Menstrual cups the complete guide
At Loulou, we offer healthy and eco-friendly alternatives to tampons and other disposable period products. In this guide, we answer all your questions about using and caring for our cup or menstrual cup. Tips, sizes, care, tests, reviews, purchasing, pricing—here’s our complete guide to the cup for a stress-free period, with no leaks and no worries!
The menstrual cup
What is a menstrual cup?
The menstrual cup, also called a period cup, menstrual cup, or simply a "cup," is a type of feminine hygiene product used during menstruation.
It’s usually shaped like a funnel with rounded edges and often ends with a stem or ring for easy removal.
The menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina, below the cervix, to collect menstrual blood. It’s an internal device and, once in place, the menstrual cup is completely invisible.
It can be worn for up to 8 hours before being emptied, rinsed, and reinserted.
The menstrual cup is reusable for several years (between 5 and 10 years). It’s an excellent eco-friendly alternative to disposable hygiene products like tampons and pads.
What is the menstrual cup made of?
Menstrual cups can be made from rubber, latex, or silicone. For several years now, latex has been phased out of menstrual cup manufacturing because it can cause allergies, unlike medical-grade silicone.
At Louloucup, we chose medical-grade silicone to minimize the risk of allergies.
Our cup is made in France under strict hygienic conditions in a factory authorized to manufacture medical devices in compliance with ISO 13485 standards. ISO 13485 certification ensures that every Louloucup is made with the utmost care and according to the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization.
The composition of our menstrual cup is strictly controlled.
The silicone and dyes used meet the strictest standards—FDA, USP Class VI, ISO 10993-6-10, REACH, and RoHS. Louloucup contains no phthalates or bisphenol A. It is latex-free and fragrance-free.
When you buy a Louloucup, you can be sure that:
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You’re buying a high-quality, very comfortable menstrual cup.
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The composition of our menstrual cup is impeccable: it's healthy and free of toxic substances.
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The silicone and dyes used meet the strictest standards.
Made in France, 100% medical-grade silicone, and a clean composition are strong arguments against critics who link menstrual cups to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Check out our article on the topic to learn more about TSS.
Louloucup, a great friend during your period
Louloucup perfectly adapts to your body's movements thanks to its flexibility. Once in place, the menstrual cup is unnoticeable. You don't feel it, and you don't experience any discomfort. Painless, invisible, and truly discreet, it checks all the boxes! You have complete freedom of movement and feel comfortable in all your clothes (even the tightest ones). Menstrual cups are with you both at night and during swimming sessions. Extremely reliable throughout every day of your cycle, it's truly essential! But above all, our cup is a powerful ally in helping you get to know yourself as a woman. It provides information that is sometimes otherwise inaccessible about menstrual flow, as well as how your body works.
Why choose a menstrual cup during your period?
• For more comfort! First of all, menstrual cups are very comfortable. They are much more comfortable than tampons because they don’t dry out the vaginal flora. You can even use them on the last day of your cycle when your flow is very light.
• The cup is perfect for heavy flows and even for very heavy bleeding since it can hold up to 4 tampons’ worth
• The composition of our menstrual cup is completely transparent and safe. Unlike sanitary pads or tampons, Louloucup is free from carcinogenic agents or endocrine disruptors.
• It’s a very eco-friendly protection. The cup is the most eco-friendly menstrual protection available. Our menstrual cup can be used for between 5 and 10 years.
• It’s an ultra-economical hygienic solution. The menstrual cup is the most cost-effective option. Our cup costs €28.90 for 5 years, while buying tampons can cost around €90 per year.
The menstrual cup: a true intimate revolution
Who can use a menstrual cup?
Absolutely any woman who menstruates. Our cup is suitable for all women, even teenagers. You can use the menstrual cup whether you’re 13 or 50. Its soft material adapts to every anatomy and fits differently for everyone. There are different sizes to fit all body types.
There are no rules—you just need to feel comfortable with your body.
