Do you want to try the menstrual cup? women's opinions and most frequent doubts

The menstrual cup is here to stay. This container that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation to deposit the flow has more and more supporters. Experts say that it will end up overshadowing tampons and pads little by little. The reasons: it is a more hygienic, more comfortable, cheaper and more respectful method with the body and the environment . All are advantages!

Cristina Pedroche has become one of the main champions of the menstrual cup . The presenter has stated on numerous occasions that she uses it and cannot stop praising its benefits. She does not take it off even to train. She speaks so naturally about the subject that the Intimina brand has named her an ambassador for its Lily Cup vaginal cup.  Laura Escanes has also joined this trend. The influencer has recently tried it and has told her experience through her social networks: “I had read that the first drink did not just adapt well to you, but the truth is that I have not noticed anything or had leaks. It is working very well for me and I will continue with it ”, he declared.

Do you dare to try it? To help you make up your mind, we answer the most common questions about the menstrual cup and we also talk to women who already use it to get their opinions. You will also find an analysis of the most common menstrual cup brands (Mercadona, Intimina, Enna …)

Menstrual cup: how to put it on correctly

Some women are reluctant to try the menstrual cup because they fear misplacing it and suffering leakage. There are different systems to place it, but basically they all consist of:

1. Fold it (C or V shape) or roll it up like a tampon and insert it into the vagina.
2. Rotate it once it is in to allow it to open and conform to the vaginal walls.

After 8 to 12 hours (depending on the brand of the cup and the amount of flow) it is time to remove it. How is it removed? Insert your index finger on one side between the cup and the vaginal wall. In this way you will eliminate the vacuum and facilitate its extraction. Some glasses have a tail or thread to facilitate their removal . Now, try not to pull with too much pressure on said tail so as not to suffer any damage or sagging in the area. This thread has the mission of locating the cup, not of pulling. Do it delicately.

• An advice.  Squat when you want to insert or remove the menstrual cup. It is the posture that most facilitates both actions.

Menstrual cup sizes

It is essential that the menstrual cup is well adjusted to the vaginal walls so that it is not noticeable or moved causing the dreaded leaks. That is why it is so important to choose the size of this device well. Depending on the brands, it is possible to find two or three different sizes. Each brand usually gives its indications to choose the best size for you. They are usually these:

• Size S. For teenagers.
• Size M. If you are under 30 years old and, if you have been a mother, you have not had a vaginal delivery.
• Size L. If you are over 30 years old and, if you have been a mother, you have had a vaginal delivery. It is also usually the appropriate size for women who practice impact sports (running, for example) regularly.

Remember that nothing happens to use one size or another. The size of the cup is usually not related to the amount of flow. Also, each vagina is different; Even if you meet the conditions for a size M, for example, if you have leaks you should try another size.

What can happen if you choose your size wrong? As we said, if you use a cup that is smaller than your size, you may suffer losses or notice how the device slides down. If you use one that is too large, you could experience discomfort or damage when removing it.

How to clean or sterilize the menstrual cup

The cup can hold you up to 12 hours. Every time you take it off and empty its contents you can wash it with soap, preferably neutral. If you are away from home and you cannot wash it in the sink, there is no problem if you put it back on simply by cleaning it a little with a toilet paper. You will wash it well when you return home.

Between cycles, the menstrual cup must be sterilized. This is done by boiling it with water for about three minutes. There are brands that also sell a special pot to make it in the microwave.

• A trick.  The cup has a useful life of 10 years. It is possible that with use it begins to yellow or present some stain. To avoid this, you can add a teaspoon of salt or baking soda to the water where you are going to boil the glass .

Toxic Shock Syndrome and the vaginal cup

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a very rare disorder, but it can have fatal consequences for those who suffer from it. Caused by a bacterial toxin, it was associated with the use of tampons for some time. Today it is proven that less than half of the cases are related to tampons, but many women have stopped using them for fear of contracting the disease.

