Menstrual Cups: Soft to Firm UPDATE 7/28/15

[@alexandra4real360]

Skip to 5:56, thats where the list begins.

[@tanyabrown9839]

I love your nails.

[@RedHerringTV]

LOL I had to go look at how my nails were painted!

[@SplitSquats]

I needed a firmer cup than the diva, and this video really helped me out. Thanks! I ended up getting the lena and the yuuki classic. On another note, I wonder why people always say that the diva is really stiff. :/

[@tanyabrown9839]

Thanks for including the china cheapy cup :) , I was excited to see that in your collection and knew it was the same one as I had even before you said what it was (though mine is in a different colour). I brought that for my first cup at only $1.40 aussie dollars and that included postage to Australia too. Amazing that menstrual cups of "medical grade silicone" can be brought so cheaply. I hear lots of people at youtube knocking the china cups simply from the fact they come from china but medical supplies and medical grade products can be brought from china too. After using it, I had been thinking the china cheapy one was probably a soft cup but having no other cups to compare it too I just didnt know. So it was great to see it here and where you rated it.. I think Im going to buy a different one as I think I need a firmer cup, its hard to get to open as my vagina likes to keep it flat though Im starting to find that if I allow it to start to open immediately as its being inserted and insert it in a kneeling position, it does then open if I also use a certain insertion fold too. (Im glad I persisted with it to figure out those things, I had almost given up with it at one point thinking it was very wrong for me). Anyway, the china cup has been great for me to experiment with as it also has showed me that I need a shorter then this cup too as the ridges on the end which is used to help get out, I can feel with my girly parts as they are at my vagina enterence. I get at times severe cramps so cant use tampons so was very worried a cup would also make my cramps worst but that hasnt on this first month trial shown the cup to be an issue to that. I also have a prolapsed bowel into my vaginal area (along with an retroverted uterus) so had also wondered to if those things would prevent a cup from working. But amazingly it is working :) (other then my first insertion attempts in which it didnt open and then got blood everywhere).

[@RedHerringTV]

I actually have several cheapies on hand. I wanted to compare them. Even i several are the same shape, size and even from the same company, I have found that they're are totally different from each other. I have never received two that are the same softness/firmness, but they all seem very soft. A few of them are separated by size as how thin the silicone is. I normally don't actually like to promote them, but I do have them since people like to know the comparison against another cup. Many of the companies do claim "medical grade" but having them in my hand, I really doubt it. Even with food grade silicone there are low and high grade. One of my friends said it best, "Costume jewelry is pretty, but it'll eventually turn your finger green". Also, I do my nails a LOT. I used to go to salons to have them done. I remember watching the techs clean the foot spa and pull tools out of some solution. However, I got staph infection from TWO different salons that still affect my nails on my hands and feet....TEN+ years later. I'm worried that something like this will happy internally. But this is my PERSONAL preference. I won't knock anyone for using a menstrual cup or using a cheap menstrual cup, but I do like people to think about it, know the risks, and come to their own conclusions. In the end, it's still YOUR body and YOUR decision. :)

[@RedHerringTV]

+Rhombus I hope one or both of those work out for you! :) I personally don't find the Diva Cup too, too firm, but for some reason it still gave me some cramping. It might have just settled in a bad place for me. Come back and let me know how those two worked out if/when you have time :D

[@sugarmouse3555]

I was surprised at some of these findings. The lady cup I found to be so firm I could feel it pressing on my bladder but it opened fine. The mooncup was just as uncomfortable and even firmer. The small ruby cup is reputed to be very 'medium' so this is the one I currently have my eye on. I just can't use hard cups and the moon and lady cups are really uncomfortable for me.

[@RedHerringTV]

Some of these are really hard to "read" since the body shapes are different. I started to do cup vs cup comparisons instead of these long videos so that I could take a little more time and adjust the body of the cups to line up better, and then still compared the rims. If you have specific cups that you'd like to see, I'd be happy to do a video for it. :)

[@sugarmouse3555]

It's okay. I know which work for me now. The small ruby cup is definitely softer than either of my previous cups and far more comfortable. The rim on the lady cup is like concrete in comparison and I would only recommend it to people who like a VERY firm cup. Similar for the UK Mooncup.

