Tag: lalicup tips

  It’s bound to happen.


You could be dining at your favourite restaurant, enjoying on the beach or work late. Sooner rather than later, you’ll have to change your cup… in a public toilet *gasp*.

Questionable hygiene, small space and not-so-clean toilets are common culprits of concern – am I right? But now that you know how to use a menstrual cup, it’s time to take the next step on your less-waste journey, step up your game and bravely change your LaliCup in a public toilet.

In this post, I’m going to share with you our best ways to clean a menstrual cup in public toilets and show you that changing your cup on the go isn’t as scary as it seems.
 

How to do it:


I know you’re worried about not being able to change the cup in the safety of your own bathroom and, in some cases, without a sink nearby.

But the easiest and safest way to clean your menstrual cup on the go is to always have a small bottle of water with you during your period.

1. When you are in a public restroom, place an open bottle of water on the floor. Remove your menstrual cup with one hand and emptiy its contents into the toilet. Take the bottle with your other hand and clean the cup with water over the toilet.

2. Wash off any blood on your fingers with the remaining water left in the bottle.
 
3. Put the cup back in and voila, you are good to go!
 

Extra hint:

If you don’t have a water bottle with you, it’s enough to wipe the cup with soft intimate wipes, or in extreme cases with toilet paper.

P.S. before and after changing the cup, wash your hands in the sink.
 
You can find a demonstrating video of what we just talked about below. Just click on it and you will find out how our boss Mateja goes about cleaning LaliCup in the public toilet:
 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XoxOUjtfyhk

  In order to avoid all the hassle of washing the cup, a lot of menstrual cup users decide to carry an additional LaliCup with them, change it and then simply wash both cups when they get home.
 
Does this method seem more fitting to your need? The extra cup is already waiting for you in our store.
 

There are topics that we are uncomfortable talking about, even though they are a normal part of our lives. This certainly includes the first period talk. Am I right?

Below you can find some useful tips that will come in handy during this conversation:

When is the right time to talk about menstruation?

Start the conversation as soon as possible. I definitely recommend that you don’t wait until the last moment and start talking about the changes the body goes through during menstruation only right before or even after your child’s first period.

Likewise, don’t plan just one conversation in which you’ll blurt out everything you know about menstruation. Start the conversation several times and each time introduce a different topic (body changes, period product alternatives…)

period panties, talk about period

A positive view of menstruation

Although it’s 2022, society still views menstruation as something dirty and annoying. The key is to present children with menstruation in a positive light and emphasize that it is something completely natural and even beautiful.

Be concise

I don’t think teenagers are interested in long answers to already awkward questions, so keep your answers short, clear and point out the real facts. You can also share your personal experience.

period panties talk about period

Workshop

It might also be a good idea for a teen to visit a period workshop. A person who is no stranger to menstrual conversations creates a safe space where a group of peers can discuss menstruation in a positive light, while also addressing fears and shame and eliminating them with the help of appropriate education.

Some key pointers

Here, of course, you don’t need to present all the useful information at once. It will be enough if you start with tips such as: how to use e.g. inserts (you can also present different sizes).

Be careful to present these instructions in a positive light.

Of course, you can say that menstruation is often accompanied by a painful stomach, sensitive breasts… but also emphasize that there is a simple solution for these symptoms – a warm hot water bottle, herbal tea or (in more severe cases) painkillers

In last week’s newsletter, we talked about how to prevent period leaks.

But what if you haven’t figured out your perfect period alternative yet or forgot your extra period panties at home?

Boom, there is a little red circle on your clothes now. What to do now?

Our Lalipanties

 

FEEL NO SHAME


I know, I know – it is easier said than done, but try not to be embarrassed if you have had a leak while in public – it has happened to the majority of us!

Wrap a sweater or cardigan around your waist for an easy solution.

Bonus tip: always keep a spare pair of period undies or trousers on hand for those heavy days.

Let us now concentrate on attempting to save your favourite clothes and bedding after the leak. Try these stain removal tips, and you’ll be a pro in no time.

 

menstrual flow types blood stain on my clothes

 

FRESH BLOOD

1. Soak the item in cold water (cold water is required because we don’t want to “bake” the stain in with warm water).

2. Apply a bar of soap to the stain.

3. Rub in liquid laundry detergent.

4. Wash in warm water.
 


 
DRIED BLOOD
  1. Make a pre-soaking solution of cold water and laundry detergent.

