If you're curious about reusable period care, you're not alone. More and more menstruators are exploring sustainable options like menstrual cups. This guide is your complete introduction, covering everything from how they work and their benefits to choosing the right one and making the switch. We're here to give you all the information you need to decide if a cup is right for you.
What Is a Menstrual Cup and How Does It Work?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, bell-shaped cup that you insert into your vagina during your period [1]. Most cups, including LOLA's, are made from soft, 100% medical-grade silicone.
The key difference between a cup and a tampon is that a cup collects menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. You can learn more about how this compares to other products in our guide on menstrual cups vs. tampons.
Once inside, the cup opens up and creates a gentle seal against your vaginal walls to securely collect flow and prevent leaks. Because it collects fluid, a single cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow [2].
The Benefits: Why Make the Switch?
The growing popularity of menstrual cups comes down to a few key benefits that many people find game-changing.
- Longer Wear Time: The ability to wear a cup for up to 12 hours offers incredible freedom. It means less worrying during long days, fewer changes, and reliable protection overnight or while swimming.
- Ingredient Transparency: We believe you deserve to know what's in your products. LOLA's menstrual cup is made with 100% medical-grade silicone, with no BPA, latex, or dyes. Because they collect rather than absorb fluid, cups don't cause the vaginal dryness sometimes associated with tampons.
- Eco-Friendly: A single reusable cup can last for years, which means you're sending significantly less waste to landfills compared to using disposable pads and tampons month after month.
- Cost-Effective: While there's an initial investment, a menstrual cup can save you hundreds of dollars over time. It replaces the recurring cost of buying boxes of single-use period products.
How to Choose the Right Menstrual Cup for You
Finding the perfect cup is all about finding the right fit for your unique body. Considering factors like flow, birth history, and cervix height can help you choose with confidence.
Sizing (Flow & Birth History)
Sizing is the most common factor to consider. General guidelines often recommend:
- A smaller size for those with a lighter flow, who are new to cups, or who have not given vaginal birth.
- A larger size for those with a heavier flow or who have given vaginal birth.
At LOLA, we offer two sizes. Our Small size is great for beginners and lighter flows, while our Regular size is designed for heavier flows or for those who've had a vaginal birth. You can see the exact dimensions of LOLA's menstrual cup on our site. When in doubt, it's usually best to start with the Small size.
Cervix Height
Your cervix height, or how high your cervix sits in your vaginal canal during menstruation, can also affect fit. You can check your cervix height by inserting a clean finger into your vagina and feeling for your cervix, which feels like the tip of your nose. If it's easy to reach, you may have a low cervix, while if it's harder to reach, you likely have a high cervix. Most cups, like LOLA's, are designed to work well for a range of cervix heights.
Material and Firmness
Most modern menstrual cups are made of flexible, medical-grade silicone, which is body-safe and easy to clean. The firmness of the silicone can vary between brands. A softer cup may be more comfortable, while a slightly firmer cup can be easier to pop open once inserted, helping create a more reliable seal.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using a menstrual cup for the first time has a learning curve, and that's completely normal. Be patient with yourself, and don't be afraid to practice. For a more detailed walkthrough, you can always reference our guide on how to insert and remove your menstrual cup.
Before Your First Use
- Before you use your new cup for the first time, you'll need to sterilize it.
- Place the cup in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Let it cool completely before you use it.
How to Insert Your Cup
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Get comfortable. Try sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing with one leg up on the tub. Relaxing your pelvic muscles is key.
- Fold your cup. There are many ways to fold a cup, but two of the most popular are the C-fold (folding the rim in half to create a "C" shape) and the push-down fold (pressing one side of the rim down into the cup).
- Insert the folded cup into your vagina, angling it back toward your tailbone.
- Let it open. Once it's inside, the cup should pop open. To make sure it has created a seal, gently rotate the base of the cup or run a clean finger around the rim to check that it's fully open.
How to Remove Your Cup
- Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position.
- Break the seal. This is the most important step. Reach for the base of the cup (not the stem) and pinch it firmly to break the suction seal. Do not just pull on the stem, as this can create uncomfortable suction.
- Gently pull it out. Keep the cup upright as you remove it to avoid spills.
- Empty and rinse. Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse the cup with water, and reinsert.
Dealing with a Public Restroom
Changing your cup in a public stall can seem intimidating, but it's manageable. Simply empty the cup into the toilet. You can either wipe it out with toilet paper, bring a small bottle of water to rinse it over the toilet, or use a cleansing wipe designed for menstrual cups. If none of those are an option, you can simply reinsert it and wash it thoroughly the next time you're in a private bathroom.
Common First-Cycle Hiccups (And How to Fix Them)
It can take a few cycles to get the hang of using a cup, so don't feel discouraged if you run into a few issues. Here's how to troubleshoot the most common ones.
- Leaks: This is the number one issue for beginners. It usually means the cup hasn't opened fully or created a proper seal. Try a different fold, make sure the cup is completely open by rotating it, or check that it's positioned correctly around your cervix. Wearing a backup liner for your first few cycles can give you peace of mind.
- Discomfort: You shouldn't feel your cup if it's inserted correctly. If you do, it might be positioned too low or at the wrong angle. Try removing it and reinserting. If the stem is bothersome, you can trim it to a more comfortable length.
- Removal Trouble: If you're struggling to remove your cup, the most important thing to do is relax. Tensing your pelvic muscles will only make it harder. Try squatting to bring the cup lower, and remember to pinch the base firmly to break the seal before you pull. The cup cannot get lost inside you.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Cup
Proper cleaning and care will keep your cup safe to use and help it last for years.
During your period, rinse your cup with warm water and a mild, oil-free, unscented soap each time you empty it.
Between cycles, sterilize your cup again by boiling it for 10 minutes. Once it's clean and dry, store it in a breathable pouch, like the one that comes with your LOLA cup. Avoid storing it in an airtight container or plastic bag. For more tips, visit our Menstrual Cup Help Center.
Over time, you may notice some light staining, which is normal and doesn't affect the cup's performance. You should replace your cup immediately if you see any signs of damage, like tears or cracks. We recommend replacing your LOLA cup every 2-3 years for optimal hygiene and performance.
Is a Menstrual Cup Right for Everyone?
While menstrual cups are safe for most menstruators, there are a few situations where it's best to consult a doctor first [3].
If you use an IUD, it's very important to talk to your gynecologist before trying a menstrual cup. There is a small risk that the cup's suction could dislodge the IUD, especially if the strings are long. Your doctor can check your strings and give you personalized advice.
Additionally, individuals with certain conditions like severe pelvic organ prolapse might find it difficult to use a cup. As always, your doctor is the best person to consult for medical advice.
Not Sure About a Cup? Consider a Menstrual Disc
If you love the idea of reusable period care but aren't sure a traditional cup is for you, you might want to consider a menstrual disc. Discs are another great reusable option, but they sit higher up in the vaginal fornix, near the cervix, instead of in the vaginal canal. This different placement can be a better fit for some bodies. You can explore all our period care products to see what might work best for you.
Your Period, Your Choice
Making the switch to a menstrual cup can feel like a big step, but it's a sustainable, cost-effective, and convenient option that many people grow to love. The key is to be patient with yourself during the learning curve.
Ultimately, the best period care is whatever works for your body, your flow, and your lifestyle. Exploring your options is the first step toward finding what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. For more reading on all things periods, check out our blog.