REVIEWING A NEW MENSTRUAL CUP // + IUD talk and Summer period routine

[@Gittemary]

Thank you to everyone you messaged me about the extra cup. It has been shipped off to a nice new home 💚🌿💪

[@ApucTokoTka]

Another idea for when you are in a public bathroom with no sink or running water is to have a spare clean cup. You can put the used one in the plastic container which would be very easy to clean later :)

[@sineculpa]

Came to say this! 👍🏻 Also, I'd recommend it even if there is access to a sink. It's easier to insert a clean cup while still in the stall, instead of having to leave, wash, go back, and re-insert.

[@ameliegeorges8970]

I was very confident with my cup until I had an accident at a yoga class, I was upside down and suddenly I felt the blood in my pants. I was really in panick and ran to the toilet hahaha. But maybe I put it in a wrong way. Anyway, I still use my cup all the time, but I recommand to first try sport with your cup at home, just to be sure you feel safe !

[@fi6968]

I've heard that being upside-down (doing a handstand or something) can break the seal of a menstrual cup, so that might be what happened.

[@michaelafischer6177]

An awesome solution to this is to pair your cup with period underwear when doing anything take takes you upside down, like yoga, gymnastics, handstands, etc. :) Suction is usually pretty reliable if down right (some cups are more reliably than others in this regard, but a less suction-tight cup can still have other benefits like flexibility)... But whether or not this has happened, it's still usually a much more confident feeling to have an extra layer of protection with the period pants. Depending on the absorbency, they'll take up to 4? tampons worth of blood with no wetness, so even a huuuge cup load sort of spill during yoga is no issue at all! Also, great for anyone who leaks with tampons, wants to replace pads, or finds their re-usable pads move too much during the day and tarnish their underwear or clothing (the lightest absorbency, which feels like super normal underwear, would work for that just fine).

[@passinmerrikan]

Thank you for sharing, this is a big fear while using a cup, an accident during yoga. Sorry for the experience but what you described is exactly what I've suspected could be the outcome. Just may continue to avoid yoga during my period unfortunately!

[@zoeypeterson7286]

If you are looking for a cup with no plastic packaging I have an Organi Cup and I really like it! The cup comes in cardboard packaging and the directions are printed on the box. It also comes with a small cotton bag to store your cup in. I'm 16 and have a lower to medium flow and I use the organi cup mini. They also have two more sizes size A for people who havent given vaginal birth and Size B. which is generally for people who have. Hope this helps someone! :)

[@Gittemary]

I have the Organi cup as well, really like both thay cup and the packaging! 🙌💚

[@KamikazeKitoJeanne]

I have the organi cup in size A and tried it the first time about a month ago. In a few days the second round with it comes around xD I managed to get it perfect in on the second day and really fell in love with it

[@bethford-northstarcoaching8875]

Thank you so much for this video! I bought a menstrual cup a few years ago and I tried it once and gave up. With your advice, I was able to use it for a whole day - my heaviest day - and will use it again next month.

[@madelynnturner8001]

I'm first for the first time ever! I love your videos. You're who inspired me to get a menstrual cup, go zero waste, and (most importantly to me), go vegan. You inspire me. Your content makes me want to keep pushing forward and I know it's the same for many others. Thank you so much for all you do. Please never give up. I truly feel you're making a tremendous difference. Sending love from the US. (P.S. I love your dress!). :)

[@AnnaRobert]

Congrats on going Vegan and zero waste! I was already Vegan when I started watching G's videos but she DID inspire me to go zero waste 🌿 I love watching her videos

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much and I am SO proud of all the changes you’ve made, SO cool 💚💚💚

[@Gittemary]

Aw thank you 😭💚🌿

[@madelynnturner8001]

@@AnnaRobert Thank you! That's great she inspired you to go zero waste :) I love watching her videos too. 10/10

[@madelynnturner8001]

@@Gittemary Thank you! That means more to me than you know. I legit screamed when you responded lol. Thank you again so much.

[@karla77711]

I've used this cup for years, and I love it. It is definitely life changing.

[@michaelafischer6177]

Yes! Their other cup, Lilycup, was life-changing for me. These are amazing for people with serious insertion issues/scary discomfort, which I was having with cups that I otherwise loved. Lilycup rolls to the size of a standard tampon--amazing!! And this collapsible one, in particular, even worked for my friend with vaginismus, which had just written cups off as an option entirely for her before that, understandably.

