How to use Menstrual Cups

Menstruation is a big part of most women’s lives, and menstrual hygiene is of utmost importance when it comes to feminine health. There are many disposable options available in the market, including menstrual pads and tampons. Another interesting option you may want to look into, are reusable menstrual cups.

 

How do Menstrual Cups work

Menstrual cups, such as our Peachlife cup with Ring Stem, are soft medical grade silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood for up to 12 hours. These period cups are reusable and with proper care and hygiene, your Peachcup should last up to 10 years. No more trips to the drug store every month!

Using a Peachlife menstrual cup may seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of practice, you can get the hang of it and forever change your feminine care routine. First, it is important to choose the right cup for your needs. Read our thorough blog post on how to pick the right Menstrual Cup Size and Firmness. It can help to consult your gynecologist for their opinion. 

Our Menstrual Cups are designed using medical-grade silicone and they come in various sizes and firmnesses to suit different anatomies, menstrual flows, and lifestyles. The Peachlife cup comes in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. Each size comes in 3 firmness levels: soft, medium firm, and extra firm. There is a suitable option for almost everyone, including young girls and those with very heavy menstruations; and should you for any reason be unable to find your perfect fit on the first try, simply reach out to us and we will help you with a full refund or exchange. 
Tip: we offer bundles with different firmnesses and/or sizes, if you are unsure which size or firmness will work best for you. Some prefer smaller and softer cups for their lighter days, while using larger and firmer cups on heavier flow days or during vigorous activities such as weight lifting or running.

How to insert, remove and clean your Menstrual Cup with Ring Pull 

Once you are ready to insert the cup, start by thoroughly washing your hands. You have to fold the cup to reduce its diameter and carefully insert the folded end into your vagina. Point it slightly backward toward your back, to follow the natural direction of the vaginal canal.

Find our blog entry on different folding techniques here.

It helps to have one leg propped up on the toilet. Once the cup is in your vaginal canal, twist and pull it slightly so that it unfolds and forms a tight seal. It should be inserted with the ring handle fully inside, not sticking out, however it is not necessary to push it any deeper. When it's time to empty the cup, (after a maximum of 12 hours or sooner if needed), gently turn the stem or push the side of the cup inward with a finger to break the seal. Carefully hook your finger into the ring and pull it downward until you can grab it with two fingers to fully remove it. Rinse it with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap if accessible before inserting it again. Neutrogena’s mild, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and oil-free liquid soap is an excellent option. It is important to properly sanitize the cup by boiling it in water after each period. You can use a mug or a pot to bring water to a boil and insert your silicone cup for 3 to 4 minutes. Please make sure it does not touch the sides of the container, as it may melt the medical grade silicone.

Peachlife cups have a capacity of 24 ml to 32 ml, depending on the size you purchase, which is about three times more than a super tampon would absorb. This means you can go about your day without having to change your pad or tampon every few hours and we all know how big of a hassle it can be if you're away from home! A silicone period cup will keep you comfortable for up to 12 hours, so you can, most of the time, empty it once you are in the comfort of your own home. You can use a menstrual cup while swimming or showering and it is a great choice for women with an active lifestyle.

The average woman will use between ten and fifteen thousand tampons in her lifetime. Not only does this cause a massive strain on the environment, but the cost adds up over the years and causes women to spend hundreds of dollars on sanitary products alone. For something as natural and often unavoidable as menstruation, pads and tampons sure cost a lot! Menstrual cups are a cheaper alternative for your periods if you want a reliable, reusable way to support you during your menstruation. Once you get a high-quality cup, it can last you for many years to come. Why and when you would want to replace it? Menstrual blood can have extraordinary staining power. You can read through our article on how to avoid and remove stains and discoloration to help keeping your Peachlife friend clean and fresh. After many years of putting your menses buddy to work, you may want to replace it with a new one. One cup can last you up to 10 years with proper care.

 

Menstrual Cups and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Pads and tampons can cause many nuisances, but they may also contribute to a life-threatening condition called toxic shock syndrome. However, it can affect anyone, including men and children of all ages, especially when open wounds, cuts or burns are present. Toxic shock syndrome causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria, when present, can produce toxins and enter your bloodstream. Higher absorbency tampons are associated with TSS more often. Menstrual cups hold the liquids, as opposed to absorbing them along with your body’s fluids. You can help reducing your already low risk of TSS with Menstrual Cups by adopting following habits:

 

• clean your cup with warm water and a mild, oil-free and fragrance-free soap before insertion and when removing it during your cycle
• remove, empty and clean your cup at least every 12 hours
• boil your Peachcup in water for 3 to 4 minutes in between the monthly uses
• wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap before inserting and removing your Peachlife cup
• apply a small amount of water-based lube or water to the outside of the cup (especially around the rim) to make the insertion smoother and avoid scratches or abrasions 

 

 
Menstrual Cup Comfort 

Many women feel irritated and bloated during their periods, and having a pad in their underwear can make the situation worse. You have to walk around all day with a saturated pad, which can feel uncomfortable. Tampons have their intricacies as well, as they absorb moisture from the vagina, and by the end of your period, it can contribute to feeling dry and itchy down there. Both of these feminine hygiene options have one other downside: the odor! Even though others may not notice, if you absorb menstrual blood in a piece of cotton and leave it sitting in your vagina for hours, it can start to smell. Add sweat and bacteria to the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster!

Menstrual cups in comparison, collect blood in a silicone cup instead of absorbing it. This helps to reduce the bulky feeling that often comes with wearing a pad. Cups are meant to gently adjust to your vagina and unlike tampons, they don't absorb all your natural secretions. This helps making periods a much more comfortable experience. Menstrual cups also create an airtight seal, keeping the blood away from air circulation so that no odor leaks out and you smell fresh throughout the period!

As the world is evolving, we luckily have access to more feminine care choices such as reusable menstrual cups. You can save a lot of money in the long run as it is a one-time investment for many years to come and you don't have to shell out cash for menstrual products every month. It helps reducing our environmental footprint, reducing landfills, and does not contain dangerous ingredients for your health such as bleach. If you properly sanitize and store your cup between periods, the Peachlife cup will easily last you for a decade. Get your Peachlife cup here!