Frequent questions
Will it hurt when inserting?
Menstrual cups are designed from soft medical silicone allowing them to be easily folded to a smaller format that is inserted into the vagina without any unpleasant feeling or pain. Besides, you probably weren’t familiar with the fact that a menstrual cup is inserted lower into the vagina than a tampon? When inserted properly you should not feel it at all! The light seal created against vaginal walls keeps it in place, so you can safely do all your favourite activities – travelling, sleeping and all kinds of sports, even swimming.
I am afraid that I will get blood everywhere when emptying the cup.
Menstrual cups are created by women – and they have all experienced problems with unwanted blood stains during period for themselves. They know very well what kind of problems occur when using different types of feminine hygiene products. That is why menstrual cups are carefully designed in such a way that makes handling easy and without unwanted stains of blood on your hands, clothes or on the ground. Soft medical silicone allows the cup to be easily folded into a smaller format for quick and easy insertion, while its shape and the holes at the top create a light seal against the vaginal walls, providing a safe and reliable collection of blood. The cup can quickly be removed without spilling the blood just by pinching the base of the cup and pulling it out. Some of the cups also have an additional stem below the base for even easier and more controlled removal of the cup, thus completely avoiding the risk of unwanted bloodstains.
How can I clean the cup in public toilets?
Handling menstrual cup in public toilets is no more difficult than doing it at home. In fact, it is very simple: you just empty the content into the toilet or sink and clean the cup by flushing it with tap or bottled water. Alternatively, you can use intimate cleaning wipes to clean the cup in case of no water access, making the use of menstrual cups in pubic toilets simple, fast and completely hygienic in all situations!
Will the cup prevent me from doing sports and disturb my sleep at night?
When properly inserted, most women do not feel the cup at all. The special shape of LaliCup along with holes at the top create a light seal against the vaginal walls which ensures that it remains safely in place even during sports activities and sleeping. Not just that the use of a menstrual cup is completely safe and reliable even when swimming or bathing, it is recommended! The cup also works as a water tampon preventing the water from entering the vagina.
Is there an unpleasant smell?
Menstrual blood is sterile in the uterus. When it leaks from the vagina into the cup, the blood has no contact with the air — thus maintaining sterility and not acquiring an unpleasant odor due to the decomposition and development of bacteria. LaliCup is thus a more hygienic choice that does not cause an unpleasant odor. Even when we empty the cup in public toilets, we don’t have to be afraid of smells.
Do you think it is bad for the environment?
Definitely not – a single menstrual cup can be used for many years, while traditional feminine hygiene products have to be disposed of after each use, thus creating tons of waists each year.
But the blood has to come out?
It is true that you do not see the blood like on the pads but that does not mean that it just stays in your body. Let us explain: from the uterus, sterile blood drips into the vagina through a small opening in the cervix and continues its way through the vagina into the cup, without disturbing the natural hydration of the vagina and without interfering with the natural process of cleansing dead cells. LaliCup is placed lower than the tampon, making it even easier to collect all the blood, which is then poured out.
Can I really swim with it?
Of course. Using LaliCup is safe and reliable even while swimming or bathing; what’s more – it’s even recommended, as the cup can be used as a water tampon to prevent water from entering the vagina.
What about the vacuum?
With the help of a vacuum and vaginal muscles, the cup sets itself on the vaginal walls and collects fluid.
The vagina is a closed system where a vacuum is already present, which also ensures that air does not go into the vagina. A vacuum is a pressure that is less than the external (air) pressure so that it does not harm the vagina. It is only necessary to be careful not to pull only and directly for the stem, but to squeeze the bottom of the cup first so the seal breaks and then pull out the cup.
How long can I use one cup for?
About 5 years. The duration, however, depends a lot on how you are taking care of your LaliCup (from cleaning to how it is stored).
USAGE
What if I cannot put the cup in?
Some women will not be able to place the cup in the first time they try it. However, you can help yourself with a punch-down technique in which the cup is folded into the narrowest position and with lubricants. It also helps to relax the muscles (the shower is a great place to practice). All you need is some practice — you can do that even when you’re not menstruating.
