bathroom, as you’ll leave quite the scene, but pull down and twist when removing it so you have a handle on the cup and can gently pour it out. No horror scene is required. Another helpful addition some cups have is a measuring label on the side to see how much you are bleeding. If you need to track the amounts or are curious, this can be helpful for being more in tune with your cycle. You will also notice how the color and viscosity change throughout your cycle. 

Cleaning a menstrual cup is easy.

If you are in a public bathroom, you can wipe out your cup with toilet paper and reinsert it. You can rinse in the sink if you are going about your day in your home. When you finish your menstrual phase, you can boil it in a pot for 10 minutes; although we suggest perhaps not using the pot, you use for family spaghetti. Set a timer so you don’t set it and forget it, and someone thinks dinner is cooking when it’s not. 

How to swim with a period cup.

Tampons absorb whatever liquid they are submerged in, which can be uncomfortable when swimming. Depending on the seal your cup makes, your cup may have extra water from your water aerobics class in the cup. So after any swim activity, use the restroom to empty your cup. The best cup perk is you’ll never have another string hanging from your swimsuit.

Choose the period cup size you need.

Many period cup companies will have different sizes to choose from; some have a variety pack, so you can buy to see what feels the best for you. Some companies like Pixie Cup have a buy one, give one where when you buy a cup, one goes to someone in need. When looking at cups, you can read reviews on how flexible they are; some silicone is more flexible than others which can make it easier/or more challenging to get out. There is usually a loop or tab on the bottom of the cup for you to grasp and pull out easily. (Although, to be honest, sometimes you need to reach up with your fingers like chopsticks to grab the cup) You’ll get used to it after a while.

You don’t have to use just one product during your menstrual phase. Pair a menstrual cup with period underwear, wear reusable pads to rock out your day, or perhaps a disc is your jam. Whatever you use, remember your body is your own, and only you know what works for you. Try out different products to see what resonates the most!