[@alchemic-soi]

Had a wild time trying to stealth wash my cup in a communal sink once... the tap turned on way stronger than I expected and sprayed blood EVERYWHERE 🙈 luckily no one came in before I managed to get it all cleaned up. Mishaps are normal and all part of the learning curve. 💪 Definitely recommend the water bottle method instead though 😅

[@Gittemary]

Haha ooooh I have certainly been there, it is a REAL MOOD 😂🙌💚

[@michaelafischer6177]

Intimina's Lilycup has been amazing for me. The shape is ideal for me body, and the flexibility and leaner shape (which can be rolled to the size of a standard tampon) changed menstrual cups for me, because I just couldn't insert them without soo much discomfort and difficulty before (and yes, I was using the right method). Anyone else struggling with this, I cannot recommend it enough! Although it may not be suitable for a short cervix, which is where this portable option by the same company would be a wonderful solution! Another note is that the Lilycup does come with a bag instead of a plastic container. I would love to see Intimina maybe go with a corn "plastic" case that composts, which I've noticed is quite popular with Danish companies in particular. So, it should be an accessible resource in Sweden, too.

[@bekabyx]

We love cup content! Intimina have some of the softest cups on the market, but some people find insertion and removal more difficult with very soft cups. A good rule is that if you have a strong pelvic floor or are very active you should try a firmer cup, but if you are less active or have a weaker pelvic floor try a softer one :)

[@miranda266]

Your gender neutral phrasing in this video is SO inclusive, this is wonderful!!

[@Gittemary]

There is room for all of us here ❤

[@kamilaf7527]

I always felt scared to even give any cup a try, this one looks more comfortable, thank you for trying new things and always giving recommendations for products you believe in!

[@daisylinton3468]

Such a great brand! I'm using their collapsible lily cup as well and it's my favorite period companion.

[@kaitk.7259]

The Lily Cup compact was the first and only menstrual cup I've ever purchased. I managed to find one second-hand and unused on eBay for about $15. I absolutely love it! There is a bit of a learning curve with it, as there is with any menstrual cup. My biggest issue was having it fold up a bit while inserting it, but you can feel when that happens and it's fairly easy to fix. The little booklet that comes with the cup is super helpful too!

[@Gittemary]

Wow super cool that you found it second hand and unused, that's super zero waste! 🙌💚

[@ineslagennusa9524]

Hiii! Thanks for the review! I just wanted to pop in here to tell you a bit of my experience with this cup « Intima ». It actually used to fold up on itself inside me while I was using it everytime... and it would start to leak through my panties too because of it not being fully unfold.. well I had a terrible first impression of the menstrual cup in general because of this one but than I changed and now am using the MoonCup which is incredible! So in my case, I wouldn’t recommend the “Intima” cup for a “beginner” in menstrual cups because it’s rather difficult to get it to work perfectly... Lots of love! Xx

[@childrenofink]

I was just talking about this cup to my friend yesterday. It's the first menstrual cup I ever had and I misplaced it somehow but I LOVE it ! it's so cute and the fact that it's collapsible makes me so happy

[@fuzzywuzzythebackyardigans2283]

How do you take it out without it hurting?

[@Tallblondy3]

I’ve had one of these since they were a Kickstarter project probably 6 years ago!

[@annas.8113]

I actually love the plastic case :) I store my cup in a little canvas bag, but I don't like the idea of it lying around in my purse (I think it will get dirty, infection is the last thing i need now). Because of it I still have "emergency tampons" in my purse in case I get my period unexpectedly. In my head a plastic case is safer and it would make me consider carrying it in my purse.

[@debcress6718]

I was on a bikepacking vacation this summer and we stayed on campings, so i always had to use "public restrooms" and was very nervous once I got my period and eventually figured out similar solutions to yours! My strategy was to use the toilet for disabled people because they mostly have a sink and if that wasn't possible I brought a water bottle with me to rinse it out over the toilet! :) And about the swimming part, no water enters your vagina during swimming anyway, imagine how unhygienic that would be! Our body is really smartly built :D

[@diarydaki]

I really like the video. I am using a menstrual cup for the 3rd or 4th time and I love it, small changes... I agree I don't feel irritated with the cup. Love from Portugal

[@zennastarchild9911]

Another period product video right as I start my period. Lovely video as always!

[@Gittemary]

haha perfect timing! 💚

[@eyecandie16]

Also, removing the cup: for me, it's nearly impossible to just pull out with that vacuum seal. I also have a high cervix, and was almost in tears thinking I "lost" it, or wouldn't be able to remove it because I could not grasp the end. Since then, I've become much better at insertion and removal. But I wanted to mention kegals are really helpful when removing. In the same light, be careful whilst pooping, because sometimes it can get pushed out, but i haven't had it actually fall in the toilet yet. Just be aware. I really love my cups. I have the ruby and lily cup (not the collapsible one), and I like them for different times on my period. The ruby is sturdy and not leaking anything, and the lily is softer, and better for lighter days, but just my pref. It's because of this ☝️ lady I tried a cup, and it has been life changing. I also bought the Thinx underwear and love those too. Thanks so much for your content. You're my hero. 😉🥰

[@nonbinarygoblinonarainbow4672]

I also have a high cervix and feel like I lost the cup in me (and I get REALLY desperate), can you explain me more your tips about removing it? It would really help! Thanks a lot already!!

