Menstrual cup use: how do I choose the right menstrual cup?
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Time to read 8 min
You’ve decided! You’re switching to the cup! Excellent decision. The menstrual cup or **period cup** has many advantages. You won’t regret your choice. It’s true, the cup is currently the most eco-friendly and economical **menstrual protection**. Easy to use and practical, the cup is especially appreciated by teens and women with a **heavy flow**, as well as by athletes and swimmers. In short, the cup revolutionizes your period. But how do you choose the right one?
Because yes, while it’s easy to be convinced by the usefulness of this little inverted silicone bell, it’s not so easy to choose when faced with all the options on the market.
Flow, size, capacity, anatomy, softness, preferences – several criteria come into play to help you choose the right menstrual cup model, the right cut for your profile.
Louloucup, a French brand of quality menstrual products, helps you choose the right menstrual cup, this washable, comfortable and eco-friendly period protection so you can finally say bye-bye to conventional tampons and pads.
In this article:
I. Understanding the menstrual cup before choosing one 🌸 What is a menstrual cup and how does it work? 🌸 What are the benefits of a menstrual cup? II. The two Louloucup models 🌸 Louloucup: cups made in France 🌸 Louloucup menstrual cup comparison guide III. Key criteria for choosing your menstrual cup 🌸 Why your menstrual flow matters when choosing 🌸 Anatomy and body shape: finding the right cup 🌸 Flexibility and firmness: the technical features that make all the difference The Louloucup cup universe Bonus: tips for using and caring for your menstrual cup 🌸 Insertion techniques for optimal placement 🌸 How to remove your cup without discomfort 🌸 Cleaning and sterilizing your cup: best practices Free teen period underwear FAQ To go further... Want to try a safe, gentle and practical French-made cup?
I. Understanding the menstrual cup before choosing one
🌸 What is a menstrual cup and how does it work?
The menstrual cup is a washable, reusable alternative to conventional single-use sanitary products. Unlike pads, it’s an internal protection method (just like a tampon). The cup sits inside the vagina and collects menstrual blood. It works like a small, leakproof reservoir that holds your flow without spilling.
🌸 What are the benefits of a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups offer many advantages for users.
Eco-friendly, they generate no plastic waste or pollutants. #ZeroWaste
Economical, they’re inexpensive and last for many years if properly cared for and stored. It’s a smart investment that quickly pays for itself.
Hygienic, they reduce the risk of irritation thanks to hypoallergenic materials. Unlike tampons, they don’t disrupt the vagina’s natural flora.
Comfortable, they’re soft and well‑shaped. They’re designed and thought out to be inserted and worn easily, offering greater comfort during use.
II. The two Louloucup models
🌸 Louloucup: cups made in France
Made in France, the Loulou cup is soft, affordable and easy to use. Its composition is clean: only medical-grade silicone, guaranteed free from phthalates, bisphenol A, latex and fragrance.
The particular shape of our cup is registered and patented.
Two models are available: the classic or standard Pink cup and the soft Turquoise cup. Each model comes in two sizes: small and medium.
To remember: at Louloucup, you can choose between two distinct models, two sizes, two levels of flexibility. The goal? To cater to all women, whatever their anatomy.
🌸 Louloucup menstrual cup comparison guide
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Features |
Louloucup Rose |
Louloucup Turquoise |
| Firmness |
Slightly firm |
Rather soft |
| Target audience |
Active and sporty women |
Sensitive anatomies, beginners |
| Adaptation |
Comfort in motion |
Maximum comfort for sensitive bladders |
| Available sizes |
S (light/medium flow) and M (medium/heavy flow) |
S (all flows) and M (all flows) |
| Material |
Odorless medical-grade silicone, free from BPA and latex |
Odorless medical-grade silicone, free from BPA and latex |
| Origin |
Made in France |
Made in France |
| Price |
€28.90 (eligible for the custom bundle with sliding-scale discounts) |
€28.90 (eligible for the custom bundle with sliding-scale discounts) |
Good to know: The medical-grade silicone used for Louloucup is biocompatible and hypoallergenic, ensuring safety and comfort. French manufacturing goes hand in hand with strict quality standards.
The cups are tested according to USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards. Free from endocrine disruptors, fragrances and latex, they are suitable for all sensitivities.
Louloucup recommends… the Loulou Turquoise menstrual cup
- Ultra flexible.
- Ultra soft.
- Very easy to insert and remove.
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Available in two sizes to suit all menstrual flows.
- Perfect for sensitive anatomies.
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Made in France.
- Price: starting at €28.90.
III. Key criteria for choosing your menstrual cup
The intensity of your menstrual flow, as well as your anatomy and personal history, will guide your choice.
🌸 Why your menstrual flow matters when choosing
Your menstrual flow determines which size of Delta menstrual cup you’ll need. For a light flow, a small‑capacity cup may be enough, while a heavy flow calls for a cup with a larger volume.
How can I tell what my menstrual flow is like? Here’s how to identify your menstrual flow:
Frequent changing of period products every 3 hours for a very heavy flow.
Using tampons and pads at the same time because the bleeding is so heavy.
Presence of blood clots larger than 2.5 cm during your period.
A Higham score over 100 indicates blood loss greater than 80 ml.
Onset of dizziness or extreme fatigue linked to significant blood loss.
