Period cups are often met with a level of scepticism and uncertainty. Navigating the ins and outs of insertion and ditching the usual disposable routine can be a little daunting. But, it need not be. Period Cups can be a life changing switch and a welcome alternative to the antiquated tampon, at last! Not only is the period cup an environmentally friendly solution, it is becoming known as a better alternative for your overall health, and you know what, we think it’s about time we became friendlier with our vaginas. 

So, without further adieu, what is it and how do you expect me to get it up there? Aussie period brand Scarlet is here with expert advice to help you navigate the ins and outs of switching to this new solution.

What is a period cup?

These little bell-shaped cups are soft and flexible, BPA free and made of medical grade silicone. It is placed inside your vagina, just underneath your cervix, collecting your blood rather than absorbing it. The Scarlet Period Cup can be inserted for up to 8 hours meaning you can go about your day (or night) without the need to change every few hours. 

The environmental friendliness of a period cup in comparison to disposable pads is huge. Research suggests that it can take up to 500- 800 years to break down a pad, not to mention plastic tampon applicators which are ending up in our landfill and ocean.

The HOW though?!

Let us preface the following by saying that insertion really isn’t rocket science so there is no need to fear; however, in full disclosure, it can take a few cycles to truly master it. Give yourself time and space to get used to this new routine. 

The Inserting Part 

• You can insert the Scarlet Cup while sitting, squatting, or standing with one leg raised - we suggest trying the shower for your first few tries. The cup will be wet, so it will be easier to insert. 

• Experiment with a few different folds. There are multiple ways to fold it, and we share some techniques in our how-to guide found in your Scarlet Period Cup box. Find a fold that works for you. The narrower the fold, the easier it will be to insert.
• Hold your folded Scarlet Cup firmly below the upper rim and slide it up and back at an angle (towards your tailbone, not straight upward) until the body of the cup is completely inside.
• As you release the cup, it should pop open. Make sure it has fully opened by rotating your cup by pinching the base (not just the stem) and turning it. When the cup is fully open, it should feel round. 
• To be sure it’s fully opened, try running a finger around the body of the cup. If you feel any folds, rotate the cup again until it opens completely, creating a seal. It should feel nice and round (that's when you know it's fully opened).
• Finally you can check the suction-seal by tugging gently on the stem, if you feel some resistance, then you know you’ve got a good seal. 

The removing part.

• The key is to R-E-L-A-X. And for some extra peace of mind, your cup cannot get lost inside you,
• Just as you inserted it, you can remove it sitting on the toilet or a crowd fave is removing it in the shower for a no-mess-no-fuss scenario.
  
  
• It’s very important to note: The stem is just there as a guide to locate the grip at the base of the cup. Once you locate the grips, pinch with your thumb and index finger to release the suction seal. Give it a wiggle side to side as you gently pull it out to avoid spilling.
  
  
  

Your Period Cup FAQs answered…

​​How do I know what size to get?

It’s possible to measure the length of your cervix, but as internal shapes change and shift month-to-month, it’s good to just start somewhere. As a general guide: 

Size 1 (regular):

Ideal for people who have not given birth, are under 30. Suitable for lighter to medium flows. Holds up to approximately 2.5 regular tampons

Size 2 (large):

Ideal for people who have given birth, are over 30. Suitable for heavier flows. Holds up to approximately two super tampons.

How do you clean and look after your menstrual cup?

Before first use:

Sterilize in a pot of boiling water, like you would an egg. 3 minutes should do the trick.

During your cycle:

Clean it thoroughly in-between uses ensuring the small suction holes are clear. 

After each cycle:

Ensure it’s clean and dry before storing it in a well ventilated, dry area. Sometimes damp bathrooms and wet spaces can create a build up of bacteria, to avoid this happening to your cup - make sure you give it a good clean before starting a new cycle and check the cup paying attention to the holes and grips.

Do I need to replace period cups after a certain amount of time?

The Scarlet Period Cup is made from 100% medical grade silicone and with proper care it will last years. We think you should trust your judgement on this one; if you notice rips, punctures or any stickiness then you should change it for a newbie.

 Do period cups leak?

The most common reasons being:

1. It hasn’t opened up fully (i.e. still letting fluid down the sides)
2. It is positioned incorrectly (i.e. angled the wrong way and not making a ‘seal’).

To check your cup is fully open, run your finger around the base of the cup. It should feel even right around. If you feel an indent, try twisting your cup around a couple of times. If you’re still experiencing leakage, there may be a chance you aren’t using the right size for you. The size recommendations are very generalised, and many people use the larger cup if they’re under 30 and not given birth, and that works for them.

I’m scared of my period cup getting stuck inside me!

We get this question a lot. Your vaginal canal is not an endless vortex, it’s actually pretty narrow with a comforting dead end at your cervix. Sometimes the cup can travel higher up in your vagina, but don’t panic. Try using your pelvic muscles to push down on the cup to lower it. The force of gravity will bring it down. Gotta love science.

Should I consider extra protection?

No, that’s the best thing about switching to a Period Cup. However, for first time cup users we recommend wearing a pair of period underwear for the first few cycles for peace of mind and extra protection while you are learning how to master the cup.

Last, but certainly not least, what we love most about the period cup is that you are able to monitor consistency, colour, clotting, and the amount of bloodshed per day.  Becoming aware and understanding your cycle is very empowering so consider this a sign to make the switch.