That’s right we’re talking about periods! Half of the population have them every month so it’s not a shocking topic despite what society might lead us to believe. Not interested? Then no worries – feel free to skip this one and I’ll see you next week 🙂 .
Though, for those of you that are thinking about bailing, I would like to remind you that you are statistically likely to have been born from a vagina and if not have lived inside a uterus for about 9 months. Basically, we’re all friends here 😉 .
Anyway, as I mentioned in my Bombas sock review, when I discover something new and amazing, I shout about it from the rooftops so here I am shouting about periods! To give you some background, I’ve been fed up with my usual pad approach lately. The ones I have to use are bulky, uncomfortable and make me waddle like a baby in a diaper (except it’s not cute…).
They are also not very effective for me – I often awaken to find that a bloody surprise has seeped through my pad, underwear, pants, towel and sheets – what joy! This worry has also compounded now that we’re nomads and it wouldn’t be my sheets or my mattress that I would be bleeding all over. Also in that vein, pads take up a surprisingly large amount of space in my small nomad belongings. So I wanted a new solution.
One of my sister-un-laws suggested period underwear, which I didn’t know existed. Basically it’s reusable, absorbent underwear that you can use in lieu of pads or tampons. She recommended the brands Rael and Thinx for me to try.
Then my other sister-un-law went a step further and actually gifted me a regular sized Saalt Menstrual Cup to which I responded, “this is the weirdest gift anyone has ever given me” because I’m a charmer like that 🙂 .
So my experiment was set! I’ve now been using this cup for three period cycles so far and I LOVE IT! I was super nervous to try it so I asked everyone I knew had used one in the past and did a shitton of research. And now I’m here to share what I found with all of y’all 🙂 .
What Is A Period Cup?
A godsend 🙂 . …Is that too dramatic? But seriously, it’s basically a flexible, reusable cup that you put inside you that collects your period blood for whatever witchy rituals you’re planning 😉 . It has a capacity 2-4 times that of a regular tampon depending on which version you use and you can wear it for up to 12 hours before emptying it and reinserting.
So basically, I went from my period taking over 1/4 of my life with worry of what bloody crime scenes I will uncover, to something I think about twice a day at most. As for the cup, you can sleep in it, swim with it and just live with it. Super simple.
Why Use A Period Cup?
There are a multitude of reasons to use a period cup, but basically they are easier while also being better for your wallet and the planet.
The Ease
I no longer have to make sure I don’t run out of pads, no longer have to worry about bleeding through clothes or making sure to change my pad often. I can buy 1 cup for 10 years. Set it and forget it, just like my investment portfolio 😉 .
It works better than pads or tampons in my experience and gives me a peace of mind that I didn’t have before. I can live my life for 12 hours at a time during my period without thinking about it at all and that’s something I couldn’t do before. This solution also gets extra nomad points from me since it is the smallest period care option. Super small, light and easy.
Cost Savings
Since we’re still pretending this is a finance blog 😉 , let’s talk about money for a second. A period cup lasts 10 YEARS – that’s a lot of pads and tampons not bought. Pads cost money – the ones I buy were about $1 per pad and I would use several throughout each day of my period during the month. The estimated cost of period materials is about $5,000. Compare that to a $29 purchase every 10 years. Money and thousands of single-use products saved!
Environmental Savings
Speaking of those thousands of single-use products, those no longer are thrown in a landfill. One cup means 10 years of waste free period living. I was surprised to learn that pads are about 90% plastic so their time in landfills before decomposing will sadly be centuries longer than our time on this earth. So we create less waste and do a little more to help save the planet 🙂 .
How Do I Put In A Period Cup?
So those are all the reasons why you might want to use one, but how exactly do we do this?! An incorrect assumption I had before looking into period cups was that you just shoved them up there as is…which seemed impossible to me. They look kinda big 🙂 . But of course that’s not the case.