Louloucup offers two sizes suitable for all menstrual flows. Size Small is ideal for light to medium flow, while Size Medium is designed for medium to heavy flow.
The capacity of each model allows you to stay dry for several hours without risk of leaks. Their medical-grade silicone design guarantees absolute comfort with no irritation.
Louloucup recommends… the Loulou Rose menstrual cup
- Firmer than the Turquoise.
- Ultra soft.
- Very easy to use.
- Available in two sizes to suit all flows.
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Made in France.
- Price: €28.90.
🌸 Anatomy and body shape: finding the right cup
Anatomy also influences which cup you choose. The height of your cervix and the tone of your pelvic floor determine the ideal shape and size.
Women who have given birth vaginally can opt for the Medium size Louloucup, which offers better support.
Size Small is suitable for women who have never given birth vaginally, for teenagers and for users with a light to medium flow.
The two available sizes adapt to all body types thanks to their flexibility and ergonomic shape.
🌸 Flexibility and firmness: the technical features that make all the difference
The softness of a cup affects how comfortable it is to use. A soft cup adapts easily to your anatomy and reduces the risk of a strong suction effect. Firmer models offer better hold. Louloucup offers two levels of softness to suit different preferences.
First-time users often go for soft cups. These models are easier to insert and offer immediate comfort.
Firmer cups are suitable for sports activities.
❖ The Louloucup Soft Turquoise is perfect for sensitive bladders and for teens who are just starting out.
❖ The Classic Pink Louloucup provides excellent support during exercise (swimming, etc.). Slightly firmer, the Pink Loulou is ideal for all women with a less toned pelvic floor.
The Louloucup cup universe
IV. Bonus: tips for using and caring for your menstrual cup
🌸 Insertion techniques for optimal placement
Some folding techniques make cup insertion easier: the C-fold, the 7-fold or the tulip fold. The flexibility of the Louloucup allows for easy insertion.
Check out our detailed guide to discover folding techniques suited to the flexibility of Louloucup. Choose the one that fits your body type.
Here are the steps to follow for successful insertion:
- Wash your hands before handling the cup.
- Fold it using your chosen technique.
Gently insert it into the vagina. - Push it in until it fully opens.
- Check that it's in place by running a finger around it.
- After insertion, the cup should be adhered to the vaginal wall. If you feel the stem, it's too long. Cut it with disinfected scissors. The Louloucup made of medical-grade silicone adapts to your anatomy for optimal comfort.
🌸 How to remove your cup without discomfort
To remove the cup, pinch the base to break the suction effect. Louloucup is designed for easy removal thanks to its flexibility.
If your cup is hard to reach, take a deep breath. It’s important not to be tense or clenched when removing it. Gently push down with your pelvic floor muscles to bring it lower. Use the stem to guide it, without pulling sharply. Once you can reach the base, pinch it to release the suction effect and remove it gently.
🌸 Cleaning and sterilizing your cup: best practices
Clean your cup with cold water after each removal. Use a mild soap for a deeper clean. Avoid harsh products that could damage the silicone.
Sterilize your cup before the first use and at the start of every cycle. Boil it for 5 to 10 minutes or use a cup sterilizer. Louloucup cups are heat-resistant thanks to their high-quality medical-grade silicone. This step removes bacteria and prevents odors.
Free teen period underwear FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a menstrual cup?
Although menstrual cups offer many advantages, they also have drawbacks. Insertion and removal can be tricky at first and require practice to master folding and pinching the base. Finding the right size can also be challenging, as cups are not one‑size‑fits‑all and you may need several tries.
Some people may be allergic to silicone (this is very rare!), and poor hygiene can lead to irritation or vaginal infections. Although rare, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a potential risk if the cup is worn for too long, so it must be emptied regularly and properly sterilized. Users with an IUD should be careful when removing the cup to avoid dislodging it.
Is it possible to keep your cup in overnight?
To check whether a menstrual cup is inserted correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it. It shouldn’t bother you, pinch you or hurt. You can also do a tactile check. Insert a finger to feel around the rim of the cup; it should be smooth and even. Then perform a resistance test by gently pulling on the stem; resistance indicates that it’s well positioned and sealed.
The absence of leaks is another key indicator.
What do gynecologists say about menstrual cups?
Some specialists praise this method, particularly for its economic and ecological benefits. A cup costs between €14 and €30 and can be used for around ten years, which is a much smaller budget compared with tampons or pads. Plus, it’s eco‑friendly because it doesn’t generate waste.
From a health perspective, the cup respects the vaginal flora and pH, helping to prevent yeast infections and bad odors. However, it’s crucial to follow hygiene rules, as poor cleanliness can lead to infections. It’s also recommended not to remove the cup by pulling only on the stem, as this can cause vaginal injury.
Does the cup stem need to stick out?
The stem of the menstrual cup doesn’t necessarily have to stick out. It’s designed to make removal easier, but its length can be adjusted to each user’s anatomy. If the stem is too long and causes discomfort or a prickling sensation, you can trim it with disinfected scissors.
It’s better to choose a cup with a stem that’s too long rather than too short, because it’s easier to trim than to lengthen. The goal is to achieve optimal comfort when wearing your menstrual cup. The decision to cut the stem or not therefore depends on your body shape and personal preferences.
To go further...
Want to try a safe, gentle and practical French-made cup?
