Period cups are very trendy nowadays. You’ll read about them online, hear about them from your favorite vlogger, and look through artistic photographs of them on Instagram. But what exactly is a period cup and how does it work? Is it really supposed to go up there? What’s the big deal about it, and why are people so excited about it?

In today’s topic, we will uncover everything that you need to know about period cups in a very simple way. After reading this article most of your questions will be addressed. 

What is a period cup?

A period cup is a small cup that you put into your vagina to collect your period blood. It is generally bell-shaped, and will usually have a little stem, or ring on the base to help with inserting and removing.

The menstrual pads absorb the blood while the period cup will collect your menstrual blood before it exits the body. Unlike a sanitary pad which can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort.

When the cup is full, or whenever you have a shower, you can remove the cup carefully and tip the collected menstrual blood into the toilet or down the drain. Rinse it off, and then re-insert. You can leave your cup in for up to 10-12 hours (even while sleeping!), and if cleaned properly, your cup can last you for years!

What are the advantages of using period cups?

  • Affordable buy it once and it’ll last for years
  • Safer than pads as there is no dryness in your vagina
  • Less toxic no pesticides, dioxins, or harmful bleaches that can be found in pads
  • Eco-friendly, less waste than pads
  • Discreet and no smells
  • More convenient and safe to use up to 12 hours at a time, which means putting it in and forgetting about it. Even when sleeping!
  • Less messy, once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s just tipping it out and rinsing. Even easier in the shower! No wrapping bloody pads and storing them in the bin.

There are so many benefits of using a period cup. If most women switched, we would have less single-use waste in our world.

impossible is possible now with liana period cup

Who can use it?

If you are a person who gets a period, you can probably use a period cup. Unlike products that absorb your flow, a period cup is something you insert into your vagina to hold all the blood and empty it a few times a day. Like most things that are period-related, what you choose to use comes down to your own personal comfort. Die-hard cup lovers appreciate the eco-friendly and wallet-friendly aspects of the cup. There are many other benefits of using a period cup which you can explore above. 

How to use this?

First, you need to fold the cup, there are several folding methods which you can read in detail here. For beginners, we recommend punch-down fold. After folding the cup, you carefully insert it into your vagina. Once the cup is inside, it will usually pop back into shape. You can use a finger to swirl it around to make sure it opens up. Read more detail on how to use a period cup.

If inserted properly the cup will make a suction seal against the vaginal wall that will make it leakproof. The period cup sits inside the vaginal wall just below the cervix. This is where the period blood will be collected before it leaves your body. Every few hours, depending on your flow, pull the cup very carefully, emptied down the toilet or shower, rinsed off, reinsert it and use it again.

Which cup should I choose?

The cup should be selected based on the following factors. 

  • Your age
  • Cup firmness 
  • Bladder sensitivity or strength of your pelvic floor muscles 
  • Cervix position 
  • First-time usage 

Please read the detailed guide on how to choose a period cup before buying?

Which size should I choose?

The size should be based on the following factors.

  • Vaginal birth or C-section
  • Period flow or cup capacity
  • Your age

Refer to the guide on which size you should choose?

Liana period cup sizes

How to insert your period cup?

The first time is always the hardest. Same as the case with the Liana period cup especially if you haven’t tried it before. The cup insertion and removal is a skill that will come with time and practice. Please be patient as it may take a few cycles to master it but we assure you once you get the hang of it, you are never going back. Just follow these steps to use your period cup.

  • Always make sure your hands are clean
  • Fold the cup with a technique that suits you best. You can explore the cup folding methods here.
  • Once folded, insert the cup, rim up, and slowly wiggle it up. It should sit a few inches below your cervix.
  • Once the cup is in your vaginal, release the finger that was holding the cup so it will spring up, and create a seal to collect the blood.

If the cup fits and has been inserted properly, then you shouldn’t be able to feel it in your body. You should be able to move around, go running on your period, do jumping jacks, go swimming comfortably, do yoga, etc. without discomfort, and without it falling out or leaking.

