EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MENSTRUAL CUPS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MENSTRUAL CUPS

Menstrual cups. These are two words that, for some reason, we shy away from. To be totally honest, the initial idea of switching from the usual tampons and pads to a cup intimidated the ... out of me. But why, when they are the more wallet, environmentally, and period-friendly product? So, let's talk about all things Menstrual Cups, the good, the intimidating, and, of course, the bloody. 

A menstrual cup is a silicone device that can be manually inserted during your period to collect your flow and prevent leaking onto those beautiful new pants you bought. It’s flexible and foldable, with POM cups holding up to 3 tampons worth of blood. Not fully convinced yet? Well, let's run through some common questions; 

ARE MENSTRUAL CUPS SAFE?

Yes, menstrual cups are 100% safe for you and your body. Our menstrual cups use 100% medical-grade silicon, meaning our cups are plastic-free, BPA-free, rubber and latex-free. Similar to other products, we strongly advise you not to wear your cup for longer than 12 hours, as it can increase your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome from infection. Otherwise, menstrual cups don’t cause you significant injuries, as long as you are washing your hands before inserting, and keeping your cup clean, you are all good to go.  

CAN A PERIOD CUP GET LOST?

Nope, don’t worry, your POM period cup isn’t going to get lost. If it does move up higher in the vagina you can use your pelvic muscles to push it down lower, or squat to help with this and let gravity do its thing.  

HOW TO USE A MENSTRUAL CUP? 

Step 1. Before you start, pop your cup in your Steriliser Case face down. Add in a bit of water and microwave for 1 min. Allow it to cool. 

Step 2. Wash your hands & relax, you’ve got this! For easier insertion, apply a water-based lubricant (water will do too), to the rim of the cup 

Step 3. Simply fold the cup in half in your hand, rim facing upwards - As you would with a tampon, insert the cup, rim up. The C-fold is popular but there are heaps of other techniques. 

Step 4. Hold the bottom of the cup and gently insert it into the vagina. Once fully inserted, let go and a seal will be created as it pops open. You can also grab the stem and pull gently to create an airtight seal to prevent leaks. 

Step 5. Pinch the base of the cup with your forefinger and thumb to release the seal. In a public bathroom? It's fine, just remove the cup as usual, tip it into the toilet, and either rinse it out with bottled water or in the sink with mild soap. Please make sure that the holes on the side of the cup are clean as these are what help with the airtight seal.  

HOW DO YOU CLEAN A MENSTRUAL CUP? 

For your menstrual cup to last as long as possible and keep you safe, make sure to sterilise it properly. 

When you are out and about, simply remove the cup, tip the blood into the toilet, and rinse the cup before reinsertion. If it’s available to you, you can rinse your period cup with mild soap and warm water, then dry and reinsert. Also, make sure to clean the small holes on the rim for the perfect seal. 

When you’re at home, or after your period has ended, you’re going to pop the cup away. POM has you covered. Using the POM steriliser case, simply pop the cup in the case facing down, add a bit of water in the bottom and microwave for 1 minute. Remember to wait a bit for it to cool down before handling.  

POM's top tip: empty it in the shower! Whether you have yours in the morning or evening, why not take this opportunity to just take it out in the shower, tip it down the drain, give it a little rinse and pop it back in? No mess, no fuss and you’re all clean and fresh to start your day or go to bed. This is also a good technique to use when you are just starting out using the cup.  

POM period cup steriliser case, POM period cup finger grip style and POM period cup super soft style on a white table

WHAT SIZE MENSTRUAL CUP IS BEST FOR YOU & HOW MUCH CAN THE POM PERIOD CUP HOLD? 

POM has two different types of cups and they come in different sizes. 

POM’s Finger Grip Period cup comes in two different sizes so no matter your body or flow we’ve got you covered. 

