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I‘m actually too excited about this menstrual cup so I just wanna talk about it already!!!!!
We got my papperlacup from @EinhornBerlin. You want a cup that is made from 100% medical silicone available from many other popular brands like the Ruby. Silicone is soft and folds beautifully.
Why cups in general? Menstrual cups reduce hygienic waste by a mile; they are a one off purchase (got mine for about KES 2000; and, have been reported to reduce menstrual pain.
Let’s talk sizing. One of the bigger blunders that can ruin your menstrual cup experience is a wrongly sized cup. My pepperlacup comes in two sizes, small and large. Einhorn have a genius method of determining how to choose that I think might apply for other brands.
1. How long is your vagina? How to tell: wash your hands and insert your index finger in your vagina... can you feel the roof of your vagina (the cervix) or not? If you can feel it, without inserting your finger all the way you have a short vagina - go for the small cup!
My tip: measure your vagina during a period. Your vagina feels completely different during you period - the cervix can be higher or lower than usual. I digress but this is also the best time to check your IUD strings.
Other considerations
2. The big cup is better for heavier periods.
3. Go for the bigger cup if you have been pregnant before (whether or not you delivered naturally or via CS). Pregnancy does that magic on your pelvis.
2. The big cup is better for heavier periods.
3. Go for the bigger cup if you have been pregnant before (whether or not you delivered naturally or via CS). Pregnancy does that magic on your pelvis.
First key take away: do your research around sizing. Including the specific sizing guidance provided by the brand you choose to go with.
Ok. You chose the right size for you. You bought it, its here. Number 1, SANITIZE. Make sure you sterilize the cup properly before your first use (Einhorn advise boiling) and wash your hands thoroughly before starting the insertion process.
Let’s talk about getting the thang in the thang!
- Read the manufacturer‘s advice.
- Relax. Anxiety makes your vaginal muscles clench and thus might make penetration unsuccessful.
- Lube up if you need to. Cups are not as dry and scratchy as tampons. Mine feels supple.
- Read the manufacturer‘s advice.
- Relax. Anxiety makes your vaginal muscles clench and thus might make penetration unsuccessful.
- Lube up if you need to. Cups are not as dry and scratchy as tampons. Mine feels supple.
But if it’s the first day of your period or for my lovely sisters with a history of vaginismus slap some lube on that thang.
- PRACTICE YOUR FOLD. I think you need to get this right to be successful. The cup‘s natural disposition is to be open so practice folding it firmly.
- PRACTICE YOUR FOLD. I think you need to get this right to be successful. The cup‘s natural disposition is to be open so practice folding it firmly.
The internet is so rich with resources on the different types of folds that exist and practice.
- Get in position (crouching works) slowly insert the cup just like you would a tampon. You want to angle the cup towards the small of your back, not straight upwards.
- Get in position (crouching works) slowly insert the cup just like you would a tampon. You want to angle the cup towards the small of your back, not straight upwards.
What is important here is to keep hold of the cup whilst you insert it to avoid it popping open too early. I am very convinced that practicing my fold obsessively was the reason I got it right at the second attempt. Hold it firmly until you feel its in position and release.
My other big question was: where should the menstrual cup sit? Cups are designed to sit pretty low in the vagina. Lower than a tampon. You should be able to reach the bottom of the cup.
How can I tell my cup is full? I felt it immediately. The cup lags slightly down the base of the vagina when its full. Trust me you will know!! I just knew, i don’t know how else to explain it.
Removing the cup. When I spoke to my gynecologist about transitioning to the cup, she explained to me that the suction created by the cup can „suck out“ or dislodge my IUD if I don’t remove it wisely. Nikasema, MAINA!!!!
The trick she showed me is to slide the index finger past the side of the cup WHILE IT IS STILL IN THE VAGINA then pulling it softly. If you feel like it is a hard pull, try the index finger trick again. This will release the suction pressure and allow you an easy removal.
Another thing: remember the first time you used a tampon? Remember the first time you had penetrative sex? Yeah, cups are in that territory. It’s probably not going to be super smooth and easy the first time you try. Read, practice, talk to your doctor and know when to give up.