[@eyecandie16]

Okay, gross alert, but you asked, lol. but just push like you're pooping and it will lower itself down for you to reach. I also found I don't have to stick it up so far in the first place, so that helped too. I push it in until I can just touch the stem with my forefinger. To remove,, I sit with my legs spread on the toilet, kinda leaning forward, take a deep breath or two to relax. I basically birth the sucker using my stomach muscles until I can feel the base of the cup with one finger. Then push a little further down, and wedge a thumb in on the other side of the base, pinch (to release the suction) and pull gently while pushing it out. So 1. Push down, 2. Feel for base, 3. Push a little more, 4. Pinch with forefinger and thumb, 5. Push and pull, 6. Plop. It takes some practice, but strengthening the muscles "down-there" is a good idea. Once I get it to the end, I pinch it one last time, pull, while tipping downwards so the bloods go nicely into the toilet. I watched some other videos about it on KZbin if that doesn't quite make sense. Search, "How to remove menstrual cup pain free" and she gives some good pointers. Most importantly, it's not going anywhere. Your vagina is made to push things out, so let it help you. Don't fight it. And best is to relax. If you're having difficulty and you're exhausted, take a break. Let yourself relax and try again. I speak from experience, trust me. It is scary, but you can do it. And it's seriously life-changing, and so worth it. Good luck! 👍

[@nonbinarygoblinonarainbow4672]

@@eyecandie16 it's not gross at all! Hahahah (at least for me). I thank you a lot for the explanation!!! Really helped a lot!! I'll definitely put this in practice!!! ❤️

[@eyecandie16]

Glad to help. It can be frightening. 😅

[@eyecandie16]

Oh, also, it helps if you pretend your hand is a vagina to make a "game plan" if you get confused on what to do. It helped me visualize what I was doing when I got frustrated or had a hand-cramp and needed to restrategize. Lol

[@L1ttlef0ot]

I use Thinx as backup for 2 cups I use interchangeably, Nixit and Saalt Soft. I have been on the pill for 7 years now, but I’m going to the doctor next week to ask about getting something more long-term like an IUD, since I may be leaving WA state to study abroad in Japan with my university and I don’t wanna mess around with shipping pills or whatever if I don’t absolutely have to, but also I want to get accustomed to an IUD way ahead of time even if I wouldn’t be going until 7 months from now or later. Thanks Gittemary, I was a little paranoid about the cup with IUD since I am scared of the idea of it dislocating or doing anything it’s not supposed to do.

[@wandermode]

Thanks so much for this video! I've been thinking about trying a menstrual cup, but had no idea about the possibility of it dislodging an IUD and I'm actually getting one on Monday. So good to know that's something I should definitely ask my doctor about haha.

[@Gittemary]

Yes, definitley ask your doctor about it, and if anything it's important to know the risks of using these products together, and then how to prevent dislodging as much as possible 🙌

[@AnnaG56]

Try the FemmyCup when you get a chance. I’m trying to now and it is interesting. It’s a bulb shape

[@nonbinarygoblinonarainbow4672]

Thank you so much!!!! I've been thinking about getting an IUD and this really helped

[@priscillajimenez27]

Honestly I had to pause the video and look up what an IUD was lol

[@nonbinarygoblinonarainbow4672]

@@priscillajimenez27 hahahaha :)

[@Gittemary]

I am so happy that you found this usefull, lots of love!

[@nonbinarygoblinonarainbow4672]

@@Gittemary ❤️❤️❤️ lots of love for you too!!😊

[@debcress6718]

Hi Debora (name sister here :D), another thing which is worth considering before you get an hormona IUD is you're mental health. Although it contains less hormones than a pill there are still up to 10 from 100 women who got depressed due to the hormonal IUD. I'm pointing this out because I've had mental health problems for years and did many things to help me (seeing a psy, eating plant-based, sleeping regularly, doing yoga and meditate, doing other sports,...) and even though it helped, I still had depressed phases.. So I decided to take the IUD out and see what happens and I really feel it made the difference between feeling better and feeling good! So of course, everyone is different but I just wished my doctor would have asked me about my mental health/informed me about the sideeffects before she gave me the IUD and by doing so I could have taken a well informed decision! All the best do you :)

[@supernova622]

This will be most relevant for US viewers I think, but "Put A Cup In It" has a menstrual product swap group on Facebook, which is a great way to find a secondhand product and also try out a cup without too much financial investment up front. It is also a great way to pass on a cup that maybe is not a perfect fit for you

[@angelikabatwoman]

Random and sorry but it's so funny to me that you wrote menstrual cup wrong in the title and the thumbnail in two different ways 😂 I found that adorable!

