Tag: menstrual cup

We’ve got some seriously cool news to share with you today.


Remember when I mentioned that we were busy packing a few newsletters ago (the reason why we missed a few Lali newsletters)?   

Well, the wait is over – we were busy packing Lalicup menstrual cups for their big debut in Bipa stores all across Croatia!

Bipa stores


That’s right, you can now find your favorite menstrual cup, panties, pads and lubricant in every Bipa in Croatia.  

So if you happen to forget your LaliCup at home while vacationing in Croatia, just head to your nearest Bipa store and pick up a new Lalicup. And feel free and relaxed on your vacation.

  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.
 

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.

Most of us are interested in saving money in some way or another – I mean, who could say no to a good bargain, an amazing second-hand item or a sale at a favourite shop.

Just wait till you see how much money you could save if you decided to use LaliCup instead of single-use tampons and pads. 

How much does an average period cost? 
 

I need to preface this by saying that there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ period.

The amount of period products very much relies on how heavy your flow is. 

Saving Money



 Ok, let’s dive into some data: 
 
On average a person bleeds for four to seven days and menstruates for approximately 38 years (from the age of 13 to the age of 51). 
 
Ok, calculators at the ready! This equates to a grand total of… wait for it… around 450 periods!

 

According to the Women’s Environmental Network (NGO based in London), an average menstruator uses more than 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime.

This number of course increases drastically for somebody with (very) heavy flow. 

pads

Tampons

If you usually use tampons that are on the cheaper end of the scale during your period – that will cost you about $578 (€530 or £440) during your fertile period.

But now, as more and more is known about the chemicals used in tampons people are starting to search for more eco and body-friendly tampons which will cost even more – around $2,311 (€2,178 or £1,760). 
 


Pads

If you use pads as a sole period solution, expect to spend roughly $2,745 (€2,515 or £2,090)!

And this is without additional panty-liners that easily add even more on top of your regular tampon or pad spend. 

menstrual cup is cheaper

Is there anything else I’ll need to go with my LaliCup? 

 
Nope! Once you’ve mastered inserting your LaliCup
(pst, you can check our handy videos of different folding techniques),
you’ll be leak-free and period hassle-free for years to come. 

So, with one cup that costs €29, you will get complete freedom during those days for multiple years.

Just imagine how much money you could save.

Are period cups worth it? 

 
With the stats we talked about above, we absolutely think they are!

Not to mention that Mama Earth (one cup can be used for up to 5 years) and your wallet will be much happier with you using a menstrual cup.

So, what are you waiting for, check out our incredible period alternatives. 🙂

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.

Tampons are still the current internal protection method of choice for most people.


Partly because of the advertisement they receive – they are taught in schools and in health education classes…


 and partly because you see them in literally every shopping centre and pharmacy regardless of what country you live in.


Watching a film and a girl is on her period? I can bet that there is a tampon product placement in that shot.


It is true that cups have come a long way


(fun fact: they are not such a new phenomenon as you would like to imagine. The first patented and usable menstrual cup has been around since 1932)


 but most people are still not sure how to use them and why they should choose a period cup over a tampon.

menstrual cup flower

So here is a quick table that highlights the main differences:
 

                            TAMPON                   MENSTRUAL CUP
 
 
–          absorbent one-time use product


 
–          made up of synthetic fibers
 

 
–          different absorbency levels
 


–          most of the time they come with a plastic applicator


 
–          tampon will sit just below the cervix and you take it out by pulling the string
 
 
 

–  come in different shapes and sizes and have a longer wear time (multiple years)


–          LaliCup is made from FDA approved silicone



–          do not absorb body’s natural moisture



–          no applicator, usage of different folding techniques for insertion
 


–          cups will sit much lower than a tampon and you take it out by breaking the seal (not just pulling for the stem!)
 

Depending on what menstrual cup you use, they can hold between three to six times more than the average tampon.

So if you have a pretty heavy period, cups are the way to go because you can go longer in between having to change the period cup.

menstrual cups

Granted, menstrual cups have a much higher learning curve than the tampon.  With the tampon you just kind of shove it in while you have to get used to folding the cup.


 I am aware that here at Lali team we are a little biased, but that is because LaliCup is more convenient in the long run, more eco-friendly, more comfortable and do not irritate like tampons.


Just ask your amazing cup-using friend if they would like to switch back to tampons. I can bet, that the answer would be a firm no.


How about you, do you use LaliCup?

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! 

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.

That is probably one of the biggest fears of new menstrual cup users. Picture this scenario: you decided to take your LaliCup out and … *dramatic pause* it isn’t there anymore! Well, that was a short-lived cup experience, bye-bye cup, it was nice knowing you.

All jokes aside, it’s impossible for your LaliCup to pass through your cervix so it can never truly get lost inside of you.

Never heard of the cervix before?

Did you know that the cervix literally means “neck of the uterus”? It is the lower part of the uterus and acts as a gateway between the vagina and the main body of the uterus. The cervix also affects the placement of your Lalicup period cup so it will perform its task effectively and without discomfort.

Check the picture below the circled part is the cervix.

I have lost a menstrual cup insde me!
How can you determine the location of your cervix?


To determine where your cervix sits insert a clean finger inside your vagina. Slowly move your finger deeper past the pelvic bone and so-called „empty space” of the vagina (around 5 cm). After you have passed the vaginal canal with your finger, you will find a round nub with a bump in the middle that (during your menstruation) feels like the tip of your nose – that is your cervix.

So the next time you “can’t find a cup” just relax, take a couple of deep breaths and remember, that the cup didn’t magically disappear.

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.