However, for anyone with an Intrauterine Device (IUD), whether hormonal or copper, it’s recommended to ask your gynecologist or midwife. Even though the suction effect is minimal when removing the cup, every woman is different. Get your doctor’s approval before buying a menstrual cup. They might even be able to trim the strings a bit shorter as a precaution. For more info, check out our article, Are my IUD and cup good friends?
Which menstrual cup should I choose?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
• Do you have a heavy or normal flow?
• Do you have sensitive anatomy?
• Are you a virgin? Are you comfortable with your body?
• Do you do any sports that strengthen your pelvic floor?
Which menstrual cup size should I choose?
There are two sizes and two levels of flexibility for Louloucup menstrual cups to suit all body types.
Most women can wear size S or M. Generally, it's recommended that women with a heavy flow choose size M, and those with a normal or light flow choose size S, but don't rely on this as your only criteria!
The size S allows for easy insertion into a vagina with a particularly toned and youthful pelvic floor.
On the other hand, an M size cup (standard size) is better suited for less narrow, more relaxed vaginas with a less toned pelvic floor, such as after a vaginal birth.
So it's important to consider your situation and choose a cup that fits your anatomy, not just your flow. It's better to have a cup that's the right size and easy to wear and insert, rather than one that's poorly sized and uncomfortable. A properly sized cup won't cause discomfort or leaks.
There are two sizes and two levels of flexibility for Louloucup menstrual cups to suit all body types.
Most women can wear size S or M. Generally, it's recommended that women with a heavy flow choose size M, and those with a normal or light flow choose size S, but don't rely on this as your only criteria!
The size S allows for easy insertion into a vagina with a particularly toned and youthful pelvic floor.
On the other hand, an M size cup (standard size) is better suited for less narrow, more relaxed vaginas with a less toned pelvic floor, such as after a vaginal birth.
So it's important to consider your situation and choose a cup that fits your anatomy, not just your flow. It's better to have a cup that's the right size and easy to wear and insert, rather than one that's poorly sized and uncomfortable. A properly sized cup won't cause discomfort or leaks.
| DIMENSIONS | Louloucup Small | Louloucup Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 42mm | 46mm |
| Length | 45mm | 50mm |
| Stem | 25mm | 20mm |
| Volume | 25ml | 30ml |
What type of flexibility should I choose?
At Louloucup, your comfort is our priority. Our cups are available in two levels of softness:
The blue menstrual cup, which is softer, is ideal for women with a more sensitive anatomy.
The pink menstrual cup is a little firmer. It’s perfect for women who exercise regularly.
At Louloucup, your comfort is our priority. Our cups are available in two levels of softness:
The blue menstrual cup, which is softer, is ideal for women with a more sensitive anatomy.
The pink menstrual cup is a little firmer. It’s perfect for women who exercise regularly.
How do you insert your menstrual cup?
STEP 1: GET COMFORTABLE
First of all, you need to have clean hands before inserting or removing your cup.
Next, inserting your menstrual cup is very easy, and you have several options:
• On the toilet,
• In the bathtub or shower
• Lying on the bed
• Squatting
• One leg raised on the edge of the toilet or bathtub
It's up to you to find the position that suits you best. The position you choose is important because it should help you relax your muscles for easier insertion.
Over time, inserting your cup becomes very easy and quick. It becomes second nature.
If you’re nervous or apprehensive about inserting your cup, we recommend doing it in the shower with one leg raised on the edge of the tub. Take your time, breathe, and use gentle movements.
In any case, you should be comfortably positioned and, above all, relaxed!
STEP 1: GET COMFORTABLE
First of all, you need to have clean hands before inserting or removing your cup.
Next, inserting your menstrual cup is very easy, and you have several options:
• On the toilet,
• In the bathtub or shower
• Lying on the bed
• Squatting
• One leg raised on the edge of the toilet or bathtub
It's up to you to find the position that suits you best. The position you choose is important because it should help you relax your muscles for easier insertion.
Over time, inserting your cup becomes very easy and quick. It becomes second nature.
If you’re nervous or apprehensive about inserting your cup, we recommend doing it in the shower with one leg raised on the edge of the tub. Take your time, breathe, and use gentle movements.
