Last Updated on June 22, 2022
I’m late to the menstrual cup game. I’d heard about them for a while as a zero waste swap before actually trying one out – admittedly they can be a little intimidating. It’s too bad I waited so long though, because they’re amazing!
Why I love using a menstrual cup:
1. The biggest personal benefit for me is how long you can leave them in (up to 12 hours!), so I don’t have to worry about changing it during the day.
2. It’s very sustainable – using a menstrual cup means a zero waste period. Every month pads, tampons, applicators, plastic and paper packaging all end up in the garbage. Using a menstrual cup cuts out that trash.
3. They save money. While menstrual cups are more expensive up front (they seem to range from about $20-$40), you actually save a lot of money if you add up what you would otherwise spend on other kinds of period products over the same time.
4. Tampons may contain toxins. There’s debate and not much research into whether tampons contain things like dioxins or pesticides, so I’d rather play it safe.
5. Less clutter. I love being able to minimize the things I own, so not having boxes in the bathroom or tampons floating around my purse is wonderful.
I decided to get the AllMatters (formerly OrganiCup) menstrual cup both because I love the minimal and recycled paper packaging and organic cotton bag (it’s also certified vegan). It is made from medical grade silicone and comes in 3 sizes.
The AllMatters cup is a good firmness and size. I think it’s a great option for someone first trying out a cup, as it seems to fall in the middle of the available options. Here’s some more tips on figuring out what cup might be best for you:
How to choose a menstrual cup
I did a lot of research beforehand and watched/read different cup reviews online. I really recommend the Youtube channel Precious Star Pads; she has a ton of great information and reviews.
Watch her How to choose your first menstrual cup video. (She also did a review of the OrganiCup)
You’ll want to be mindful of:
- size – the height of your cervix, your flow, and whether or not you’ve given birth can all affect the size you’ll need
- firmness – firmer cups are easier to open but can be uncomfortable and press on the bladder, while softer cups might get squished and unseal if you have strong pelvic muscles
Using a menstrual cup
It can definitely take some practice to get used to inserting and removing a menstrual cup. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work right away; it took me at least a couple cycles before I really felt comfortable using it. To insert the cup, it needs to be folded (most manufacturers recommend a C-fold or “punch down” fold, but there are also others). After the cup is inserted, it should unfold – it’s good to check that it has unfolded properly by running your finger around the outside of it.
Again Precious Star Pads has a helpful video on tips for inserting cups.
Removing the cup can be difficult at first – the first time I used one, I panicked a bit when it wouldn’t easily come out. The trick I found is to use your muscles to help push it down and squeeze it with your fingers to break the seal. I have high cervix so I also really like the stretchy stem on the OrganiCup which helps with removal.
Finally you’ll want to sanitize your cup between cycles by boiling it. While there has been a confirmed case of TSS with a menstrual cup there is not at all high risk, and you also have a risk using tampons.
For me, menstrual cups are the perfect option for a green period. Have you tried them?
Vanessa Hugh
I think that we need to talk more about the use of cups. I have meet some people who actually still don’t know that cups exist. I have my ziggy cup and Lily cup compact for two years and can’t imagine my life without them, not to mention that I saves myself so much money and that I am thinking about environment.
Sonia
I was quite scared in the beginning, many women try a lot of different ones before they find the right size. I use mine for a year now and I couldn’t he happier with the change. Mine is Rubycup, they only have small and medium I think and is firm enough but also very comfortable, they also donate one in East Africa when you buy one, which I think is great as many girls there leave school as they cannot afford pads…
These are produced in China but after having read about them I feel OK with it.
Mon
Where is the organicup made?
Verena Erin
Currently in China but they are apparently in the process of moving their production to Germany.
Iva
Hello! 🙂
I have postponed this for really long just like you… I recently decided to go off the pill, so the cup will be very helpful in making my days a bit more pleasant! So I am in it with you! Let’s see what will happen!