And the vaginal cup? Can it cause TSS? The risk of finding the toxin responsible for TSS in a menstrual cup is very small. The medical grade silicone material with which these devices are made does not allow germs to accumulate, does not change the vaginal pH, or alter the balance of the vaginal mucosa. Of course, do not forget about its correct cleaning and disinfection .

On the other hand, by allowing the menstrual flow not to remain in contact with the vaginal walls for long, the proliferation of bacteria is avoided and the risk of infections, dryness and other intimate pathologies is reduced .

Menstrual Cup: The Opinions of 10 Women Who Can Help You

• Lucia, 33 years old. No children (Vaginal Physiotherapist) . “I have used size M from Mercadona. She is small, but I wear the vaginal ring and my periods are not very abundant, so it suits me well. It comes without an applicator, but it fits well I put her to the test during confinement practicing boxing and hypopressives and my experience was very good . I admit that thinking about taking it off at work was a bit disgusting to me, but since you can wear it for 12 hours, you can wait to get home to empty it. Be careful, you do not have to pull the tail, it only serves to locate the cup and then put your finger to remove the vacuum and remove it. There is no scientific evidence, but there are suspicions that if it is pulled it can cause a small descent of the neck of the uterus ”.
• Raquel, 46 years old. Two children.  “I have used Enna and Mooncup cups. I like the second one better, with the first I had some exhaust problem. Both are easy to put on once you get the stitch on them. Emptying the glass is not cumbersome for me as long as I am at home or have a bathroom nearby . The only drawback I see is that you have to be very proactive and take it with you when you are away from home. If the rule is ahead of you and you do not take it, you have to another, with the financial outlay that it entails. The joke ends up being a bit expensive ”.  
• Marta, 25 years old. Childless.  “I use Mercadona's and I'm doing very well. With the cup you are more carefree than with tampons and save time and money. It's a bit cumbersome to put it on and take it off until you get used to it , but it's worth it ”.
• Carmen, 45 years old. A son.  “The menstrual cup does not produce so much waste, so you reduce the ecological impact . In addition, in the long run it is much cheaper and, in general, it is more comfortable. You put it on and go! I am using the Naturcup and before I used Mooncup. Both are going very well ”.
• Merche, 40 years old. Childless.  “I have tried several and now I am using the one from Mooncup; it's the one I like the most. Since the flow does not leave your body, you don't have to worry about bad smells , which is a great advantage. Wearing a compress was very uncomfortable for me because you were wearing it close to your body and I didn't like tampons because I think they absorb a lot. I recommend carrying a bottle of water in your bag in case you have to empty yourself outside the home . So you can rinse the glass before putting it back in. "
• Marina, 27 years old. Childless.  “I first used the Intimina Lily Cup, but it didn't go well with the recommended size. Now I use Naturcup's and I'm very happy ”.
• Agus, 44 years old. Two children.  “I really like the Enna glass because of its texture and because it has a long tail. Although it must be emphasized that this tail is not to be pulled (as with the tampon), I find it comfortable to better locate it and grasp it from the base. My advice is to put it on for a bit before leaving home to make sure there are no leaks. Putting it on is not difficult, it is a matter of practice. Sometimes we tend to put it vertically (upwards) and it actually goes more perpendicular to the body. I recommend sticking a finger to locate the cervix, which is like the tip of the nose. The glass is placed in that direction ”.
• Violeta, 41 years old. A son.  “I do very acrobatic yoga and the cup allows me to move my body and twist it to the extreme without having to worry about leaks . When I wore tampons, they sometimes bothered me. With the glass I don't feel anything. I like it because it is more comfortable, cheaper and healthier. In addition, it allows me to see what the real rule is and to be in contact with this process ”.
• Alba, 24 years old. Without children . “I am using Enna's cup. For me all are advantages: it is more ecological, I spend less money and it is more comfortable for me. It lasts much longer and I don't have to carry tampons or pads. It's not cumbersome for me, it's a matter of getting used to it ”.
• Ana, 39. Two children.  “I switched to the cup because tampons made me very dry. I have an IUD and I was worried that it would not be compatible, but my gynecologist told me that I could use it without problem (with this or any contraceptive method). Except having sex, you can do everything while wearing it. I exercise a lot and I don't even notice it. The first two days of the period I stain a lot and I don't let 12 hours pass to empty it, but this does not bother me . The other days I have plenty of it. I use Enna's and I'm delighted. Before, I used Mercadona's, but it is more rigid for me ”.

