Eek! I’ve officially converted to a menstrual cup!
I tried a couple of them years ago and they just never felt right… so I gave up. But when I was at Target a few weeks ago, I had the urge to try the Saalt menstrual cup. I knew I would have my period during my wedding week and since we would be in Mexico, I was worried about having to deal with tampons while on the beach in a teeny bikini. So I went for it!
Now I truly believe that there is not one menstrual cup that is perfect for everyone. We are all different (yes, down there too) and some shapes and sizes will work better for you than others. At least this has been my experience. So if you’ve ever been put off by them or tried one and it was uncomfortable, I don’t believe you have found the one that works for you yet. Because honestly, you shouldn’t feel it at all (just like a tampon).
What is a Menstrual Cup?
It’s a soft, reusable silicone cup worn internally that collects your period rather than absorbing it.
Does It Hurt?
No, it shouldn’t! I think it can be uncomfortable if it’s not the right size (too big) but you shouldn’t feel it at all.
Why I Like the Saalt Menstrual Cup:
- reusable, lasts for 10 years
- save money, no more buying tampons, pads or liners!
- eco-friendly and not wasteful
- can stay in for 12 hours (unlike pads or tampons that need to be changed more often)
- safe and made of 100% medical-grade silicone
- comfortably soft and flexible
- comes in small size or regular size (I got the small because I haven’t had babies yet)
- they give back – 2% of their revenue goes to stopping period poverty within in the U.S. and abroad
One Saalt Cup lasts for up to 10 years. That’s more than 120 periods and replaces over 3,000 tampons and tons of waste. It’s also chemical free, naturally hypoallergenic, non-toxic and BPA and latex free. Unlike tampons it maintains your unique vaginal pH and won’t dry you out, leave fibrous residue or cause micro tearing. There is no risk of infection or TSS either.
How To Insert A Menstrual Cup:
- Start with clean hands. And then, relax! If you are too tense, it will be harder to insert.
- I know it sounds weird, but I find it easiest to squat. Some women find sitting on the toilet more comfortable. It’s up to you! You can try both and see which you prefer. Some women prefer it in the shower.
- Fold the cup before inserting. There are a number of different folds. I personally like the c-fold but there are a couple ways.
– C-Fold: Fold the cup into a C-shape by flattening the cup and bending it in the middle to bring the two ends together.
– Punch-Down: Use your index finger to press down on the rim to collapse the cup. Pinch to hold in place. - Insert, open and seal – once the cup is folded, insert it into the vaginal opening, angling towards your tailbone, while also holding the fold in place. Once it’s inside, you can let go of the fold and allow the cup to pop open. The cup needs to pop open FULLY when it’s inside the vaginal canal to create a suction seal (which prevents leakage and keeps it in place). To check it’s it’s fully open, run 1 finger around the top rim.
Other Tips:
– Use water or lubricant
– Be patient! It takes some getting used to. It may not be smooth sailing on your first try. It gets easier though! Even if you only get it partially in on the first try, that’s a start. Keep trying.
How To Take A Menstrual Cup Out:
- Start with clean hands. And then, relax! If you are too tense, it will be harder to take out.
- Squat or sit on the toilet – whichever you prefer.
- Sometimes it helps to bear down – meaning you push the cup down with your vaginal muscles – similar push to doing a number 2. Weird but true!
- Use 2 fingers to pinch the base of the cup in order to break the suction seal that has helped it stay in place all day. Pinch the bottom of the cup and wiggle it down – sometimes I pull on the stem a little- the Saalt cup has rings around the base that you can feel for. Start to wiggle the cup down and out of the vagina.
- Holding your cup firmly, empty it into a toilet or sink.
Other Tips:
– Don’t panic, it won’t get lost up there! And stressing/tensing may bring it further out of reach
– Don’t be afraid to use 2 fingers to grab it
Cleaning and Storing:
- Rinse your menstrual cup out and then wash thoroughly using hot water and a mild soap. Avoid strong cleaners or anything that may irritate your skin.
- Use a soft rag to wipe away any buildup.
- Dry your cup thoroughly and store it in the bag provided (or another breathable container). Never use a plastic bag or airtight container for storage.
What About Using It in Public?
Because you can wear it for 12 hours, I would try to avoid changing it in public but sometimes that isn’t an option. I would empty out the cup in the toilet and bring a wipe in my purse to clean it and then re-insert it. Then when I get home I would clean it properly!
I hope this helps you guys! When I asked on instagram if you had concerns or worries, I got a few messages saying you were nervous to try it but I think that is with anything new. It took me 4 years to learn to like the cup and now, there’s no going back! Maybe it’s not your time yet, or maybe it is 🙂
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