  • Small - is for those 30 or under who have not given birth vaginally, these cups can hold 23 ml / 4.5 regular tampons / 2 super tampons 
  • Large - is for 30+ or those who have given birth vaginally, this size can hold 29 ml / almost 6 regular tampons / 2.5 super tampons 

If you're looking for a softer cup, don't worry, we have got you covered. Our POM Super Soft Period Cup is the perfect solution. Also made of 100% medical-grade silicon and leak-free secure rims, the super soft cups come in three different sizes, these cups hold; 

  • XS - is for teenagers - can hold 18 ml / 3.5 regular tampons / 1.5 super tampons 
  • Small - is for those 30 or under who have not given birth vaginally - can hold 25 ml /  5 regular tampons / 2 super tampons 
  • Large - is for 30+ or those who have given birth vaginally - can hold 28 ml / 5.5 regular tampons / 2.3 super tampons  

Picking the right size for you is dependent on many factors, including your age, birth history, and overall fitness behaviours, which all impact your pelvic floor muscles and daily activities. Older age, having given birth, and a lower fitness level can all weaken these muscles, which can make it more difficult to support and hold the cup. You know your body best, so when it comes to your flow, if your period is typically lighter, a smaller cup may be more suited, and vice versa if you tend to have a heavier flow.  

Menstrual cup pros and cons. 

Still unsure? Let's weigh up some pros and cons, starting with the possible not-so-fun side of cups:

  • Inserting and removing the cup can be awkward when first starting. Like everything, practice makes perfect, it just takes some getting used to. 
  • Removal can be messy, risking possible spilling when removing. However, just take a deep breath and calmly take it step by step. 
  • Materials that can cause irritation. POM cups are 100% medical-grade silicon so you won’t have to worry about reacting to rubber or latex, but you may still find them uncomfortable.   

Alternatively, there are a handful of benefits, including; 

  • Up to 12-hour protection. You can enjoy a stress-free day and sleep knowing you are protected by the leak-free technology. No need to keep changing your tampon multiple times a day. 
  • Wallet-friendly option. Menstrual cups, even though they are an initial investment, if you take care of your cup, it will last up to 5 years. It also means you can stop making those annoying trips to the store to restock on pads and tampons. To prove how quickly you’d make your money back, we ran the numbers:

In the UK women spend an average of £13 a month, therefore you will make your money back in 2 months on one cup. Saving you £753 over the 5 years. 

In Australia, women spend an average of $19.54 a month, therefore you will make your money back in less than 2 months on one cup. Saving you $1,135.41 over the 5 years. 

  • Environmentally friendly option. Using POM reusable cups means you will be doing your part once a month to help prevent waste. Did you know that 45 billion period products are discarded each year worldwide? 
  • Decreased risk of TSS. Cups collect rather than absorb, lowering the threat of Toxic Shock Syndrome.  
  • Hold more blood. We are all about a leak-free week, and a menstrual cup can hold around three times more blood than a tampon.  

CAN MENSTRUAL CUPS CAUSE CRAMPS? 

Although we at POM wish we could magically make all period cramps disappear, we can ensure that a menstrual cup will not worsen them. Period cramps originate in the uterus, a menstrual cup sits under your cervix, away from your uterus.  

Having a cup in should feel the same as having a tampon in, you know it's there but it's not uncomfortable to wear. As long as you have the right size/firmness and are properly inserting or removing your cup, you should feel good enough to take on your period and the world.   

CAN MENSTRUAL CUPS CAUSE TSS? 

Menstrual cups should not cause TSS, as long as you are properly wearing and cleaning them. It is very rare for a menstrual cup to cause TSS. So make sure you are following the instructions and not leaving your cup in for longer than 12 hours. As well as sterilising it properly and ensuring that before inserting and removing the cup, your hands are cleaned thoroughly.  

CAN I USE A MENSTRUAL CUP WITH AN IUD? 

This is a slightly contentious question as some evidence suggests it isn’t wise to use a menstrual cup if you have an IUD as it could come out either by suction or pulling on the strings. However, there are also solutions to this if you do want to use a menstrual cup with an IUD. You could speak to your doctor and ask for the strings to be cut shorter to minimise the likelihood of this occurring. While also taking extra care when removing your cup like releasing any suction before removing, and being careful not to pull on the IUD strings. Another tip is to wait to use a menstrual cup for at least 3 months after insertion to reduce the risk. You may want to consult your doctor for more personalised information.  

So really, the question is, what is not to love about menstrual cups? Not only are you helping both the environment and your wallet, but menstrual cups are also an effective solution to handling your period. All POM period cups (both finger grip and super soft) come with an organic cotton carry pouch. Plus you can buy your POM period cup with an easy-to-use steriliser case making using and cleaning your cup so easy. 

We want you to feel comfortable and have some peace of mind during your period, therefore POM has a range of sizing and style (yes, the cups come in two gorgeous colours because who said our vagina can't have pretty accessories too). At POM we just want you to find the sustainable period product that’s right for you. 

 

Back to blog