[@juicedabouthair]

Time for an update?

[@RedHerringTV]

I've been trying to get a list together but I definitely have to break these down into shapes/sizes. I have over 80 different cups. Some I have in different sizes and also different firmness variations. It's way to hard and time consuming to place them all :( Some are too similar. I'll probably leave out the "cheapies" as well.

[@fernandachavez4483]

You are awesome. I think I will go for Lali cup for my heaviest days.And also get Yuuki cup soft Thanks you so much :)

[@RedHerringTV]

I'm happy to hear that you narrowed down your selection! Don't forget that I have coupon codes for some sites that carry those cups. You can find them here: goo.gl/Xm5DT7

[@fernandachavez4483]

I just ordered my Lalicup and used you coupon. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks :)

[@RedHerringTV]

Fernanda CZ I'll keep my fingers crossed! I'm excited for you 😁 Good Luck!!

[@timmiles547]

Im surprised to see the Ruby cup in your firm group (I even held the speaker to my ear to see if I heard right) since I have heard that they are soft??? I have both sizes of the Lena cup and they both are comfortable BUT push on my urethra so that my urine doesnt come out as fast. I am concerned that I'm not emptying my bladder enough and then cause an UTI. I was wondering what cup you would suggest that would be slightly softer than the Lena that I could try (not a lot of people have reviewed the Lena) to help with this issue. I dont want to go too soft since the Lena worked so well for me even with it being my first time with a reusable cup. :) Thanks!

[@pinksalmon9882]

Can you please make a video about cups being good for sport?

[@RedHerringTV]

Hmm...I thought I answered this. Did I answer you in PM on FB? I'll try to get this done soon. I'm sorry for the wait!

[@pinksalmon9882]

Yes, you made a video about 5 softest and 5 firmest cups and also replied in pm. It's all good.

[@frontline327]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@fernandachavez4483]

Hi mam I have very heavy period. On 2nd and 3rd around 35- 40 ml. But my muscles are quite Hard. I have a long cervix. Any recomendations?

[@meganmorgan7491]

I have been trying to insert the blossom cup and finding pressure on my bladder. So it's disheartening that it's considered soft. Any recommendations?

[@RedHerringTV]

:) Got your message on FB. Answered you there!

[@tokyokacie]

I also had the same issue with this cup. I didn’t have it with the lily cup though.

[@sweetflakes]

What size is your lunette? You didn't mention the size which is important because the small & the large lunette have completely different firmness.

[@RedHerringTV]

Sorry, they were all LARGE unless otherwise noted in the description. There's nothing I can really do within the video since this was two years ago. I have added "large" after all of the cups in the description that were not noted prior.

[@pieceofrod]

Love your nails!!

[@RedHerringTV]

Thanks! They're my other obsession :P

[@NadiaAli1]

Where does the Lunette 1 fall in this?

[@RedHerringTV]

+Nadia Ali Timestamp 8:40 is my "firmest" cups. There are six in that group and the Lunette 2 comes in third place. This is an older video. I'm sorry I haven't updated with all the newer cups yet.

[@vandananishad8476]

Ma'am i have a low to medium cervix length and i am not so much physically active and a virgin girl and i wanna start with some soft cup plz give me some suggestions

[@RedHerringTV]

A softer cup that may still be easy to open for a beginner, is the EvaCup. The small or large may work for you. I choose size depending on how heavy or light my flow is, but I would start with the small since you're a virgin. It's a little more narrow and might not be so intimidating. The EvaCup has a high secondary rim that helps the cup to open, yet has a soft body. You might be able to find it on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, or you can buy it directly from their site anigan.com. This is their USA site, if you use it, you can also use the discount code: RedHerringTV for a 10% discount. :) Happy Shopping!

[@vandananishad8476]

Tysm ma'am

[@cancallmecawesome]

What is a D stash? Sorry if this is a really obvious question!