Insert Liana Period Cup

When to take your period cup out?

Period cups have been designed and are tested to be safe enough to wear for up to 12 hours at a time. This means you can even use a cup overnight, which was something not recommended for with pads.

If you have a heavier flow, you should empty it more often, but you will find that a cup can actually hold a lot more than pads. Up to 8 times the amount of a super pad!! 

Because the period cup can be so comfortable and convenient, the wearer might actually even forget that they have a cup inside! Various users have reported forgetting about their period and their period cup and inadvertently leaving it in for longer than the recommended 12 hours. So far, it’s been safe to do so, but of course, is not recommended.

How to take your period cup out?

  • Again, always try to make sure your hands are washed and cleaned.
  • Using your index or forefinger in your vagina, try to find the stem of the cup and use it to find the base of the cup. Find a comfortable position, you might find this easier if you squat or one leg up on the toilet seat.
  • Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the base of the cup to break the seal from the rim, and gently wiggle it around, while pulling it out.
  • Make sure you hold it upright while easing it out of your vagina, so the contents won’t spill. Hold it up, and marvel at the contents of your body, before gently pouring it out into the toilet, sink, or shower.
pinch the base

How to clean your period cup?

After emptying your period cup, it is ideal to give the cup a rinse before inserting again. If you’re in the shower or private bathroom, you can rinse it under the tap, making sure there’s no residue in the rim of the cup or in the air holes.

If you are outdoors, or in a public bathroom, you might want to bring a small bottle of water with you to rinse it off. Your menstrual cup should be emptied at least twice a day. If kept clean, your period cup can last up to 10 years.

Read more details about how to use the period cup.

empty wash reinsert

How to store your period cup?

Wash your period cup as per the above instructions, and then disinfect it before storing the cup for your next period. To disinfect, immerse the cup in a pot of clean water. You may want to have a designated pot for this! Boil on the stove for a minimum of 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure the cup stays floating in the middle of the pot, as the sides and bottom of the pot will be hot and may melt or damage your cup.

After properly cleaning your cup, make sure you let it air dry before storing it in your carrying pouch. Ideally, this should be the pouch that comes with your Liana period cup. Do not store your cup in a plastic bag or airtight container as moisture will accumulate and with moisture comes bacteria.

clean and store

When to dispose of your period cup?

Discoloration may occur over time, just like with any product that is used regularly. Make sure it is not kept in direct sunlight over long periods of time as this may cause discoloration. As long as there is no damage to the period cup, discoloration will not affect its use. You can use the period cup without any problem.

But there shouldn’t be any odor from your period cup as silicone is odor-free, just make sure you’ve cleaned it properly (check under the rim and four suction holes in on the rim, etc.). If there is a persistent odor and you cannot find the source and eliminate the smell, then it’s time to discard the cup and buy a new one. 

If there is any damage or deterioration to the cup, you may want to dispose of the cup and switch using a new one. 

How to dispose of your period cup?

Liana period cup is made of 100% medical-grade silicon. It will not leach or off-gas hazardous chemicals despite freezing or high temperatures, which means it is safer for the environment and can be disposed of in your normal trash or buried in your garden.

How much does a Liana period cup cost?

Liana period cup generally costs 2999 PKR per cup. This is an initial investment, but with proper care, you could reuse your period cup for up to 10 years.

Considering pads are disposable, and you will need to use several a day during your period cycle, you could be spending up to 4000 PKR a year on these disposable products and ultimately around 40,000 PKR within the next 10 years. As compared to these recurring monthly costs, Liana period cup is 13 times less expensive. 

A clean cup, a cleaner me, and a cleaner environment

By making sure you clean, care, and store your period cup properly, you will ensure that you use your period cup to its full potential, as an eco-friendly, affordable, convenient, and safe product for you and your body to use.