Will I have an uncomfortable feeling while using it?
No, there is no pain or discomfort during usage. With the correct insertion of the cup, we do not feel it at all, as it is safely and reliably placed in its place with the help of a gentle vacuum, so you can comfortably devote yourself to sports activities, traveling, sleeping and even swimming.
Can the cup leak?
Not if you insert and empty it properly before it fills to the brim. When inserting, you can make sure that the cup is positioned correctly by tracing the bottom of the cup with your finger and checking to see if any wrinkles have formed.
The cup may leak if it is too small / too large.
Will the cup bother me when moving?
With proper insertion, no. The special shape of the cup and the holes at the top, which create a gentle vacuum, ensure that it stays safe and secure in place during any activity and during sleep. Using a menstrual cup is safe and reliable even while swimming or bathing! What’s more – it’s even recommended, as the cup prevents water from entering the vagina,
I'm allergic to latex. Can I still use LaliCup?
You can use our cup as it is made of medical-grade silicone that does not cause latex allergies.
Can I use the cup during sex?
LaliCup menstrual cup is not a contraceptive and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. With a little skill, however, you can also use the cup during intercourse.
CLEANING
What is the best way to clean LaliCup?
There are several ways to clean LaliCup, but the best and simplest way is to wash it with water. During the day, rinse the cup with cold water to avoid discolouration and odor and then wash it with hot water. Every evening after emptying the cup, wash it with water and mild unscented soap. You don’t want any aggressive chemicals inside your vagina!
Can I use it in a public toilet?
Of course you can – and it is no more difficult than at home! You just wash it with bottled water over the toilet or sink or wipe it clean using intimate cleaning wipes, which you probably already carry in your purse most of the time.
Is it more easier to clean LaliCup than other menstrual cups?
Yes! LaliCup menstrual cup is much easier to clean compared to some other types of menstrual cups. Its innovative design and smooth medical-grade silicon prevent dust and other impurities to accumulate on the surface. Besides, the holes at the top of the cup, that enable the formation of a light seal, are slightly larger, which makes them much easier to clean.
How often do I have to clean my menstrual cup?
LaliCup should be removed, emptied and cleaned with water or intimate wipes a few (on average 2 – 4) times a day. At least once per month, at the end of each period, it is recommended you clean your cup thoroughly by sterilizing it in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes.
What about discoloration and developing odor?
Like all devices that we use regularly, the LaliCup menstrual cup also naturally stains over time. The blood is a very strong dye. However, with proper maintenance and careful use it definitely won’t happen overnight – unlike many other products, LaliCup can last for years! To prevent your LaliCup from discoloration and developing odor follow the instructions in the section „What is the best way to clean my LaliCup menstrual cup?“.
My cup has a specific odour. How do I get rid of it?
It’s quite normal for a cup to develop some sort of an odour with regular usage. If the pH in the vagina changes or the bacteria balance is disturbed, this might also affect the cup smell. The most important thig is to practice deep cleaning and sanitizing after every period.
Some other tricks for odour prevention are:
Wash your cup in cold rather than hot water right after you take it out because hot water can cause odour and stains to set in.
Give your cup a sunbath: find a sunny spot and let your cup sunbathe for at least an hour.
You can soak your menstrual cup for an hour with rubbing alcohol or in a different solution using hydrogen peroxide, half water and half vinegar… It is crucial that you boil your cup again for 20 minutes after and allow it to air dry completely before use.
How do I store my cup between periods?
You will receive a special storage bag with a zipper, that will keep your LaliCup safe until your next period. The bag can also be washed if necessary.
You can also wash the pouch. The most suitable temperature to it at is 40. We also recommend you turn the pouch inside out to protect the print.
ANATOMY
What is a cervix?
A cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus and vagina. Menstrual blood is drained through a hole in the cervix into the vagina, where it is caught and held by the menstrual cup. The placement of the menstrual cup, therefore, depends on the location of the cervix, as we place it a few inches below the cervix (less deep than we usually place tampons).
The location of your cervix can be found by penetrating the vagina with your fingers. At its end, you can feel a hardening (similar to the tip of the nose) – this is the cervix.