[@RedHerringTV]

+OhCaptainMyCaptain Not obvious at all but used often in the "RUMP" community. This is my "stash" of cups. So to "destash" is to get rid of a cup or cups. :) People buy gently used cups and boil them to sanitize them so they can use them. It's a great way to buy a cup at a lower cost specially if you're still trying to find a cup that works best for you. If you have several cups that didn't work for you, you can sell your cups to recoup some of your funds. There are a few FB groups that offer a place to do this.

[@cancallmecawesome]

This is great! I do have a few cups that I'm not too fussed on, as I am still trying to master this whole RUMP world. I'll have to look into it. Thank you!

[@RedHerringTV]

+OhCaptainMyCaptain check out Cup Love B/S/T (fill out join form on the right hand column) There are other groups, but I didn't ask permission to share them here.

[@ZBForever]

Since the height of my cervix is average do you think I can get away with a large cup or should I go for a small one?

[@RedHerringTV]

Hello! You could probably get away with using either or. However, I would suggest opting for a large cup if you have a heavier flow.

[@ZBForever]

Red Herring thanks 😊

[@RedHerringTV]

@@ZBForever Some companies offer a dual pack of cups with a small and large for a discounted price. That might be a better value that allows you to try both sizes. You may even use them both depending on if your cervix drops and raises during the beginning and end of your period. The Venus Cup on Amazon has a great discount on their starter pack and code: RedHerringTV will save you 10% more. Please don't feel obligated to purchase this cup, it's just one of the ones that offer the dual pack at a great price. :D

[@rhussellerivera8538]

so Meluna Classic Medium and Meluna Classic Large have different firmness?.. now i understand when i use the Large Cup size it open pretty easy

[@RedHerringTV]

I'm not sure if they indented it to feel this way. I notice that with a lot of cups, the firmness feels different between the small and large of the same brand.

[@rhussellerivera8538]

+Red Herring i see :) thank you though

[@vandananishad8476]

Ma'am i am 19 year old i want to use menstrual cup can you advice me which one should i use for the first time

[@RedHerringTV]

Hi Vandana! There's a couple of places you can start :) If you locate and measure your cervix, you'll have a better idea of what length might feel more comfortable to you. If you don't know how to do that, you can check out this video: bit.ly/2ffEuGC Then, there are some other factors that can help you narrow down what to look for in a cup...for your wants and needs. You can find that video here: bit.ly/2pXzZmz If you can answer some or all of those questions, I can give you some cup suggestions :) Until then, good luck and Happy Holidays!

[@123LalaB]

So which is your favorite?

[@RedHerringTV]

oooo good question! It's been over a year since I've updated my fav cups and I've tested so many since then. I'll have to update that video :) But...as of 09/23/2016 my top three favs would be Super Jennie, LaliCup and EvaCup (in no particular order) :)

[@monalafaurie]

I'll be soon having a copper IUD and have been using for years the model 1 DivaCup, but I feel it has a lot of suction and i'm afraid it may dislodge the IUD. which cup would you recommend that has less pressure and is easier to remove?

[@RedHerringTV]

I'm sorry to reply so late. I'm trying to catch up on all of my projects and doing a poor job of it :( I had gathered some info from several cup companies about using their cup with and IUD or Ring. Here's a link to that: bit.ly/2n1LzOY Some of the companies had tips for using a cup with a IUD, successfully. I really can't recommend any specific cup that's going to work better than the next for ease with an IUD. I think any cup can be worn successfully and comfortably as long as you follow some of those tips, i.e. having the "strings" trimmed, breaking the seal...etc. I wish you luck! I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful :(

[@monalafaurie]

Thank you for replying! You did help making me feel less afraid of using both. :)

[@RedHerringTV]

Make sure you tell your doctor who places the IUD, that you'll be using a menstrual cup. That way they can trim the strings at the time. :D Have a great weekend!

