Stephs Cheers and Jeers was provided the samples mentioned in this post in return for an unbiased review.
I have heard SO much about menstrual cups from friends and even on other blogs and while I was really hesitant at first the first time I ever tried one I was instantly obsessed. If you do not know much about menstrual cups they are a reusable cup that collects your menstrual flow.
UltuCup is made from 100% premium healthcare grade silicone and can be worn up to 12 hours. One of the reasons I decided to make the switch from tampons was because I was sometimes going through a box and a half of tampons a cycle. I also become concerned about the ingredients used in tampons after doing some research so I decided to try a cup. UltuCup isn’t the first cup I have tried but it is my favorite because of the sizing options.
UltuCup is for designed for menstruating people of all age shapes and experience levels. They offer three different sizes including:
Low Cervix/Mini Cup which is designed for individuals with a low cervix or those who feel that Model 1 is too long.
Model 1 which is designed for individuals 29 and younger who have never delivered vaginally or by C-section.
Model 2 which is designed for individuals 30 and older and/or for those who have delivered vaginally or by C-section.
I decided to give box the Low Cervix/Mini Cup and Model 1 a try because I wasn’t 100% sure size I was going to like. My menstrual flow also varies so I thought the idea of having two sized cups would be a good idea.
Experience:
During my last cycle, I decided to ONLY use the Ultucup. Their website mentions that if you have a regular cycle you can even insert the day your cycle will start so I decided to do that and I gotta I liked the idea of that. My cycle lasts about 4 days and I wore it while doing my shopping, sleeping and even exercising and experienced no issues or leaking.
I posted on my Facebook asking my friends who have never used a menstrual cup if they had questions. I have featured a few of these questions below:
- “Can You Feel It?”
If the UltuCup is inserted correctly you should not feel it and you will experience no leaking. It can be tricky at first to figure out how to insert it but it didn’t take me long to get the hang of it. Their website even features an FAQ and Troubleshooting section to help with insertion.
- “I have a sensitive Vagina, Will it dry out my vagina?”
One of the reasons I actually decided to make the switch was I was experiencing A LOT of irritation and chafing using tampons. I also kept getting bacterial vaginosis(My PH Level was always WAY off after using tampons) and even my OBGYN told me about the chemicals in tampons and they she believed there could be a link. The UltuCup is Free from dyes, dioxins, BPA, phthalates, pesticides, chlorine and latex. It is also collected, instead of absorbs menstrual flow, which means it will not dry out or disrupt the vaginal environment or pH. I noticed my vagina sometimes gets irritated if I change the cup often but once you learn your flow, you will get the hang of how often you need to change it.
- “Is It Gross?”
I personally do not think it is gross, the cup is really easy to remove. You just reach for the stem, squeeze the cup gently to release the seal and then remove. You can dump it into the toilet or the sink and then use a mild, unscented soap and warm water to rinse. At the end of your cycle just thoroughly wash, rinse and dry the menstrual cup before storing it in the cotton bag provided. You can also boil the cup for 5-10 minutes in an open pot with plenty of water. NEVER leave your cup unattended. If you burn your cup, it may be ruined so it is suggested to replace it. Over time the cup also might become discolored but it is still safe to use.
*Do not use harsh chemicals, scented soap, antibacterial soap, dish soap, hand sanitizer,
rubbing alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, pre-moistened wipes, vinegar, oil-based soap,
castile/peppermint soap, or tea tree oil as these may damage the silicone and cause irritation.
Final Thoughts and How To Purchase:
I was overall very happy with my experience. I suggest reading the user guild before you try a menstrual cup and to speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions with regards to
your vaginal or gynecological health.
You can purchase the Ultucup on Amazon $39.99 which is a STEAL, in my opinion, considering most menstrual products cost an average of $150 a year.