Menstrual cups for all types of women

There are a lot of menstrual cups on the market. They are all made of similar materials and share many characteristics. However, there are certain peculiarities that make them more or less suitable for each type of woman. We present six alternatives for you to find the cup that best suits your anatomy and your needs .

The menstrual cup is here to stay. This container that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation to deposit the flow has more and more supporters. Experts say that it will end up overshadowing tampons and pads little by little. The reasons: it is a more hygienic, more comfortable, cheaper and more respectful method with the body and the environment . All are advantages!

Cristina Pedroche has become one of the main champions of the menstrual cup . The presenter has stated on numerous occasions that she uses it and cannot stop praising its benefits. She does not take it off even to train. She speaks so naturally about the subject that the Intimina brand has named her an ambassador for its Lily Cup vaginal cup.  Laura Escanes has also joined this trend. The influencer has recently tried it and has told her experience through her social networks: “I had read that the first drink did not just adapt well to you, but the truth is that I have not noticed anything or had leaks. It is working very well for me and I will continue with it ”, he declared.

Do you dare to try it? To help you make up your mind, we answer the most common questions about the menstrual cup and we also talk to women who already use it to get their opinions. You will also find an analysis of the most common menstrual cup brands (Mercadona, Intimina, Enna …)

Menstrual cup: how to put it on correctly

Some women are reluctant to try the menstrual cup because they fear misplacing it and suffering leakage. There are different systems to place it, but basically they all consist of:

1. Fold it (C or V shape) or roll it up like a tampon and insert it into the vagina.
2. Rotate it once it is in to allow it to open and conform to the vaginal walls.

After 8 to 12 hours (depending on the brand of the cup and the amount of flow) it is time to remove it. How is it removed? Insert your index finger on one side between the cup and the vaginal wall. In this way you will eliminate the vacuum and facilitate its extraction. Some glasses have a tail or thread to facilitate their removal . Now, try not to pull with too much pressure on said tail so as not to suffer any damage or sagging in the area. This thread has the mission of locating the cup, not of pulling. Do it delicately.

• An advice.  Squat when you want to insert or remove the menstrual cup. It is the posture that most facilitates both actions.

Menstrual cup sizes

It is essential that the menstrual cup is well adjusted to the vaginal walls so that it is not noticeable or moved causing the dreaded leaks. That is why it is so important to choose the size of this device well. Depending on the brands, it is possible to find two or three different sizes. Each brand usually gives its indications to choose the best size for you. They are usually these:

• Size S. For teenagers.
• Size M. If you are under 30 years old and, if you have been a mother, you have not had a vaginal delivery.
• Size L. If you are over 30 years old and, if you have been a mother, you have had a vaginal delivery. It is also usually the appropriate size for women who practice impact sports (running, for example) regularly.

Remember that nothing happens to use one size or another. The size of the cup is usually not related to the amount of flow. Also, each vagina is different; Even if you meet the conditions for a size M, for example, if you have leaks you should try another size.

What can happen if you choose your size wrong? As we said, if you use a cup that is smaller than your size, you may suffer losses or notice how the device slides down. If you use one that is too large, you could experience discomfort or damage when removing it.

How to clean or sterilize the menstrual cup

The cup can hold you up to 12 hours. Every time you take it off and empty its contents you can wash it with soap, preferably neutral. If you are away from home and you cannot wash it in the sink, there is no problem if you put it back on simply by cleaning it a little with a toilet paper. You will wash it well when you return home.

Between cycles, the menstrual cup must be sterilized. This is done by boiling it with water for about three minutes. There are brands that also sell a special pot to make it in the microwave.

• A trick.  The cup has a useful life of 10 years. It is possible that with use it begins to yellow or present some stain. To avoid this, you can add a teaspoon of salt or baking soda to the water where you are going to boil the glass .