2. Let the item soak in it for an hour.

3. Before washing, use colour-safe bleach.


SEVERE STAINS

Before washing the item in question, soak for a few hours or overnight in water mixed with bleach-free detergent and a bit of ammonia.

 
Hopefully, these tips will help you leak-proof your life! Catch you next week. 🙂

business talk

Have you ever wondered who is the face behind LaliCup menstrual cup?

Well wonder no more! Mateja, the founder of the brand, has had a Business talk as a trusted partner of Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIS) where she presented our alternative period products, talked about our vision and much more. 🙂

Would you like to hear what she had to say? Just click on the video below and enjoy.

As a menstrual cup user, you are probably quite period savvy.

But what would you say if I’d ask you to explain what the difference between a light, medium or heavy flow is?

After all, this is all very subjective as your idea of heavy flow may be something completely different to what your friend is imagining under the same concept.

Let’s have a look at those 3 period flow types:

menstrual flow types
photo source: prevention

LIGHT FLOW

A light flow means a rather small amount of blood, so you will probably need to change your LaliCup only once during the day.

It is very common to have a light flow at the start or at the end of your period when your uterus is finishing up shedding the final bits.



MEDIUM FLOW

There is no universal definition for medium flow.

Menstrual cups are perfect for getting an idea of how much blood you lose during your period, so let’s just say that with medium flow you would definitely fill up our model M LaliCup up to 15 ml volume marker.

 

menstrual cup sizes Lalicup
menstrual cup sizes image

HEAVY FLOW

Heavy period flow is technically defined as a loss of more than 80 ml over the duration of your period.

To put that into a perspective:

Our LaliCup model L can hold 41 ml, so if you easily fill 2 cups, then you would be considered as someone with a heavy flow.

There is also a big chance of blood clots showing up mixed with your blood.


CONCLUSION

To conclude, none of the flow types is inherently good or bad. As long as your menstrual flow is more or less constant, you are good to go.

But if there is a sudden shift in your flow, you might want to check that out with a doctor.

Let’s be honest: we’ve all had the experience of going to the toilet, pulling down our underwear, noticing a different colour discharge than usual, and wondering “Is that normal?”
 
 
Many of these colours are common and are not indicative of underlying illness. But what do they actually mean? 
 
You don’t have to wonder any longer. We created a colour guide just for you. 🙂 

verywell/Laura Porter

What exactly is vaginal discharge?


Discharge is a term that describes the fluid that comes from the vagina. 
 
With it your body eliminates dead vaginal skin cells, bacteria, secretions… and at the same time also keeps your vaginal tissues and reproductive system clean, lubricated and healthy.
 
Because your hormones influence the amount and consistency of the discharge, you may notice different amounts and colours at different time periods (depending on if you are on your period, pregnant etc.) 
Vaginal discharge red

Brown, red, pink


Is common just before or during period. However, if you see red throughout the month, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as an infection. 

vaginal discharge white

White

Discharge in a range of white shades is very common. The shade can extend to cream or light yellow as well. Don’t be concerned about this colour unless your discharge is accompanied by specific cottage-cheese-like textures or strong odours.
 

vaginal discharge grey

Gray

This colour can be a symptom of a common bacterial infection and it also causes other symptoms like strong odour, itching and irritation.

Clear

Clear discharge is the go-to discharge emitted by a healthy body in order to rebalance itself. 

vaginal discharge yellow

Yellow, green

Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.

When to see a doctor?

You should consult your doctor if you have noticed that your vaginal discharge has an unusual smell, texture and/or appearance.

At the Lali headquarters, we often ask each other what motivates you, our beloved customers, to buy our LaliCup.  

So we decided to list a couple of LaliCup advantages below but would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on the matter. 🙂

THEY ARE AFFORDABLE AND BUDGET FRIENDLY.
You pay a one-time price for a reusable menstrual cup. True, it is a bit of an investment at first. But the cup will last you for years.

DON’T DRY OUT.
Tampons can absorb and strip your vaginal walls of those naturally occurring lining. So when you decide to remove it could make for, well, a rougher trip.

 GREAT FOR HEAVY FLOW
A period cup can hold a lot more fluid than even the most absorbent tampon. Our LaliCups (even model S) were made with greater capacity in mind so you can go longer between emptying your cup and say goodbye to hourly toilet breaks.

menstrual cup

WATER SPORTS OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES? NO PROBLEM!
LaliCup can be used regardless of what physical activities you have planned for the day: dancing, biking, hiking, even swimming; nothing is off limits.

