Making the switch to a menstrual cup is something we wholeheartedly recommend, but there are several insights we discovered post-transition that no one mentioned beforehand.
- Menstrual Blood Has a Different Consistency
Before transitioning to a cup or disc, many of us were unaware that menstrual blood resembles soup more than wine. As unappetizing as this may sound, we all remember our first experience emptying the cup, which creates unexpected lava lamp-like patterns in the toilet. If you claim you weren’t amazed, we don’t quite believe you! - There’s a Learning Curve & Backup Protection is Essential
Clickbait is prevalent, often filled with sensational horror stories about menstruation or making cups sound like miraculous game-changers. While we genuinely believe cups can enhance your experience, the overly enthusiastic tone of many articles and videos tends to overlook the less glamorous aspects of adjusting to a new menstrual product, such as potential leaks. Acknowledging that leaks can occur will help you decide whether to embrace spontaneity or prepare with backup options like pantyliners, pads, or period underwear. If your initial fit isn’t ideal, experiment with different folds or insertion positions (like squatting or sitting) to discover what feels right for you, rather than focusing on worst-case scenarios meant to attract clicks. - Your Cervix is Mobile
You might not have given much thought to your cervix before using a cup, but it’s now a key consideration. Why? Its position can greatly influence which cup suits you best. If it’s too long, it won’t fit; if it’s too short, retrieving it can become a challenge. The best time to assess your cervix is during your period—check at both the start and the end—to aid in your cup selection. While it’s uncommon to have an extremely high or low cervix, knowing its position is vital before investing $25-40 in a cup. - Cups Can Be Noisy
We like to joke that the cup “pops” open inside you, but that sound is often exaggerated; only a select few may actually hear it. The more amusing revelation is the squelching noise that can occur during removal. If you’d prefer to avoid this sound, try tilting the cup slightly as you take it out. - You Can Have Sex with It… Perhaps
Menstrual discs, like the reusable Ziggy by INTIMINA, allow for sex while still catching blood. Surprisingly, some individuals have discovered they can engage in penetrative sex with a cup in place. We’re not recommending this—and it’s not endorsed by any brands—but many users, ourselves included, have experienced it. Remember that the cup, your partner, and the chosen position can all affect how successful this is. Be aware that your vagina elongates when aroused, so you may need to wait for the cup to shift back to a reachable position. An impromptu “just the tip” game might be harmless if you don’t have a disc, but the Ziggy is an excellent choice for those who want “mess-free” period sex regularly. - Pooping Might Pose a Challenge
We previously covered this topic in detail, but it’s worth reiterating since many people learn about it through experience. Some individuals find that pooping has no impact on wearing a menstrual cup, while others may notice the cup shifts lower during bowel movements or that it complicates the process altogether. If it becomes bothersome, simply removing the cup before using the restroom is an easy workaround. - You Might Find Yourself Collecting Them
Interestingly, one of the most unexpected outcomes of switching to a cup is that it can become a new hobby. Transitioning to a cup requires courage, as we weren’t taught about them in school and often lack a network to ask those “too much information” questions. This is where the internet comes into play, revealing a vast array of cups in vibrant colors, soft silicone materials, and innovative designs. Even if your first cup performs beautifully, you might be tempted to explore others simply for their aesthetic appeal or favorable reviews. If that resonates with you, welcome to what we affectionately call The Cup Cult—you’ll fit right in!