Toxic Shock Syndrome and the vaginal cup

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a very rare disorder, but it can have fatal consequences for those who suffer from it. Caused by a bacterial toxin, it was associated with the use of tampons for some time. Today it is proven that less than half of the cases are related to tampons, but many women have stopped using them for fear of contracting the disease.

And the vaginal cup? Can it cause TSS? The risk of finding the toxin responsible for TSS in a menstrual cup is very small. The medical grade silicone material with which these devices are made does not allow germs to accumulate, does not change the vaginal pH, or alter the balance of the vaginal mucosa. Of course, do not forget about its correct cleaning and disinfection .

On the other hand, by allowing the menstrual flow not to remain in contact with the vaginal walls for long, the proliferation of bacteria is avoided and the risk of infections, dryness and other intimate pathologies is reduced .

Menstrual Cup: The Opinions of 10 Women Who Can Help You

• Lucia, 33 years old. No children (Vaginal Physiotherapist) . “I have used size M from Mercadona. She is small, but I wear the vaginal ring and my periods are not very abundant, so it suits me well. It comes without an applicator, but it fits well I put her to the test during confinement practicing boxing and hypopressives and my experience was very good . I admit that thinking about taking it off at work was a bit disgusting to me, but since you can wear it for 12 hours, you can wait to get home to empty it. Be careful, you do not have to pull the tail, it only serves to locate the cup and then put your finger to remove the vacuum and remove it. There is no scientific evidence, but there are suspicions that if it is pulled it can cause a small descent of the neck of the uterus ”.
• Raquel, 46 years old. Two children.  “I have used Enna and Mooncup cups. I like the second one better, with the first I had some exhaust problem. Both are easy to put on once you get the stitch on them. Emptying the glass is not cumbersome for me as long as I am at home or have a bathroom nearby . The only drawback I see is that you have to be very proactive and take it with you when you are away from home. If the rule is ahead of you and you do not take it, you have to another, with the financial outlay that it entails. The joke ends up being a bit expensive ”.  
• Marta, 25 years old. Childless.  “I use Mercadona's and I'm doing very well. With the cup you are more carefree than with tampons and save time and money. It's a bit cumbersome to put it on and take it off until you get used to it , but it's worth it ”.
• Carmen, 45 years old. A son.  “The menstrual cup does not produce so much waste, so you reduce the ecological impact . In addition, in the long run it is much cheaper and, in general, it is more comfortable. You put it on and go! I am using the Naturcup and before I used Mooncup. Both are going very well ”.
• Merche, 40 years old. Childless.  “I have tried several and now I am using the one from Mooncup; it's the one I like the most. Since the flow does not leave your body, you don't have to worry about bad smells , which is a great advantage. Wearing a compress was very uncomfortable for me because you were wearing it close to your body and I didn't like tampons because I think they absorb a lot. I recommend carrying a bottle of water in your bag in case you have to empty yourself outside the home . So you can rinse the glass before putting it back in. "
• Marina, 27 years old. Childless.  “I first used the Intimina Lily Cup, but it didn't go well with the recommended size. Now I use Naturcup's and I'm very happy ”.
• Agus, 44 years old. Two children.  “I really like the Enna glass because of its texture and because it has a long tail. Although it must be emphasized that this tail is not to be pulled (as with the tampon), I find it comfortable to better locate it and grasp it from the base. My advice is to put it on for a bit before leaving home to make sure there are no leaks. Putting it on is not difficult, it is a matter of practice. Sometimes we tend to put it vertically (upwards) and it actually goes more perpendicular to the body. I recommend sticking a finger to locate the cervix, which is like the tip of the nose. The glass is placed in that direction ”.
• Violeta, 41 years old. A son.  “I do very acrobatic yoga and the cup allows me to move my body and twist it to the extreme without having to worry about leaks . When I wore tampons, they sometimes bothered me. With the glass I don't feel anything. I like it because it is more comfortable, cheaper and healthier. In addition, it allows me to see what the real rule is and to be in contact with this process ”.
• Alba, 24 years old. Without children . “I am using Enna's cup. For me all are advantages: it is more ecological, I spend less money and it is more comfortable for me. It lasts much longer and I don't have to carry tampons or pads. It's not cumbersome for me, it's a matter of getting used to it ”.
• Ana, 39. Two children.  “I switched to the cup because tampons made me very dry. I have an IUD and I was worried that it would not be compatible, but my gynecologist told me that I could use it without problem (with this or any contraceptive method). Except having sex, you can do everything while wearing it. I exercise a lot and I don't even notice it. The first two days of the period I stain a lot and I don't let 12 hours pass to empty it, but this does not bother me . The other days I have plenty of it. I use Enna's and I'm delighted. Before, I used Mercadona's, but it is more rigid for me ”.

