Many are switching to using a reusable menstrual cup instead of traditional single-use pads and tampons. This is because of the many advantages they provide for yourself and the environment. You can save money, make fewer trips to the bathroom, and feel good about cutting back on plastic period waste. If you’re considering making the switch to a reusable cup for your next period, here’s everything you’ll need to know.

The Basic Questions

There isn’t any shame in not knowing what a period or menstrual cup is. For most of us, this wasn’t something covered in health class. So, there is a lot for people to learn when it comes to using a cup for period flow. Learning the basics is step number one on the road to more sustainable period care. Here are some common questions you might have:

What Exactly Is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is an innovative, bell-shaped cup that can be inserted into your vaginal canal to collect your period flow. Some of the best are made with soft, medical-grade silicone. Instead of absorbing your menstrual flow as a tampon or pad would, the cup simply collects your flow in the cup until you’re ready to take it out. The soft and flexible silicone material rests just below your cervix, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort throughout the day.

How Do I Use My Menstrual Cup?

You insert your period cup in a similar way you would a tampon. Find a comfortable position, either with one leg propped up, sitting, or standing, and fold your cup so it can be inserted easily. Once you have your cup inserted, rotate it to ensure that the rim of the cup isn’t folded anymore. If you’re having trouble with this process, you can always use some water as a lubricant around the edge of the cup to make insertion easier. Remember that you should not feel your menstrual cup when it’s inserted correctly.

How Do I Figure Out What Size to Use?

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing your reusable period cup size. Generally speaking, a smaller period cup is best for those with a low cervix, while a larger size might be more suitable for those with a high cervix. Your typical flow can also impact your decision, as well as if you’re a first-time user who might benefit from a smaller, slightly firmer cup. Younger and more petite people should try a smaller cup first, and those who’ve carried a pregnancy to term may prefer the larger cup. Some of the best period cup brands may provide an online sizing quiz to help you narrow down what size is right for you. Some even offer sizes for teens.

Reusable Period Cup Aftercare

This might be the most critical bit of information you’ll read in this article. If you are considering using a cup for period flow, you need to keep it clean. But don’t worry, follow these steps for your cup’s hygiene, and you’ll be well on your way to a more sustainable period.

Keeping Your Cup Clean During Your Period

One of the biggest advantages of a period cup is that you can wear it for up to 12 hours of period protection. But it is necessary to take it out and clean it properly before using it again. Rinse your cup out with cold water first to avoid any discoloration or odor. Next, wash with warm water and mild soap. Some brands even offer a cup wash, which is a great way to keep your reusable period product clean. Rinse thoroughly with water before reinserting. You should be cleaning your cup about twice a day or every 12 hours while on your period.

Cleaning Your Cup Between Cycles

Sanitizing your cup between your periods is essential to maintaining healthy period care. After the end of your monthly cycle, follow the same cleaning steps as you would during your period. It’s also important to make sure any air holes near the top of your cup are clear by passing water through them. Next, you need to boil your cup in water for about 4-5 minutes (not exceeding 7) without letting your cup rest at the bottom of the pot. You can use tongs or a whisk for ease. This way, you won’t ever have to worry about anything unpleasant hanging around, and your cup will be freshly sanitized for the next time you need it. You can also sanitize your cup with a soft rag and 70% isopropyl alcohol after a thorough rinse in water.

Storing Your Period Cup

Period cup storage is surprisingly easy. The only thing you really want to keep in mind is making sure that your cup is completely dry before storing it in a breathable bag. Never use a sealable plastic bag for storage as it can sometimes propagate bacteria growth. Keep your cup stored at about room temperature, avoiding exposure to extreme heat or cold, and you should be good to go.

Advantages of Using a Menstrual Cup

Here comes the fun part. Once you learn all of the advantages you’ll gain from your reusable period cup, you’ll never want to go back to your old period care. Here are three of the best benefits that come with a period cup:

Environmentally Conscious Period Care

Traditional period products create a ton of plastic waste every year. But when you use a reusable period cup, you’re saving the environment from a lot of unnecessary waste. You can save yourself from using hundreds of single-use, disposable products in just one year. And because period cups last such a long time—some of the best can last up to 10 years—you’ll be practicing eco-friendly period care for years to come.

Cost-Effectiveness

Who wants to spend money on pads and tampons when there are so many other uses for your hard-earned cash? The amount of money you can save by switching to a reusable menstrual cup is undoubtedly impressive. Your one-time fee for a cup that can last you years upon years is the only money you have to budget toward your period from now on.

No More Rushed Trips to the Bathroom

This is the most priceless thing you can gain from switching to a period cup: peace of mind. Because of the seal a reusable cup makes between the cup and your vaginal wall, worrying about leaking can become a thing of the past. A high-quality period cup can hold three times as much as your traditional tampons would—sometimes even more. So, that means you don’t have to scout out the nearest bathroom every time you’re out and about.

About Saalt

Saalt understands that everyone who has a period has a different experience. So why not create sustainable period care that changes that experience for the better? Saalt offers period cups, menstrual discs, and leakproof underwear for anyone who has a period. You can cut down on plastic waste and put an end to panicked trips to the bathroom and the old sneaky sweater trick when you switch to a Saalt product. Saalt’s cups and discs are made with comfortable, soft, medical-grade silicone and offer up to 12 hours of period protection. With all of the information provided by Saalt on their website, you can easily learn the ins and outs of reusable period care, how to insert your Saalt cup or disc, and more.

Learn more about using a menstrual cup and finding your size at https://saalt.com/