In any case, you should be comfortably positioned and, above all, relaxed!
Step 2: Fold your cup
Folding your menstrual cup is very simple:
Fold the menstrual cup using the folding method that works best for you. Here are some examples of folding methods:
Try out different folding techniques and choose the one that works best for you—the one that will open most easily inside you and best suits your anatomy. Gently insert the folded cup by spreading the labia. Slowly and gently guide the folded menstrual cup into the vaginal opening with small movements. Then release. The cup will then unfold inside your vagina like a reservoir that prevents blood from leaking out.
Once inserted, you can gently twist your cup one way and then the other. Do this while holding the base. This ensures the cup is fully opened. If the cup isn't positioned correctly, there may be a risk of leaks.
The first few insertions may be tricky—that's normal. Take your time getting to know the cup and how it works. To check if your menstrual cup is placed correctly, insert a finger to feel if the base is fully opened and not folded. If the base of the cup feels round, it’s properly positioned.
At first, if inserting the menstrual cup causes stress or anxiety, don’t worry! Take all the time you need. Try, test, and if you don’t succeed, you can always try again next time! Once it's in, you’ll see just how revolutionary this protection really is. Promise! :)
Lubricant and menstrual cup: Can I use lubricant to make inserting my menstrual cup easier?
Period blood is an excellent lubricant. So you normally don’t need any extra lubricant. Also, we don’t recommend using the menstrual cup outside your period, even just to try it. You won’t be properly lubricated and insertion will be difficult and painful.
At first, if you’re nervous about inserting the cup or have trouble placing it, you can use a little lubricant. Just coat the rim of the cup with a water-based and preferably organic lubricant.
You can also use water. However, avoid oil-based lubricants—they damage the silicone menstrual cup by making it porous.
Menstrual cup positioning
Made of a very soft and flexible material, the menstrual cup sits much lower than a tampon and is placed directly below the cervix. Once in place, there’s no risk of leaks.
The menstrual cup can be positioned in different ways depending on your anatomy. It may be completely inside or the stem may stick out a little. It doesn’t matter. Once inserted, the cup should never bother you. You shouldn’t feel it at all.
If the menstrual cup is completely inside, the stem helps you bring it down more easily when it’s time to remove it. By gently pulling on it, you can reach the base of the cup to pinch and remove it.
If the menstrual cup sits very high, don’t panic—it happens! Just use your vaginal muscles to push it back down.
High cup position
Made from a very soft and flexible material, the menstrual cup sits much lower than a tampon and is placed directly under the cervix. Once properly positioned, there is no risk of leaks.
The menstrual cup can be positioned in different ways depending on your anatomy. It can be completely inside, or the stem might stick out a little. It doesn’t matter. Once inserted, the cup should absolutely not bother you.
If the menstrual cup is fully inside, the stem helps you pull it down more easily when removing it. By gently pulling on it, you can reach the base of the cup to pinch and then remove it.
If the menstrual cup rides up very high—don’t panic—that’s totally normal. Just use your vaginal muscles to push it back down.
High cup position
Low cup position
You should never pull on the stem to remove your menstrual cup. If the stem sticks out and bothers you, you can also trim it.
Obviously, always remove your menstrual cup before trimming the stem.
How do you remove a menstrual cup?
WASH your hands
Get into a comfortable position: squatting or with one leg up on the toilet rim. Relax. If you’re tense, removal will be more difficult.
LOCATE YOUR CUP. To do this, insert your thumb and index finger into your vagina to find the base of the menstrual cup. If you can’t reach it, gently pull on the stem until you feel the base of the cup. Don’t pull too hard. The goal is really to reach the cup. Then pinch the base of the cup to fold it. It’s important to pinch the cup to avoid the suction effect and let air in.
Never remove your menstrual cup by pulling only on the stem
Use your pelvic muscles to help with removal. These will help you push the cup out. Everything should be done gradually, gently, and without pain. With your pelvic floor and abs, your cup will move down.