It turns out, you fold it, like origami! There are a multitude of ways to fold it based on your personal preference. I use the C-fold method because it’s smallest of 3 options for insertion that Saalt provides in their pamphlet. This is it:
And once you pick and perform a fold, you’re ready for the finale! The below instructions in purple and images are from the Saalt website with my helpful commentary added in 😉 . First, some prep:
Before First Use
- Check the four air holes at the top of your cup to make sure they are open; these help break the seal so you can remove your Saalt Cup later.
- Saalt Cups are not supplied in a sterile state. Boil your cup in water for 4–5 min (not more than 7 min) to sanitize it before first use and again between cycles. Use tongs or a wire whisk to ensure the cup doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot.
- Wash your hands with water and mild soap, and rinse thoroughly.
Insert
- With your cup folded, you are ready to insert
- Inserting your Saalt Cup is easier when using water as a natural lubricant.
- You can insert your Saalt Cup while sitting, squatting, or standing with one leg raised.
- Hold your folded Saalt Cup firmly below the upper rim. Get comfortable.
- With one hand, gently separate your labia and with the other, insert your cup slowly, rim-first into your vagina.
- Slide it up and back at an angle (towards your tailbone, not straight upward), until the body of the cup is completely inside.
PRO TIPS: Cut your nails first if they’re long, I usually have nails 1/8 an inch long and that was too much for the digging down under I had to do when I first inserted this bad boy. Also, a friend of mine suggested that if I had a hard time using water to insert the cup that lube can be helpful 😉 .
Position
- Position your cup lower than a tampon, but feel free to move it up a little if that’s more comfortable.
- As you release the cup, it will pop open. It’s okay for your Saalt Cup to pop open once inside the vaginal opening but before it’s completely inserted.
- To make sure it has fully opened, creating a seal against the vaginal wall, rotate your cup by pinching the base (not just the stem) and turning it. When the cup is fully open, it will prevent leaking.
- Your cup is in the right place when the rim is below or around your cervix.
Secure
- Double check to make sure the cup has opened by running a finger around the body of the cup. If you feel any folds, rotate the cup again until it opens completely, creating a seal.
- No folds? You’ve successfully inserted your Saalt Cup! Feel free to do a heel click or summersault and go enjoy 12 hours worry free!
- You can check the seal by tugging lightly on the stem. If you feel resistance as you softly pull down, you have a good seal!
I know it looks like a lot of steps and the first time I was literally reading them while performing each action (*cough* NERD *cough*), but it’s a really quick and easy process once you do it a few times. I don’t even look at the instructions anymore…wild I know 😉 .
How Do I Take It Out?
I’ve heard people joke that they were worried they’d have to go to the ER to get help taking out a cup. I (semi-jokingly) told my partner when I first tried it, that he might have to go with me on a bloody adventure if things went south, but then I quickly realized: A vagina is not a black hole and my worries were unfounded 🙂 .
The reason these cups have a stem is so they can be easily located. The Saalt cup comes with a long stem that you can trim to meet your needs. You cannot lose a period cup in your vagina. Though everyone is different, I have never had trouble locating my cup within my body.
It can move higher, especially after lying down or sleeping, and the Saalt website mentions that if it’s too high for you to comfortably reach for those reasons, you can try standing and walking around for 30 minutes or so and then try again. Don’t worry: it getting lost isn’t an option 🙂 .
So, let’s get into how you get this bad boy out. Once again, the below instructions in purple are from the Saalt website with my commentary added in:
Remove
- Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.
- You can stand, sit, or squat, but removing your cup is much easier if you are relaxed.
- The stem is not a pull tab, do not pull hard on the stem to remove.
- Use the stem as a guide to locate the grip rings and break the seal by pinching the base of the cup with your thumb and index finger. Do not pull on the stem.
- Wiggle the cup side to side as you gently pull it out. Keep it upright to avoid spilling.
