Menstrual cups have become increasingly popular due to their unique benefits and practical use for women. Made from soft medical-grade silicone, the cup conforms to every woman’s anatomy and provides a comfortable, safe and effective solution for menstrual care. Many women find them more comfortable than traditional products, with minimal risk of leaks – even during physical activity. With a menstrual cup, you get up to 12 hours of freedom, and because they can be reused for 2-5 years, they are both an economical and environmentally friendly choice for modern women.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of using a menstrual cup, tips for first-time use, and find out if menstrual cups can relieve menstrual cramps.

Benefits of using a menstrual cup

Menstruation can be stressful, and because it’s a monthly event, the stress can feel endless. When menstruation coincides with important events, this stress is often exacerbated. Even professional athletes, like 19-year-old Zheng Qinwen, have cited menstrual cramps as a major obstacle during competitions, leading to poor performance (source here).

Period pain can be debilitating, and while painkillers work for some women, others have found that using a menstrual cup reduces cramps. The pressure the cup puts on the uterine muscles that cause cramps can prevent them from contracting as much, thereby reducing the pain.

In addition, menstrual cups offer many other benefits, including:

• Up to 6-12 hours of continuous use (depending on your flow)

• Made from 100% biocompatible medical grade silicone that does not promote bacterial growth

• Designed with adjustable stem for perfect fit to your anatomy

• Does not cause vaginal dryness

• Economical – no monthly expenses

• Environmentally friendly – ​​reduces waste every month

• Can be used for swimming, bathing and physical activity

• Long shelf life – up to 5 years

• Available in several sizes, including TEEN size for young girls

• Offers complete intimate care sets with cup, panties and reusable pads

First-time menstrual cup use: Tips and recommendations

If you are considering trying a menstrual cup, it is important to choose the right size. There are three sizes: one for teenagers or virgins, one for women who have given birth vaginally, and one for women who have not given birth. Read more about which size is right for you: menstrual cup size A and size B. Femi.Eko® cups also fit different uterine heights (low, medium, high), and the stem can be cut to fit your body perfectly.

Using a menstrual cup is simple, but requires some guidelines for proper use, safety, and maximum effectiveness.

Before using the cup for the first time, sterilize it by boiling it in water for 10 minutes. Then follow these steps each time you use the cup:

1. Fold the cup: Fold it into a “C” or other recommended shape (check out our TikTok channel for demos!). The soft silicone makes it easy to fold and insert.

2. Find a comfortable position: Choose a position where you can easily open your vulva and vagina.

3. Insert and create vacuum: Insert the cup into the vagina and twist it slightly to create a vacuum. This will keep it in place and prevent leaks.

4. Empty as needed: Empty the cup every 4-12 hours depending on your flow. For first use – check your flow and empty after 4 hours. With experience, you will find the optimal interval for each day of your cycle.

5. Safely remove: To remove the cup, run a finger up the side of the cup to let air in and break the vacuum. Then remove the cup, empty it, and rinse with water.

When the cup is not in use, it should be stored dry and clean in the provided bag.

Using a menstrual cup is quick and easy, and the vacuum ensures minimal risk of leaks. Practice makes perfect – it may take a few tries to learn how to insert and remove it correctly. Try it out at home for the first time, wear it for a few hours, and once you feel comfortable, you can use it for all activities.

Freedom and comfort with menstrual cups

Using a menstrual cup offers freedom of movement and a new standard of menstrual care: safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Millions of women are already using this modern solution. Explore Femi.Eko® menstrual cups and other innovative products developed for modern women.