Menstrual cups for all types of women

There are a lot of menstrual cups on the market. They are all made of similar materials and share many characteristics. However, there are certain peculiarities that make them more or less suitable for each type of woman. We present six alternatives for you to find the cup that best suits your anatomy and your needs .

Promofarma

€ 22.79 € 27.49

Lily Cup Compact, by Intimina, foldable and with case

If you spend the day away from home and your menstrual flow is light or medium, the Lily Cup Compact may be the most suitable for you. The Intimina firm has several formats, but this cup is foldable and comes in a comfortable case that you can take everywhere.

Offers up to 10 hours of freedom and picks up menstruation without causing dryness . It does not contain fibers, does not generate odors and does not leave marks that indicate that you are wearing it. It is the format that triumphs among teenagers!

MyPharma

€ 28.30 € 46.31

Enna Cycle, with applicator and sterilizer box

Enna's menstrual cup is one of the few that you will find with an applicator and a sterilizer box . These accessories can make your life very easy if you have to spend a lot of time away from home.

More advantages:

• It is made in Spain with liquid medical silicone, fully compatible with the body.
• It has a thread to know the perfect placement of the cup. It also helps to locate it when it is extracted.

It is available in three sizes: S, M and L.

MyPharma

€ 23.00 € 27.45

Eureka, the only one who empties without extracting it

The strong point of this cup is that it is not necessary to remove it to proceed to empty it. It is super comfortable! It is the only one on the market that is designed so that you can empty it without having to remove it from the vagina. This makes it one of the most suitable for the most comfortable women.

You can find it in three sizes:

• Size S is designed for teenagers or women with a very toned vagina.
• Size M / L is aimed at women over 18 years of age, with less than two vaginal deliveries. It is the one that meets the needs of the majority.
• Size XL is the most suitable for women with two or more natural deliveries or with a high cervix.

MyPharma

€ 17.71 € 25.30

Naturcup, for the most athletes.

According to the women who use the menstrual cup, the Naturcup is one of the most flexible. They say you hardly notice you are wearing it. Apparently it is perfect for the most athletic, as it adapts like a glove and has several models to "accommodate" the vaginal walls of any type of woman .

Made in Spain, it is available in three sizes to suit all women, depending on the stage of life in which they are:

• Size 0 is indicated for girls under 18 who do not have sexual intercourse regularly and have infrequent periods.
• Size 1 is aimed at women between the ages of 18 and 30 who have not had children with vaginal delivery.
• Size 2 is recommended for women who have had children with vaginal delivery or who are older than 30 years.

Amazon

€ 36.33

Mooncup, a good option if you've been a mom

This cup is made of soft silicone which, according to experts, is more suitable for women with weaker vaginal muscles. Contrary to what it may seem, hard menstrual cups are easier to use. Once in place, they open more easily. By not offering as much resistance, the soft ones require more practice, but they are also more respectful with your body . It will take a little more practice, but you will do better if your pelvic floor is weaker!

The Mercadona cup, the cheapest

The Mercadona cup, the cheapest

Not sure if you are going to like the menstrual cup at all? Deliplus, Mercadona's white label, is the cheapest on the market. It only costs € 9, so it is a good alternative if you want to enter the world of the cup without having to invest a lot of money. Some say it is more rigid than other brands, but many girls who use it claim to be delighted. You don't have much to lose!

It is available in two sizes: M and L.