- Helpful hint: To keep the cup upright, pull until the grip rings are past the vaginal opening. Then tilt the cup forward to remove the front of the rim first, followed by the rest of the cup.
- Holding your cup firmly, empty it into a toilet or sink.
Reinsert
- Wash your Saalt Cup by rinsing in cold water first to prevent staining, then wash using warm water with mild soap. Rinse thoroughly.
- Your Saalt Cup is ready to reinsert! You got this.
PRO TIP: Blood is literally thicker than water so if you’re emptying a period cup into a toilet bowl, the blood will go to the bottom of the bowl and might stain it and make it hard to flush away. To avoid that, you can drop some toilet tissue in the bowl first before you empty the cup over the tissue (I got that tip from a Saalt YouTube video above since of course I watched all of them before attempting any of this 🙂 ).
What Does It Feel Like?
For me, using the cup the first time felt basically like using a tampon for the first time. Similar to that first tampon experience, when I walked around after first inserting my Saalt cup, it felt a little strange before I quickly got used to it. After a little bit, I totally forgot it was there.
After that first cup experience, my second cycle insertion and removal was a lot easier! The third cycle even more so. After the first cycle it was no longer a production, but something I can do in a few seconds. Progress! It now actually takes me less time than prepping a giant pad.
How Does Saalt Compare To Other Cup Brands?
Here I have to rely outside myself since I have only used a Saalt cup, but based on the internet it seems to be a standout product. For example, this YouTuber reviews period cups (among other things) and Saalt is her favorite:
The reasons she prefers this cup seem to revolve around its cup design and soft, flexible stem. The cup’s bulb shape has two points of contact, which helps it be sensation and leak free while having a great seal. It’s also made of soft silicone for comfort while being firm enough to open easily and keep its shape to prevent leaking. The stem is comfortable and doesn’t rub or irritate even after you cut it shorter (if that’s your preference).
In addition to those unique features, I’m impressed by Saalt’s customer service and impact. I’m also partial to this company because it is BIPOC female founded, which I try to support whenever possible.
Saalt’s Impact
Saalt is a certified B-Corp and commits 2% of their revenue to donate period care to regions that most need them and to help fund initiatives in menstrual health, education, and sustainability. Sweet! You can check out everything they’re up to giving-wise if you’re curious here.
Saalt’s Customer Service
My only interaction so far with Saalt’s customer service was a bit accidental. I sent a random tweet about how I was trying it and asked people on Twitter for tips. I wasn’t even addressing the company directly, but within an hour they offered advice and an email address in case I wanted more help. Impressive:
Be patient with yourself as you figure it out! It may take one or two cycles to fully adjust, but it's so worth it.
As always, our amazing Saalt Gurus have great advice and can help you with any issues you run into, if needed! Email them at sayhey@saalt.com 🥰
— Saalt | Period Care Simplified (@Saaltco) July 27, 2021
Conclusion
So I’m completely converted. I love period cups and I’ve been telling everyone I know 🙂 . I wish I’d listened to my friends who told me cups were life changing, but instead I did absolutely no research, saw a picture of a cup, didn’t realize you’re supposed to fold them to the size of tampon, assumed getting it in there would be uncomfortable and instead have been uncomfortable in other ways for 15 years *facepalm*.
So this is me saying don’t make my mistakes. Do your research and make an informed decision. This cup is great for me (I’m even wearing it while typing this 😉 ), but there are also many other options I had never heard of, such as period underwear that can replace pads. So figure out what’s best for you and don’t just settle for the status quo.
And if you want to check out Saalt, you can get $5 off your first purchase of $29 or more (a cup is $29 so fair point there) if you use this link. If you do, I also get $5 towards my next purchase (thank you so much 🙂 ). Once you click the link, a code will pop up that you can use at check out. Whatever you choose, I hope you have a happy, crime scene free period 😉 . Until next time!
Have you ever used a period cup? What was your experience?
