Menstrual cup FAQ

The essentials of the menstrual cup

What is a menstrual cup?

Just like tampons, pads, or period underwear, the menstrual cup is another way to period product used during your period. Like a tampon, the cup is an internal solution. It sits inside the vagina and collects blood.

Who can use a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups can be worn by both teenagers, but also by active women. The menstrual cup can be used by women who are still virginsAthletes and women with heavy or very heavy flows especially appreciate the cup for its effectiveness and discretion. 

To use a menstrual cup, you just need to be at least somewhat comfortable with your body. 

Why use a menstrual cup during your period instead of a tampon or pad? 

• It is healthierLoulou’s cup is made in France (The story of our Made In France menstrual cupMade from safe, non-toxic medical-grade silicone, it’s completely safe for your body and intimate areas. The composition is totally clean and respectful.
  
• It is eco-friendlyThe cup is washable and reusable. This helps avoid using disposable, polluting plastic hygiene products. 
  
• It is cost-effectiveLike period panties, the cup helps you avoid constantly buying disposable hygiene products. 
  
• It is practical. Once you get used to it, the cup is easy to insert. It collects your period blood, can be emptied, and reinserted quickly. 
  
• It is of courseThe cup adapts to your anatomy and hugs the vaginal walls. It acts as a reservoir where the blood collects. leak-proof or a stain. 
  
• It is comfortable and discreetThis protection is ultra discreet. No tampon string sticking out or bulky pad lines—menstrual cups are completely invisible.
  

How do you use the Loulou menstrual cup? 

The cup is an internal device that folds to slide into the vagina (several folding methods are possible). Once deployed, the cup is positioned to collect the menstrual bloodlike a reservoir. Once in place, the cup is completely discreet and invisible. You won’t feel it—it’s easy to forget it’s even there. 

After 4 to 6 hoursGently remove your cup by pulling on the stem, then pinch the base to release the air. You can empty the cup and rinse it thoroughly with water before reinserting.

Want more details? Check out our articles on the topic: 

• How do you use a menstrual cup?

• Help, the cup is full. What do I do?

• What’s the right position for your cup?

 

How long can you keep a cup in your body? 

How long you can wear your menstrual cup depends onflow intensityOn heavy flow days, don’t hesitate to empty it regularly to stay comfortable. In any case, never wear a menstrual cup for more than 6 hours straight. 

How do you care for your cup?

The menstrual cup must be sterilized before each period. This deeply cleans it and eliminates any bacteria. It’s actually quite simple. Louloucup provides sterilizers very easy to use. Another well-known and effective method is boiling water sterilization in a saucepan for 7 minutes. 

Check out our article on the topic, Cup Sterilizer: 2 ways to sterilize your cup.

Which cup should I choose?

At Loulou, we offer two levels of flexibility. The turquoise cup small is softer, ideal for those with more sensitivity. It’s perfect for light to medium flows. The medium pink cup is firmer. It’s suitable for active women who experience medium to heavy flow. 

Our article on the topic: Menstrual cup sizing: how to choose? 

Toxic Shock Syndrome and menstrual cups? 

The SCT or toxic shock syndrome is a serious but rare infectious disease. This syndrome occurs with prolonged use of certain menstrual products. Blood stagnation leads to bacterial growth. This infection only happens in women who carry Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. To prevent it, it’s recommended to remove your menstrual cup regularly and rinse it thoroughly before reinserting. 

Check out our articles on the topic: 

• Menstrual cup and toxic shock: what is the real risk?

• What should you know about toxic shock syndrome? 

A cup for swimming? 

With the period swimsuit, the menstrual cup is a great ally for the beach or pool. This invisible, internal protection is truly ideal for swimming with peace of mind. A healthy, wonderful alternative to tampons. Swim without worrying about leaks.

Check out our article, The menstrual cup: a great solution for worry-free swimming.

IUD and cup?

While there’s currently no restriction on using a menstrual cup with an IUD, we strongly recommend getting your doctor’s approval first. gynecologist or her midwife before you get started.

Our article on the topic: Are my IUD and cup a good match? 

Is using a cup on the go possible? 

Yes! Remember to bring a water bottle with you so you can rinse your menstrual cup. Even better? Restrooms with a sink, so you can clean it just like at home. 

Cup and Sex? 

The menstrual cup must be removed before the start of a sexual intercourse. 

Going to the bathroom with your cup?

The menstrual cup is placed at the entrance of the vagina. It is held in place by the vaginal walls. So you can going to the bathroom without removing it. 

Need more info? Check out our open and honest Complete guide to the menstrual cup.