The cup is hard to remove as it goes too high.
The reason LaliCup “escapes” too high is your anatomy — you have a high cervix. We recommend that you first press with your muscles and then push the cup (not the stem) with your finger along the walls of the vagina to release the vacuum. This may make it easier for you to remove the cup.
Can virgins use the cup?
Yes, they can. The hymen is a thin flexible membrane that is not an impermeable barrier, as it allows blood to drain during menstruation. Research has shown that the hymen is actually just made up of a bunch of thin folds of tissue that typically wear away naturally as we go through adolescence. We understand that if you’ve never inserted anything into your vagina these muscles are likely to be a little on the tense side and worrying about insertion can make them even tenser. When inserting the cup, it is important to be relaxed (you can try to insert the cup in the shower), you can also help yourself by lubricating the cup. For insertion, we suggest a fold with a downward squeeze (or shell). You can see the folding methods HERE.
What about TSS (toxic shock syndrome); can I get it if I use a cup?
Toxic shock syndrome is an infection caused by a bacterium when it enters the body through a wound or mucous membrane. Symptoms include sudden fever, sore throat, vomiting, sun-like rash, dizziness, muscle aches and loss of consciousness.
TSS is a very rare but deadly disease that can occur in men, women and children. Because it occurs mostly in girls and women before the age of 30, TSS is associated with the use of highly absorbent tampons. Quick treatment is very important, so if you experience any of the above symptoms, remove your menstrual cup immediately and see your doctor.
For prevention, it is very important to take proper care of the cup (clean it regularly, sterilize it…) and store it in a clean environment.
Can I use the cup with an IUD?
Yes, you can.
INSERTION
Is insertion painful?
No, menstrual cups are designed from soft medical silicone to be easily folded into a smaller shape and inserted into the vagina without any discomfort or pain. You can also help yourself with a lubricant.
How do I know the cup is installed correctly?
If you cannot feel the cup, it is placed correctly. When inserting the cup, you can check with a finger around the bottom whether there are any wrinkles and the cup has opened completely in the vagina. In the beginning, it takes a little practice to fully master your insertion technique but after that, the insertion will become second nature.
What is the easiest way to insert LaliCup so that it will be installed correctly?
The most important thing is not to push the cup towards the cervix (like a tampon) but to insert it by opening it right next to the labia so it can capture as much air as possible. This makes it easier to establish a vacuum and it helps the cup to open completely in the vagina.
REMOVAL
Will I get blood everywhere when removing the cup?
No, menstrual cups are carefully designed so that they can be handled easily and cleanly without bloodstains on hands, clothes or the floor. The cup can be quickly removed by squeezing the bottom of the cup: LaliCup has a stem at the bottom for easy and controlled removal without bloodstains.
How do I remove the cup if it goes too high?
The reason LaliCup “escapes” quite high is your anatomy; in all likelihood, you have a high cervix. In this case, we recommend that you press first with your muscles (as if you were going for no.2) and then push the cup (and not the stem) with your finger along the walls of the vagina to release the vacuum.
What do I do if I get fungal inflammation?
In case of fungal inflammation, do not throw the cup away. Wash and boil it thoroughly several times or you can also dip it in probiotic yogurt (just like a tampon) and insert it into the vagina.
How often do I have to empty the cup?
Depending on your flow 2 – 4 per day.
Does the cup create a vacuum?
A vacuum is an empty space without molecules and without air. When used, the menstrual cup creates a vacuum that is only lower than the air pressure and does not harm the vagina. With the help of that vacuum, the cup is placed between the vaginal muscles and at the same time prevents the entry of air or water into the vagina.
Where does LaliCup production take place?
The LaliCup menstrual cup is designed and manufactured in Slovenia.
What material is LaliCup made of?
Silicon. Health comes first, that is why silicone used for LaliCup menstrual cup production is tested according to the USP Class VI standard and/or ISO 10993 biocompatibility standard. The material is, therefore, suitable for healthcare applications.
What should I do if I damage the cup?
A damaged cup will not perform its function effectively and can cause inconvenience, so the best course of action would be to replace the damaged cup with a new one immediately.