Yes, I have used the Luna cup and diva cup. I loved both, but Luna was my favorite as it was made of silicone and was more comfortable. The only reason I stopped using it was because I got a Mirena IUD which stopped my periods completely (ultimate period money saving hack! Haha!).
Totally agree with you, period cups are a game changer. Probably not for everyone, but because of the convenience, cost savings and positive environmental impacts, definitely worth a try.
Cool! And I’m glad the IUD has been a good experience for you. And yeah – nothing’s for everyone, but I didn’t know enough about the cup option so I wanted to share 🙂 .
I have been using menstrual cups since 2009 and love them for all the reasons you do! I love that when you think your period might be starting, you don’t have to guess and worry about spotting. Just pop in the cup. Since I’m getting older (48) and my periods seem to be different every month, on my heaviest flow day I like to wear the cup in combination with thinx underwear or a reusable, cloth liner that I purchased on easy. That way if I wait too long to empty, I’ve got an added layer of protection. Thanks for sharing the joys of menstrual cups with everyone!
That’s awesome! And yeah definitely an additional benefit there. So glad you found solutions that work for you 🙂 . And of course!
This is the most useful and informative guide to period cups I’ve ever read. Thank you for writing this!!! I went to the site to purchase (you make very convincing arguments…) but I have an IUD and unfortunately there is some evidence that using a cup while you have an IUD could lead to expulsion (not all studies found this, but enough to make me hesitant). Props to Saalt for helpfully explaining the evidence: https://saalt.com/blogs/news/can-i-use-a-menstrual-cup-if-i-have-an-iud
I will be purchasing their period underwear though, so thank you for introducing me to this company!
OH WOW!!! That is so kind – thank you! And I’m so glad they made that clear – good call out. I hope you like their period underwear! I’d love to hear what you think about them since I haven’t tried them before.
YES cup users unite! I’m an enthusiastic user myself! I’ve used one (1) period cup since 2011ish. I should probably replace it, but it seems okay, so I’ll keep using it until it isn’t! In the UK, the main brand is Mooncup, and when I first saw an ad for it (about four years prior to buying one) I was kind of freaked out – a cup? Collecting blood and tissue? Wasn’t that messy?!?! WhAt?! The environmental impact swung me enough to try it and I was converted from the first use.
I’ve saved so much money. I’d go through a pack of pads per period, and now I use just one for leaks on the heavy day. (I do get leaks, but given I’m due to replace it, I think the next size up will address that.) I can’t remember when I last bought pads or tampons – maybe last year? The cup is great for travelling and easy to use, it’s easy to maintain, the environmental benefit is undeniable – just a good choice all around.
The biggest unexpected benefit to me was becoming really aware of what’s happening to my body during my period. Using the cup has made me confront the patterns in flow and I’m way more attuned to my cycle in general now. Perhaps that’s an esoteric benefit, but self-understanding is always a plus! Great review, Purple. Welcome to the cup bandwagon!
Haha maybe we need a club 🙂 . And yay money savings!! That’s awesome. Fair point about knowing what’s going on with your body – I do feel more involved with the process (in a good way) instead of feeling awkward about it like I did when I was waddling around with a giant pad 🙂 . Thank you!
Like Lisa R above, the Mirena IUD is my period hack. I tried the cup but still had leakage problems (different brand though). I was borderline anemic because of super heavy periods…so the IUD helped with that (covered by health insurance as well). I plan to keep one in right through menopause! 😉
I’m so happy he IUD works for y’all! I had a bad experience with it for 3 years so sadly that’s out of the cards for me.
Thanks for the detailed writeup! I’m seriously considering this now. My friends have shared mostly positive stories about cups over the years (depending on the brand). I had always experienced some discomfort and leakage with tampons, even after years and years of consistent use. Period underwear changed my life forever for the better about 7 years ago, but it’s cool to hear there are more/better options being developed!
Of course! I hope you find a solution that works for you 🙂 .