Pour the blood into the toilet or a sink.
RINSE the CUP—just use hot water. During your menstrual cycle, there’s no need to sterilize the cup every time you remove it. Once it’s emptied and rinsed, you can reinsert it. You’re good for another 6 to 8 hours. However, if your cycle is ending, remember to sterilize the cup.
It is recommended to keep your menstrual cup in for 6 to 8 hours.
How do you clean your menstrual cup?
It’s important to clean your menstrual cup carefully. We recommend washing your cup with clear water and a mild soap, such as Marseille soap or a soap specifically made for intimate hygiene.
Avoid scented soaps and creams, which can irritate the skin and vagina. These products may contain alcohol or other ingredients that are not ideal for menstrual cups. Also avoid white vinegar or other household cleaners (dish soap, etc.).
Use cold water to rinse it; this helps prevent stains from setting in.
How do you sterilize your menstrual cup?
At the start of every cycle, make it a habit to sterilize your cup. There are several ways to sterilize your cup. You can use sterilizing tablets or boil your menstrual cup in water for 7 minutes. The pot should be tall enough for the cup to be fully submerged without touching the bottom. To prevent your menstrual cup from burning against the edges of the pot, you can place it inside a whisk so it doesn’t touch the sides.
To make sterilizing easier, Louloucup offers a sterilizer. Two sterilization options are available:
To sterilize your cup in the microwave with the Louloucup sterilizer
Remove the lid from your Louloucup sterilizer and place your cup inside, stem facing down.
Cover with water and place the sterilizer in the microwave for 5 minutes at 750 watts.
To sterilize your cup with boiling water using the Louloucup sterilizer
Remove the lid and place your cup inside, stem facing down.
Cover with boiling water and wait 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, let your cup cool under cold water before reusing it. You can store it in its storage pouch once your cycle is over. We also sell beautiful waterproof pouches that are perfect for storing your cup!
If you don’t want to buy a sterilizer, the easiest way is to put your menstrual cup in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. To prevent your menstrual cup from burning on the edges of the pot, you can place it inside a whisk so it doesn’t touch the sides.
My menstrual cup is stained with blood—how can I clean it?
Over time, your cup may develop blood stains. This is completely normal. It does not affect the use of your menstrual cup in any way.
If you want to remove blood stains from your menstrual cup, it’s very simple. Soak it in a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half clear water. You can leave it to soak overnight. In the morning, your menstrual cup will look as good as new!
You can do this hydrogen peroxide soak once a year.
How do you use your menstrual cup when you're on the go or at work?
Generally, thanks to its high absorbency, you won’t need to empty your cup outside your home. However, if you do need to empty your cup while out, we have a few tips for you:
You can use restrooms for People with Reduced Mobility. These restrooms are equipped with a sink. This will allow you to rinse your menstrual cup just like at home!
Alternatively, you can:
Choose a pack of two menstrual cups so you’ll always have a clean one ready to go.
Remember to slip a bottle of water or a small water bottle into your bag so you can rinse your cup over the toilet bowl.
Bring your sterilizer with you, which makes it easy to rinse your cup on the go: just add water, place the cup inside, and shake it all together. Then simply pour the used water into the toilet.
Period underwear, instead of or in addition to a menstrual cup?
Period panties are the perfect complement to the menstrual cup. At Loulou, we offer a wide selection of panties to suit every flow, including heavy (abundant or hemorrhagic) flows.
If your flow is extremely heavy, the menstrual cup + period panty combo can really give you true comfort during your period.
At Louloucup, we offer both. The best option is to buy one menstrual cup and three period panties of your choice, according to your needs and preferences, so you can manage your period with confidence and ease.
In conclusion, the menstrual cup is practical, economical, eco-friendly, hygienic, healthy, discreet, reliable, odorless, and comfortable. Convinced?
If you want to switch to a menstrual cup, we recommend purchasing our Pack: 2 cups + 1 Louloucup sterilizer.🌟
If you have any questions, the Louloucup team is always here to help. With us, nothing is off-limits :)
