Menstrual cup use: How to choose your menstrual cup?
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Time to read 8 min
It’s decided! You’re switching to the cup! Great choice. The menstrual cup or period cup has a lot going for it. You won’t regret your decision. It’s true: the cup is the most eco-friendly and cost-effective period protection available today. Easy to use and practical, it’s especially popular with teens and women with a heavy flow, as well as athletes and swimmers. In short, the cup is revolutionizing your period. But how do you choose the right one?
Because while it’s easy to see the benefits of this little inverted silicone bell, choosing the right one can be tough with so many options on the market.
Flow, size, capacity, anatomy, softness, and preferences—several factors come into play to help you choose the right menstrual cup model, the best option for your needs.
Louloucup, a French brand of quality menstrual products, is here to help you choose the right menstrual cup—a washable, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional 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 III. Key criteria for choosing your menstrual cup 🌸 The importance of your menstrual flow in your choice 🌸 Anatomy and body type: finding the right cup for you 🌸 Flexibility and firmness: The technical features that make a difference The world of cups at Louloucup 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 learn more... Looking to try a safe, soft, and practical cup made in France?
I. Understanding the menstrual cup before choosing one
🌸 What is a menstrual cup and how does it work?
The menstrual cup is a washable and reusable alternative to traditional single-use period products. Unlike pads, it’s an internal protection (just like a tampon). The cup sits inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood. It works like a small leak-proof reservoir, holding your flow without leaking.
🌸 What are the benefits of a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups offer many benefits to their users.
Eco-friendly, they produce no plastic waste or pollutants. #ZeroWaste.
Cost-effective, they’re inexpensive and last for years if properly cared for and stored. That makes them a smart investment that quickly pays for itself.
Hygienic, they minimize the risk of irritation thanks to hypoallergenic materials. Unlike tampons, they don’t disrupt the natural vaginal flora.
Comfortable, they are soft and have a shape that fits well. They are designed for easy insertion and wear, offering more 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, free from BPA, latex-free and fragrance-free.
The unique shape of our cup is registered and patented.
Two models are available: the classic or standard Pink cup and the flexible Turquoise cup. Both models come in two sizes: small and medium.
Key takeaway: at Louloucup, you can choose between two distinct models, two sizes, and two levels of flexibility. The goal? To meet the needs of all women, whatever their anatomy.
🌸 Louloucup Menstrual Cup Comparison
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Features |
Louloucup Rose |
Louloucup Turquoise |
| Firmness |
Slightly firm |
Rather flexible |
| Target audience |
Active and athletic women |
Sensitive anatomies, beginners |
| Adaptation |
Comfort on the move |
Maximum comfort for sensitive bladders |
| Available sizes |
S (light/medium flow) and M (medium/heavy flow) |
S (all flows) and M (all flows) |
| Material |
Medical-grade silicone, free from odor, BPA, or latex |
Medical-grade silicone, free from odor, BPA, or latex |
| Origin |
Made in France |
Made in France |
| Price |
€28.90 (eligible for a custom bundle with sliding-scale pricing) |
€28.90 (eligible for a custom bundle with sliding-scale pricing) |
Good to know: The medical-grade silicone used for Louloucup is biocompatible and hypoallergenic, ensuring safety and comfort. French manufacturing means strict quality standards.
The cups are tested according to USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards. Free from endocrine disruptors, fragrances, or 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.
🌸 The importance of your menstrual flow in your choice
The menstrual flow determines which size Delta menstrual cup you should choose. For a light flow, a small-capacity menstrual cup may be enough. For a heavy flow, you’ll need a cup with a larger capacity.
How can I tell what type of menstrual flow I have? Here’s how to identify your menstrual flow:
Frequent changing of sanitary products every 3 hours for very heavy flow.
Simultaneous use of tampons and pads due to heavier bleeding.
Presence of blood clots larger than 1 inch (2.5 cm) during your period.
Higham Score over 100 indicates bleeding greater than 80 ml.
Onset of dizziness or excessive fatigue linked to significant blood loss.
Louloucup offers two sizes to suit all menstrual flows. Small is for light to medium flows, while Medium is designed for medium to heavy flows.
The capacity of each model keeps you dry for several hours without 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 every flow.
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Made in France.
- Price: €28.90.