I used a period cup for years, right up until menopause. It was brilliant! I could never find a tampon that didn’t leak overnight. The cup solved that problem nicely. A godsend when travelling. One pro tip for women with super heavy periods using a period cup: on my really heavy days, taking out the cup sometimes led to my hands looking like I had just murdered someone. On those days I made a point of finding a handicapped washroom where the toilet and sink are in the same room. Just made my life easier.
Great tip! Thank you for sharing 🙂 . I’ll use that when I actually venture into society again haha.
I have always just used pads for my period because I have been nervous about using a period cup, but after reading your post, I might give it a try. I do care about the environment and know pads are not the way to go. So I will be using your affiliate link to purchase one.
Thanks for the review post!
So happy I could help! Let me know what you think 🙂 .
I used a cup up until menopause for the opposite reason… my period was too light. Tampons sucked all the moisture out of my body and I hated pads.
Mooncup user since 12+ years and sooo happy a friend told me about it all those years ago! I haven’t replaced mine yet, it’s still in great shape. Cup users unite 🙌
Awesome! And yes – cups users assemble 😉 !!!
I just bought one because of your review. Thanks for sharing this. Love the blog!
Oh wow! And of course – I’d love to hear what you think of it 🙂 .
I will definitely reply back and let you know!
Such a great comprehensive post! I’ve been using a Ruby cup for a more than 5 years. Being able to insert in the morning and go to class or work without worrying about bringing anything or leaks was great! With a 12 hr window, I could plan to be in a private bathroom rather than a stall to handle things. This is nice since usually at least some blood escapes when performing that seal breaking and flying the Death Star course.
The comfort level was much better than diaper-rash-and-sitting-in-a-small-pool-of-your-own-blood pads and too-dry tampons. There was a bit of a learning curve and had some leaks in the beginning, but it’s easy street now. Not having to worry about whether spotting is heavy enough to use a tampon or pad like Lisa R said is wonderful. With the cup, when in doubt, just put it in.
The Ruby cup came with a silicone popup container that can be used to boil it in the microwave and store it when not in use. This is great for laziness and not spooking roommates when they see you using a communal pot for cleaning a period product.
Yay!! I’m so happy to hear that. And lol to “flying the Death Star course.” And I had no idea there’s a popup cleaning container for a microwave! I might have to buy that despite not having a Ruby cup myself.
I didn’t know you could boil in the microwave! You just saved my life, haha
Right?!? I’m doing this now!
I saw a blog post about period cups, can’t remember where, and some of the commenters mentioned having horrible UTIs while using period cups. YMMV.
What you find that source please? I have heard one person in my life anecdotally have a UTI while wearing a cup, but have not heard that is an overall risk and would like to check it out.
I just found the article:
https://cupcakesandcashmere.com/lifestyle/all-the-questions-youre-afraid-to-ask-about-menstrual-cups-answered
BUT
when that blog turned off all new comments:
https://cupcakesandcashmere.com/lifestyle/setting-new-boundaries-and-an-announcement
They also deleted all the old comments or at least hid them because I don’t see any comments for that article any more.
Ahh cool – thanks so much for finding it!
Also from what I remember of the comments it was anecdotal and there was one commenter in particular who had really horrible UTI.
I’ve been on the fence with this but now I’m definitely trying it! Would you please check the link as I am not seeing the $5 off. Thank you.
Cool! And that’s strange – the link looks like it’s working for me. When you go to it a code should pop up that you copy and can use at check out – this one just popped up for me, you can use it if you’d like: RAFARPLI2UX.
Thank you, that’s interesting.
You’re welcome Ben 🙂
Maybe a silly question but…do you leave the cup in while you pee? Or do you not pee for 12 hours?
Thx for answering
You can do any bathroom activities you need to while the cup is inside you 🙂 – same as a tampon. No need to wait 12 hours.
Thanks for your answer! I actually never leave the tampon inside while peeing because the string gets wet and I dislike that, that’s why I asked.