Talk to me about menstrual cups

[acatcalledjohn]

I am looking to make the jump but struggling to decide between two. I am currently looking at the Saalt and the Organicup, though I am open to other recommendations. About me:

Mid thirties, never given birth, have a copper coil, occasionally very heavy flow (but never for more than 1-2 days). Biggest tampon ever needed is a super plus but that is infrequent, normally a mix of regular and super gets me through my period. I walk and run a fair amount.

Generally the cut off age for small cups is 30, but I am not sure the larger ones are for me given that I have never given birth.

Please give me your suggestions and feedback because I am fed up of tampons and have hated pads forever.

I use the mooncup and afaik there is one if you are under 30 and never given birth or over 30.
I am 34 with two kids and started using at age 29.
I find it really good, on the first two days of my period I need to empty my cup once at work and on light days I can go for 8 hours.

You need to practice inserting and removing before your period to check the fit and see if you need to cut the stem.
You also need to be able to maneuver in small bathrooms removing, emptying and cleaning the cup.
Best thing is never running out of pads again. Also remember to slide your finger on the side to break the seal, don't just tug out always break the seal first.

I have Saalt and it's fab, really comfortable to insert and remove and I don't feel it once it's inside at all. I did have a Mooncup previously and found the stem very hard and uncomfortable if it poked you but the Saalt has a smooth flexible stem which causes me no issues.

Buy a latex one if you are not allergic. They are smoother. I have a Meluna not latex and Merula (latex) and the difference is very noticeable. Merula are great for short cervix btw. Menstrual cups are a life changer!

I have the saalt, it's great but can't say I've tried any others! I had to cut the stem off.

Try the quiz on 'put a cup in it' it'll ask you those sorts of questions and suggest ones for you

As previously suggested, try this quiz: putacupinit.com/quiz/

I loved my cup to begin with but stopped using it when I started getting worse cramps than before. Will try again at some point though.

There was a new article about them on the bbc staying they can cause prolapses.

I have a saalt but it’s too firm for me and I can feel it and it restricts the flow of urine. Got two zero cups (both sizes) and they are much more comfortable, I use the larger one when it’s heavier. Had to cut the stem off all of them. Am over 30 and have given birth.

Think the prolapse link was only if you removed them without releasing the suction first and didn’t have much evidence behind it.

I switched from a mooncup to an organicup this year. I’d loved the mooncup for about 15 years but even though I had the bigger size I was having problems with leaking and fit after having my baby.

The organicup is longer I think, it’s excellent. Got it from amazon and use it with washable pads, also amazon, overnight or on very heavy days.

The news story about prolapses was about a lack of education on how to use/remove them as I recall. They form a vacuum type seal and you have to pop a finger up to break it before removing it. If you just yank it out it’ll be uncomfortable so don’t do that! But I don’t know why you would. Read the instructions, use it sensibly and no reason it’ll give you problems.

Cups sit much lower than tampons which I find much more comfortable. If it’s in right you just don’t feel it at all.

I have two Meluna cups - one small one large. I use them interchangeably - I was mid thirties when I started and had never given birth - tbh I don’t notice the difference in size (it was a special offer to get two at the time I bought) and just use what is to hand. They are great! I prefer the one with the loop at the end rather than the stalk as I find it easier to remove. I’ve not looked back.

I use the mooncup as well. It’s so weird to wonder past the sanitary products aisle as I just don’t need to buy anything anymore. It’s very liberating.

Thank you all! The quiz tells me to go for the larger Saalt soft. I might just order it and see how I go.

The sizing up of the cup from age 30 is what threw me. I appreciate that our bodies change over time, but I struggle to find what exactly because all articles I've found mention childbirth (or rather carrying a child to term regardless of VB or CS), something which doesn't apply to me. I'm on my period atm which prompted the Q, but will order something (prob the Saalt Soft) before I'm next due.

Other than @sarge89, has anyone found that the cup worsens cramps?

I and people I know have had fewer cramps with a cup than tampons. Because they sit so low they’re away from your cervix, I’m not remotely medical but maybe that’s why? It’s not in the way of that makes sense.

Good luck and hope you get on with it well. I fold mine to put it in. There should be diagrams in the instructions. Also putting it in wet with some clean warm water might help.

I’ve never had a Saalt, if it comes with a sticky out bit you might need to trim it so it’s comfortable.

If you need any tips once you’ve got it then come back, loads of advice here.

I've found a cup made things less painful too

I have a tulip cup with a valve which means you can empty it when it’s in place rather than having to take it out each time. It’s also made of very soft silicone so is very comfortable.

I can’t add anything other than to say I love my menstrual cup, it’s a total game changer. I’ve used one for about 18 months now and can’t believe I didn’t switch sooner.

I tried the mooncup, even though I have had 2 kids I found it massive I would definitely use one but just a smaller one, however it’s an expensive outlay to keep trying them in case they don’t work for you.

Reduced cramps sound good. Fingers crossed.

I've ordered the Saalt soft and I'm actually excited!

I have to say even though I have had 3 vaginal births I use a smaller cup. I started with a moon cup but it was so hard I didn't like it. I then was gifted a luna cup and its amazing i dont even know its there.

I love mine! Best move I made!

The Saalt soft is a great choice. I love mine!

Well worth the effort of getting used to. I find cramps are less as well.

Get yourself a few washable pads (these are frankly much better than disposables too) for a belt n braces approach and you’ll be set for never spending any more money on your periods ever ever again.

I've used the moo cup before but stopped since getting the copper coil as I was worried about dislodging it. Anyone here used a menstrual cup with the coil? Any dos/donts?

I like mooncup. .but when I first got one many years ago it was the only one on the market.
have you tried period pants..I use wuka they are incredibly comfortable! ( well I am very heavy so I actually use both )

I also found using a cup has reduced my pain from cramps. Like a pp said, it's a game changer walking past the "feminine hygiene" aisle now! Very freeing.

I'd say it took me about four periods to crack using it properly. Was getting leaks and being able to feel it. Had to remove the stem and unlearn the 'shove it up there' lessons of tampons! Love it now.