[@radiiokitty]

I have a very high cervix that I can't reach. I own a lady cup but I cant get it out without clenching down as I'm so long and even then it's tricky what's your advice for cups? I have a sensitive bladder, I've been looking at the sibell

[@RedHerringTV]

If you have a very high cervix you'll probably want to stay away from the bell shaped cups. A "V" cup might give you the length you need to reach easier. The flare of the bell cups might also be applying that "oh so special" pressure that is causing bladder discomfort. Cuplee, Diva, EvaCup, LilyCup Original, hmmmm...I'm not at home at the moment so I'm trying to think off the top of my head. I'll double check when I get home. :)

[@RedHerringTV]

+Red Herring Silky Cup....see if you can find my "shapes" video. It might give you some more ideas until I get home.

[@radiiokitty]

+Red Herring I'll definitely have a look, I think I need an extra 1-2cm more than the ladycup has to make it possible to work if I can grab the stem it'll all be fine because then I can shift it down and grab the cup as long as it's softer and less slippy than ladycup I liked the lilycup but they reccomend you replace it every 12 months which I thought was a short time for a menstrual cup at £25!

[@RedHerringTV]

+radiiokitty hmmm...I haven't seen anywhere that the LilyCup needs to be replaced every 12 months. Did you see that on the website? I just see "lasts for years". Most cup sites say their cup lasts for 5, 10, 15 years. Inspecting your cup on a regular bases for any cracking or tearing is the only thing you can do to ensure your cup is still in good condition. If you like the LilyCup, I'd double check that. The silicone is SUPER nice on that cup. If you don't mind rubber, the Keeper has a really long stem that can be trimmed down to your liking. There's only two cups that I can think of that either don't last or aren't meant for years of use. One is the Loon cup with the battery in the stem that lasts for six months, and the other is the FemmeCup Lite. FemmeCup has two cups, one for 12 month use (which is cheaper) and the other for years of use. Anyhow, you might check out the LuvUrBody cup as well. The large is longer than most cups.

[@RedHerringTV]

+Red Herring Talking with a buddy now about the time lengths...hopefully she can shed some light on that info for both of us. :D

[@SparklyGutz]

I don't know if you'll be able to help me, but I've always wanted to try a cup but I'm really afraid of putting anything inside my vagina. I've never used a tampon or anything. Do you have any tips for trying a cup for the first time?

[@RedHerringTV]

+Mikaela Howard Hi Hon..I know it can be very intimidating thinking about it or trying it for the first time. Everyone who has ever inserted anything (fingers, tampons, toys, penis) has had some apprehension at one point or another. I would say to start slow. Use some lube and try to insert a finger. Try two. Take a bath and relax and try there. Hopefully you can get yourself comfortable with inserting you finger/s which will in turn prepare you to be able to find your cervix and also at some point, insert a cup. Inserting a cup is going to be more "hands on" than a tampon. So being comfortable with yourself is going to make things easier. When you feel ready, check out my video on how to located and measure your cervix. Until then, relax and take a break if you need too. Good luck and let me know if you have further questions on getting comfy.

[@SparklyGutz]

Thank you so much for this information! This is extremely helpful💖

[@lent_ils]

I own a MoonCupUK (very similar to the MoonCupUS), it opens easily but it's painful to insert and remove (huge rim). Do you think that for me the DivaCup woud be a good purchase? I don't need a soft cup and the MoonCup it's a bit too firm for me (superstrong suction and eons to wee 🙄).

[@RedHerringTV]

The Diva Cup is a bit longer than the MoonCup. Is the MoonCup a comfortable length for you? I'd hate for you to get a cup that sits too low. Some people find the Dive Cup too long for them. If you want to stick with a cup that's about the same length, I can look at what might be a little less firm in the rim.

[@lent_ils]

I cut the whole stem off the MCUK and now the base of the cup sits aboout 2 cm inside (I have to do the poo reflex to grab it). My cervix is in constant motion apparently and sometimes it's high, sometimes low 🙈 what option would you think could be great for me if not the Diva? I thought about the Lena but I don't like the grip rings...

[@lent_ils]

Red Herring sorry forgot to tag!

