Welcome! Navigating the world of period care can feel like a lot, but we are here to help you find what works for your body and your life. If you have been curious about menstrual cups, you are in exactly the right place.
For many women and menstruators, making the switch is a total game-changer. These simple period cups offer a liberating blend of comfort, sustainability, and convenience. This guide is your complete, friendly resource for everything you need to know, from choosing the right cup to using it like an absolute pro.
Let's explore how a small change can transform your period experience.
What Is a Menstrual Cup and Why You'll Love It
Before diving into the how-tos, let's cover the basics. Understanding what a menstrual cup is and the benefits it offers is the first step toward a simpler period.
A Simple Definition
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, bell-shaped cup worn inside the vagina. Unlike tampons or pads that absorb menstrual fluid, it simply collects it[3]. LOLA's cup is crafted from 100% medical-grade silicone, making it a safe, non-toxic, and reusable alternative to disposable products.
The Benefits: Safe, Sustainable, and Simple
Switching to reusable menstrual cups comes with some incredible perks for your body, the planet, and your wallet.
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Safe for Your Body: We believe you deserve to know what is in your products. Our cup is gynecologist-approved, dye-free, and made from biocompatible, medical-grade silicone. Because it collects fluid rather than absorbing it, a cup will not cause the dryness sometimes associated with tampons. You can wear it for up to 12 hours, giving you peace of mind all day or night[1].
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Sustainable for the Planet: One cup can be reused for years, which means you will send significantly less waste to landfills compared to single-use products. It is a small change that makes a huge environmental impact.
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Simple for Your Life: Imagine fewer trips to the store, more money in your pocket over time, and the freedom to swim, sleep, and exercise without worry. Wear it confidently for up to 12 hours and go about your day, making your period feel like less of an interruption.
How to Choose and Use Your Menstrual Cup
Feeling ready to give it a try? This step-by-step guide will walk you through finding the right fit and using your cup with confidence.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Choosing the right size is the key to a comfortable, leak-free experience. The two main factors that help determine your size are your flow intensity (light vs. heavy) and whether you have given birth vaginally[1]. LOLA offers two sizes to provide a great fit for different bodies. Ultimately, choosing a high-quality cup from a brand you trust is the most important first step.
How to Insert Your Menstrual Cup
It might take a few tries to get the hang of it, and that is completely normal. Be patient with yourself, and you'll be a pro in no time. For an even easier start, you can practice insertion and removal in the shower before your period begins.
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Wash Up: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
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Fold It: To make insertion easier, fold the cup. Two popular methods are the C-Fold (press the cup flat, then fold it in half to form a 'C' shape) and the Punch-Down Fold (press one side of the rim down into the cup).
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Relax and Insert: Find a comfortable position, like sitting on the toilet or squatting. Relax your pelvic floor muscles and gently insert the folded cup, angling it back toward your tailbone, not straight up.
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Check the Seal: Once the cup is inside, it should pop open. Run a finger around the base to ensure it's fully open and has created a light seal against your vaginal walls. This seal is what prevents leaks.
For a visual guide, our page on how to insert and remove a menstrual cup safely has more tips to help you master the process.
How to Remove Your Menstrual Cup
Removal is all about breaking the seal first.
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Wash Your Hands: Again, clean hands are a must.
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Get Comfortable and Relax: Sit on the toilet and relax your muscles. Bearing down gently with your pelvic muscles can help move the cup lower and make it easier to reach.
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Break the Seal: This is the most important step. Do not just pull on the stem. Gently pull the stem only until you can reach the base of the cup, then pinch the base firmly. This action breaks the suction seal.
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Gently Remove: Once the seal is broken, guide the cup out slowly, keeping it upright to prevent spills.
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Empty, Rinse, and Re-insert: Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse your cup with water, and it's ready to be used again.
Caring for Your Cup and Other Questions
Proper care ensures your cup lasts for years. Getting honest answers to common worries will help you feel even more prepared.
Cleaning and Storing Your Cup
Following a few simple steps for proper cleaning and storage is the key to keeping your cup in great shape for years to come.
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During Your Cycle: Between uses, simply rinse your cup with clean water. If you are in a public restroom, you can wipe it with toilet paper or bring a small water bottle into the stall.
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Between Cycles: After your period ends, sterilize your cup by boiling it in an open pot of water for 5–10 minutes.
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Storage: Always store your clean, dry cup in a breathable pouch, like the one included with your LOLA cup. Avoid airtight containers, which can trap moisture.
Answering Your Top Questions
It is natural to have questions. Here are honest answers to some of the most common ones.
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Is it messy? We will be honest, there is a learning curve. Your first few removals might feel a bit clumsy. Most users find that after a couple of cycles, the process becomes quick, clean, and second nature.
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What about leaks? Leaks are the number one concern, and they typically occur when the cup has not opened fully or when the size is not quite right. We recommend wearing a backup liner for your first few cycles while you get the hang of insertion and confirm your seal is secure.
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Can I use a cup with an IUD? Most gynecologists consider it safe, but we always recommend checking with yours first. Be extra careful to break the seal completely before removing the cup to avoid tugging on the IUD strings[2].
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Menstrual Cups vs. Period Underwear? Both are fantastic reusable options. A cup is great for all-day protection and activities like swimming, while period underwear is perfect for lighter days, overnight, or as a reliable backup.
Menstrual Cup Terminology
Here are a few key terms to know as you begin your menstrual cup journey.
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Medical-Grade Silicone: The body-safe, flexible, and non-toxic material our cup is made from. It is hypoallergenic and designed for total peace of mind.
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Seal: The light suction the cup creates against your vaginal walls once it opens inside you. This is what holds it in place and prevents leaks.
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Stem: The small, flexible tab at the bottom of the cup. It is there to help you locate the base for removal, but you should not pull on it directly. Always pinch the base to break the seal first.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Choosing to try one of the many menstrual cups on the market is a powerful step toward a more comfortable, sustainable, and simple period. It takes a little practice, so be patient with yourself as you learn what works for your body. Whether you are new to reusable period care or simply exploring your options, women and menstruators everywhere are discovering how much easier periods can be. You've got this.
Explore More from LOLA
Ready to find your new period essential? We have everything you need to get started.
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Shop the LOLA Cup: Ready to try it for yourself? Find your perfect fit here.
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A Deeper Dive into How-Tos: For video tutorials and more tips, check out our guide on how to insert and remove a cup safely.
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Safe and Comfortable Periods: Learn more about the safety and science behind reusable menstrual cups.
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Explore All Period Care: Not sure if a cup is for you? Discover our full line of organic cotton tampons, pads, and period underwear.