🌸 Anatomy and body type: finding the right cup for you
Anatomy also influences cup choice. The height of your cervix and the strength of your pelvic floor determine the ideal shape and size.
Women who have delivered vaginally can choose the Medium size Louloucup for better support.
The small size is suitable for women who have never given birth vaginally, for teenagers, and for users with a light to medium flow.
Both available sizes adapt to any body shape thanks to their flexibility and ergonomic design.
🌸 Flexibility and firmness: the technical features that make all the difference
The flexibility of a cup affects how comfortable it is to use. A soft cup adapts easily to your anatomy and reduces the risk of suction effect. Firmer models offer better support. Louloucup offers two levels of flexibility depending on your preference.
Beginner 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 Turquoise Soft is great for sensitive bladders and for teens who are just starting out.
❖ The Louloucup Classic Rose provides excellent support during exercise (swimming, etc.). A bit firmer, the Loulou Rose is perfect for anyone with a less toned pelvic floor.
The world of cups at Louloucup
IV. Bonus: Tips for Using and Caring for Your Menstrual Cup
🌸 Insertion techniques for optimal placement
Certain folding techniques make it easier to insert the cup: the C-fold, 7-fold, or tulip fold. The flexibility of the Louloucup allows for easy insertion.
Check out our detailed guide to discover folding techniques tailored to the flexibility of Louloucup. Choose the one that fits your body best.
Here are the steps to follow for a 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 inserting the cup, it should sit snugly against your vaginal wall. If you feel the stem, it’s too long. Trim it with disinfected scissors. The medical-grade silicone Louloucup 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. Louloucups are designed for easy removal thanks to their flexibility.
If the cup is hard to reach, take a deep breath. It’s important to be relaxed and not tense when removing it. Gently push down with your pelvic floor muscles to bring it lower. Use the stem to guide it, but don’t pull sharply. Once you can reach the base, pinch it to break the suction and remove it gently.
🌸 Cleaning and sterilizing your cup: best practices
Clean your cup with cold water after each removal. Use a gentle soap for a deep clean. Avoid harsh products that could damage the silicone.
Sterilize your cup before first use and at the start of each cycle. Boil it for 5 to 10 minutes or use a cup sterilizer. Louloucups are heat-resistant thanks to their high-quality medical-grade silicone. This step eliminates bacteria and prevents odors.
Free teen period underwear FAQ
What are the disadvantages of using a menstrual cup?
Although the menstrual cup offers many advantages, it also has some drawbacks. Insertion and removal can be tricky at first, requiring practice to master folding and pinching the base. Finding the right size can also be a challenge, as cups aren’t universal and it may take several tries to find the right fit.
Some people may have a silicone allergy (which is very rare!), and poor hygiene can cause irritation or vaginal infections. Although rare, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a potential risk if the cup is worn too long, so regular emptying and proper sterilization are necessary. Users with an IUD should be careful when removing the cup to avoid dislodging it.
Is it possible to wear your cup overnight?
To check if a menstrual cup is inserted correctly, you shouldn’t feel it. It shouldn’t bother you, pinch you, or hurt. You can also do a tactile check. Insert a finger to feel the rim of the cup, which should be smooth and even. Then, do a resistance test by gently pulling on the stem; resistance means it’s in the right position and sealed.
No leaks is another key indicator.
What do gynecologists say about menstrual cups?
Some specialists praise this method, especially for being economical and eco-friendly. A cup costs between 14 and 30 euros and can be used for about ten years, which is much less expensive compared to tampons or pads. Plus, it's environmentally friendly since it doesn't create waste.
From a health perspective, the cup preserves vaginal flora and pH, helping to prevent yeast infections and unpleasant odors. However, it’s essential to follow proper hygiene practices, as poor cleanliness can lead to infections. It’s also recommended not to remove the cup by simply pulling on the stem, as this can cause vaginal injuries.
Should the cup stem stick out?
The stem of the menstrual cup doesn’t have to stick out. It’s designed to help with removal, but you can adjust its length to fit your anatomy. If the stem is too long and causes discomfort or irritation, you can trim it with sanitized scissors.
It’s better to choose a cup with a stem that’s too long rather than too short, since it’s easier to trim than to lengthen. The goal is to achieve optimal comfort when wearing a menstrual cup. Whether you trim the stem or not depends on your body and personal preferences.
To learn more...
Looking to try a safe, soft, and practical cup made in France?