[@RedHerringTV]

2 cm is a good amount of room and if you're bearing down to reach your cup, then the Diva should be easier to reach for you. The cervix is in constant motion. We don't realize it, but it dips down while we cough, sneeze, laugh, or bear down in any way. A for the travel (high/low), our cervix does adjust itself during different parts of our cycle. If you're interested in some info, scroll down on this page: bit.ly/2p0NeFE to the "Cervical Positions" and it will give you some details. Anyhow, almost any average sized cup with a softer rim without that hard edge transition like the MoonCup might be less painful for you. DivaCup, EvaCup, LaliCup, Lunette all might be more comfortable for you. They all have a nicer transition between the secondary rim and the body of the cup, and softer in the rim as well. All of them are a bit longer which should still fit fine. The Diva (large) is the longest of the cups I mentioned (without stems), then EvaCup (large), LaliCup (large), Lunette (large), then LaliCup (medium). The EvaCup probably has the softest grip rings.

[@lent_ils]

Thank you very much!! This really helps x

[@fernandachavez4483]

Hi mam I have very heavy period. On 2nd and 3rd around 35- 40 ml. But my muscles are quite Hard. I have a long cervix. Any recomendations?

[@RedHerringTV]

Hi Laura! I used to have very heavy, and very long periods (but I haven't had one in a while), so I know what a pain in the butt they can be! How long does it take for you to bleed 35-40ml? That's about the capacity of a few of the highest capacity cups on the market. Since you're physically active, I would probably suggest something like that Yuuki "Soft" or "Classic". If you can afford to get the two pack of one "soft" and one "classic", I would suggest getting that one. It's a little cheaper and you can try both :) The Yuuki "Soft" is more of a medium firmness compared to other cups on the market. The "Classic" is one of the firmest cups out there. If you want something that holds a little more, you can check out the LaliCup Large (approx 40 ml to the rim) or the LuvUr Body medium (longest cup) or the large (shorter than the medium size). The LuvUr Body cups hold the same between the medium and large at approx 43ml. You can see all of these cups and compare the sizes, here: goo.gl/Toa16c

[@fernandachavez4483]

Thank you soooo much for your reply I have had heavy period since I have memory, but I hadn’t been able to measure the blood in a proper way because I did not use the menstrual cup. This last period was the first time using it and I was recommended Luna Cup a firm cup that holds 16 ml. Luna Cup did not work for me because some days I could fill the cup completely. The first day of period filled gradually the cup up to 8ml so no problem. On the second day, emptied the cup in the morning and 1 hour later felt kind of a downfall and I needed to run to the bathroom. The cup was full, I emptied it and 3 hours later happened the same. Emptied the cup and this time the cup was filled gradually up to 16 ml in around 4 hours. The third day in the morning emptied the cup (In the nights I fill it up to 8 ml not that much) and 10 mins later felt again a downfall and the cup was completely full. The rest of the day I filled it gradually up to 16ml in 6 hours. The 4th day and 5th the period was light and there were no downfalls. I guess that I need a cup of a capacity of 34+ due to the downfalls at least for the 2ns and 3rd day. Yuki cup sounds great because is a firm cup but is 30 ml :(. I was tempted to get Super Jenny but heard you said the rim is very soft. From the high capacity 34ml+ which ones you consider to be medium-high firmness.

[@fernandachavez4483]

Forgot to say that Lali cup sounds great (In case is medium- to high firmness) but checked on Amazon and could not find it. Looking forward for your comments. Have a great day!

[@RedHerringTV]

The Luna Cup is not one that I have in my collection :( It's on my list to buy, but I don't get requests for it very often. Not enough to make me move it up on my priority list. The capacity of the cup is so low that I personally wouldn't choose it. The large Yuuki is approx 38ml....or did you need the small (approx 25ml). The Super Jennie does give some people problems being so soft. Even I have troubles with it every now and then. I still really like the LaliCup since it has the capacity, isn't too soft, and isn't too firm. The LaliCup website www.lalicup.com ships worldwide. You can also find the LaliCup at: FeminineWear - goo.gl/KQBvUc and receive 10% off using code: RedHerringTV or MenstrualCup.co - and receive 10% off using code: RedHerringTV