FREE UP YOUR BAG SPACE
Let me guess, you have at least 5 period products in each bag you own, right? With LaliCup, you no longer have to carry around a year worth of supplies in your bag. All you need is your trusty cup – yes, just the one.

Lalicup Team

BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 
Period cups are reusable and can last for several years with proper care; which means you’re not contributing more waste that ends up piling our landfills!

NO MORE RASHES AND ODOUR
You heard that right you can actually get a nappy rash from certain pads. They can also create a moist environment which is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, yeast infections and odour.

YOU WON’T EVEN FEEL IT INSIDE YOU
Inserted correctly, a menstrual cup is so comfortable that you won’t even notice it’s there! 

I admit, I sometimes can be a little tired of all the inconveniences period brings. You too? When I started reading about how I can help myself feel better during those days of the month – one of them (obviously :P) being the usage of LaliCup menstrual cup – I realized that I will only be able to really use the potential of this wonderful device to the fullest only once I have learned the basic anatomy of my body.

Now, don’t get frightened, this will not be a lecture on human anatomy with a test at the end.

When it comes to using the menstrual cup, it is especially important to get to know the cervix and pelvic floor muscles more closely. The cervix affects where you will place the period cup in the vagina to perform its task effectively and without discomfort, and that muscles can significantly affect your comfort when using the cup and improve many other areas of your life.

Interested? Do keep on reading.

photo: N.Veger
Pelvic floor muscles

The pelvic floor muscles perform many important functions in a body – they support the vagina, uterus, intestines, bladder and rectum and ensure their proper functioning.

Strengthening these muscles ensures normal urine flow (and prevents incontinence), increases sexual pleasure, and helps make the menstrual cup more enjoyable and effective.
photo: N.Veger
How to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles?

After childbirth, it often happens that the muscles become loose. You can strengthen them mainly by performing exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, also known as Kegel exercises.

With the help of vaginal balls, you can perform the exercises two times a day for 5 minutes, thus improving sexual pleasure, incontinence problems and the menstrual user experience.

Next time, let me tell you more about the cervix!

Have a lovely day. 🙂

Common menstrual cup concerns most often occur with:

– insertion, which is supposed to be uncomfortable and painful
– usefulness during sports and during sleep
– removal of the cup, after which everything is supposed to be bloody, especially when we want to empty it in the public toilet

Red mentrual cup flower

Away with prejudices

prejudice # 1: painful insertion
Period cups are made of soft medical silicone so that they can be easily folded to a smaller size and consequently inserted into the vagina. There is a plethora of different folding methods that allow insertion without discomfort or pain. You should not feel the cup when properly installed.

prejudice # 2: sport and sleep
With a gentle vacuum, the cup securely anchors itself in place, so you can comfortably and safely engage in different sports activities, travel, sleep and even swimming as it can be used as a water tampon to prevent water from entering the vagina.

white menstrual cup flower

prejudice # 3: cup removal
The shape of the cup and the holes at the top ensure safe and reliable blood collection during wearing. This way you can quickly remove the cup without any spillage by squeezing the bottom of the cup.

You also do not need to worry when emptying the menstrual cup in public toilets. Simply pour the contents into the toilet bowl and clean the period cup by rinsing with a bottle of water over the toilet bowl or using a cleaning wipe.

Simple, fast and completely hygienic – LaliCup.

This is the #1 question we got asked in our last LaliLetter so to help you out, we’ve put together a list of different folds for you to try.

There is a plethora of different cup folds you can choose from; the aim of the game, however, is to find what feels good to you. The fold your best friend swears by may not fit you at all and that is where we come in with our list:

How to fold a menstrual cup

#1: The C fold:

You’ve probably heard of this one before as it is the most common of all folds and a definite crowd favourite because you can do it very quickly using one hand. However, it also results in a larger insertion point and may cause some discomfort for beginners.

#2: The Punchdown fold

This fold has one of the smallest insertion points. Another advantage of this method is that, when folded correctly, it retains a lot of air so it is easier to “pop open” after insertion. Definitely a beginner-friendly nstrual cup fold (and to be honest, I still use it after years of cup experience).

#3: The 7 fold

This cup creates a fairly small point of insertion and also releases a lot easier aka gives you more control over when you want the period cup to pop open. If this is where your struggles lie, then this just might be the technique for you.

#4: The Half-diamond fold

I left the most intricate one for last. This fold is admittedly a tad bit trickier and you might not succeed during your first attempts (so it may not be advisable for beginners) but there seem to be a fair number of fans who use it because of the nub that makes the cup easier to pop open.