Menstrual Cups: Everything You Need To Know Before Using Them

Did you know that the first menstrual cups came out back in 1867? That means these period products have been around longer than tampons and pads!

Yet, few women know about menstrual cups, let alone how to use them. That's why we're bringing you this guide.

Want to know the benefits of menstrual cups, how to use them, and how to clean them? Then keep reading for everything you need to know before you buy your hannahCUP.

What Is a Menstrual Cup?

Menstrual cups are reusable period products. They look like small, conical cups and are made from soft, flexible silicone. A short stem-like pull extends from the opposite end of the cup to help with removal.

Unlike tampons, which absorb menstrual blood, these products collect blood in the cup. This is why menstrual cups are reusable— after you use them, you dump out the contents and clean the cup for future use.

Our menstrual cup— the hannahCUP— comes in three sizes:

• Extra Small
• Small
• Medium

The extra small size holds up to 16 milliliters of blood. We intended this size for women who have not given birth before and experience a light monthly flow. You can wear this cup for four hours or up to 12 hours.

Our small size holdest up to 23 milliliters of period blood. This cup is ideal for women who have not given birth before and experience a normal period flow. The medium-sized menstrual cup has the same wear time as the extra small.

The medium menstrual cup holds up to 30 milliliters of period blood. We recommend this size for women who have given birth and/or have a heavy flow. You can wear this cup for 4–12 hours, including at nighttime.

The Benefits of Menstrual Cups

70% of people who menstruate use tampons. That means fewer than 30% use alternative products, including menstrual cups. So, if tampons are more popular, why make the switch to hannahCUP?

Here are just a few of the reasons why more women than ever are choosing menstrual cups over other period products.

They Hold More Than a Tampon

Menstrual cups can hold anywhere from 2–3 times the amount of blood as super tampons or pads. That means you do not have to change them as often. But you also will not have to worry about your menstrual cup leaking.

You Can Wear Them All Day

You can wear our hannahCUPs 12 hours a day or night. Once people get used to their menstrual cups, they say these period products are more comfortable than the alternative.

They Are More Sustainable Than Paper Period Products

Each year, paper period products and their packaging cause 200,000 metric tons of waste. Meanwhile, our hannahCUPs last for years. That can help you massively scale back your contribution to period product waste.

You Will Save Money

Another benefit of menstrual cups' reusability is that you will save thousands of dollars on period products. Instead of buying throw-away paper products each month, you only have to purchase your hannahCUP once.

They Do Not Contain Harmful Chemicals

Paper period products contain toxic ingredients like bleach, pesticide residues, and skin-irritating fragrances. But we made our hannahCUPs out of 100% medical-grade silicone that is free from BPAs and other toxic chemicals.

You Won't Smell Bad

We all know that used period products do not smell the best. That is because, as the product absorbs blood, it also interacts with vaginal bacteria, causing an odor.

But we designed our period cups from silicone. Silicone is naturally antimicrobial and does not interact with vaginal bacteria. That means you will not experience any bad smells when using these products.

How to Use a Menstrual Cup

If you look up the pros and cons of menstrual cups, you will see one common disadvantage. That is, users often complain about how difficult it is to use a menstrual cup.

Inserting a menstrual cup for the first time does require a bit of learning. But once you get it down, you may actually find using menstrual cups is even easier than other period products.

We want to help make your first menstrual cup experience a great one. So, here are the steps to inserting and removing a hannahCUP the right way.

Step 1: Fold It

First, fold the flexible silicone cup in half. Then, fold it into fourths. The smaller shape should comfortably fit into your vagina.

If your cup feels too small, go up a size. If it feels too big, go down a size.

Step 2: Insert It

It is easier to insert a menstrual cup when you are squatting or sitting. Standing and lifting one leg can also help. Also, make sure to insert the cup the right way up, so it will properly collect your period blood.

Step 3: Release It

Let go of the cup once it is in a comfortable position. The flexible silicone will unfold itself inside. With the help of our hannahCUPs suction holes, the menstrual cup will seal off everything, so you are completely leak-free.

Step 4: Remove It

When you are ready to empty your hannahCUP, gently squeeze the cup using the stem. Remove the cup with a firm hand. The textured stem and cup grips will help you keep a good hold on it.

Step 5: Empty It

Empty the contents of your hannahCUP in the toilet. Then, rinse the cup with clean water from your sink at home or, if you are in public, with a water bottle. That is all you need to do before reusing it.

Step 6: Re-Insert It

Once you have rinsed your menstrual cup, you can reuse it immediately. You only need to deep-clean and sterilize your cup after your period is over.

Cleaning a Menstrual Cup: Explained

As we mentioned, you only need to clean your hannahCUP after you are finished with your period. Remember that the silicone is antimicrobial. So, it does not tend to collect germs.

Still, keep your menstrual cup sanitary with an after-period sterile bath. All you have to do is boil your cup in water for 2–3 minutes. Then, leave your cup to dry until your next period.

Menstrual Cups, Organic Reusable Pads, Organic Period Underwear, and More at hannah

Menstrual cups are a more sustainable, healthier, and cost-effective alternative to paper period products. Once you get the hand of your hannahCUP, you'll wonder why it took you so long to make the switch!

Are you searching for sustainable period products, including organic cotton pads? hannah has been Korea's, Australia's, and New Zealand's #1 period product brand for over a decade.

Find out what all the hype is about— use one of our promotional codes today!