[@Gittemary]

Haha well bloody hell 😂😂 So typical 💁‍♀️💪😎

[@friederikeheh6514]

The collapsible cup is my favorite!

[@Gittemary]

It's really handy! 🙌🌿

[@Blue-pb7kz]

I really like my intimima lily one, although I'm not a huge fan of just how bright pink everything is! It's unfortunately kind of obnoxious tbh. I wish other colors like blue, green or grey were more easily available (I know lunette does them, but stores here only carry the pink ones). I am kind of curious though, I ordered them because I wanted to try the Ziggy, which has really not worked for me, and I hadn't really read any negative reviews of that one. I wonder if that's a common experience with it.

[@mgnaturals7110]

thanks for this review! definitely helpful! 💚

[@harryhairnet]

I dont think you need to always rinse it. Ive empted then reinserted plenty times and never had an issue with the holes clogging up.

[@sineculpa]

I think it depends on the viscosity of the individual's blood. 🤷‍♀️

[@Meg-eq2md]

Same :) a lot of cups don’t even have holes I have noticed.

[@jessieupton4643]

I love my diva cup! Love it. Wish I’d found it sooner. And it comes with a little cotton storage bag. When my daughter starts menstruating I want to encourage her to use a menstrual cup. I’m sure it will be confronting for her but in the long run the benefits are better. For her and Mother Earth . Oh and any chance I get, I recommended the heck of menstrual cups. ✌️

[@sineculpa]

Diva was my first cup! I didn't use it long because it was way too firm and uncomfortable for a newbie, but it was SO cute and worked really well.

[@Gittemary]

Haha Diva was also my first cup! I am also recommending the cup to EVERYONE who asks, and my children will defs know hear about all the options, not just tampons and pads!

[@rebeccafay-read6713]

I love my menstrual cup and am lucky I found the right one for me first try (moon cup). I'm currently expecting my first baby so I might have to change my cup to the type B after I've given birth. I would definitely consider the mooncup again but I love the idea of this little collapsible one with the discrete case!

[@fuzzywuzzythebackyardigans2283]

I’m using this cup now and I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong, i feel the pressure of it especially near my gspot area, then it is painful taking it out, like the seal part is too wide. Feels like I’m pulling on my insides when removing it. I don’t think I’m putting it in far enough neither taking it out properly. Do you have suggestions? After taking it out I still feel the pressure there.

[@naomipeterson6335]

What a coincidence I just got my first period

[@Koshka219]

Oh :))

[@priscillajimenez27]

They also have period panties and washable pads

[@Gittemary]

If you are curious about other products and need more tips, I have several videos about sustainable period routines, welcome to the club 💚💚💚

[@naomipeterson6335]

@@Gittemary thank you.... I guess

[@katerina7304]

What a fun collapsible cup option! 😁 this might not be as relevant, but on the topic of IUDs, I would love to hear your opinion on yours, how you like it and if there has been any complications for you. If you'd have time to answer I'd really appreciate it 😍

[@Gittemary]

I have a copper IUD, not one with hormones as I am allergic, the IUD prolonged my period with a day, but I heard that for copper versions that’s common (while the ones with hormones will often shorten your period) but other than that I haven’t had any issues, pains or anything 😊💪

[@katerina7304]

That's good to hear! Thanks 🙂

[@user-bs5uc7hn9l]

I tried to use a cup a while back but couldn’t get it to fit, I know smaller/thinner cups exist than just the “small” size but I don’t really want to spend any more money since I already bought one I can’t even use but I also don’t really know what else to do with it other than throw it out?

[@eyecandie16]

Use a bit of lube or water on the rim to get it past the pubic bone, and after that it should be smooth sailing. I had such difficulty too, (my hand was cramping so bad and I kept opening it too early on my eurethra which hurt mildly, mostly just my pride lol), but our vaginas are made to expand and contract, so it will work eventually. Sometimes I have to just shove it all in past the bone and resituate it until it's fully expanded and comfy.. Also, make sure you aren't flexing, and relax those muscles. Some people recommend inserting in the shower so you're more relaxed and comfortable. I prefer to just sit spread out over the toilet, but that's me. Once you're past the pubic bone, you can use your stomach muscles to help pull it further in while pushing gently. It's a slow process the first few times, but work with your body, and it should be easier. ✌

[@sineculpa]

If you do buy another, make sure you measure your cervix first. Read this, it'll help: putacupinit.com/which-size/ As for your old one, you may be able to sell it on eBay, it give it to a friend. The wonderful thing about silicone is that they can be sterilized.

[@jasminemoreau67]

Would the type B (after birth) option also work for those with heavy flows? I haven’t given birth but I have a horrible flow

[@bekabyx]

They do tend to be larger and therefore hold more, but it's really an issue of comfort and fit above anything else. Cup sizes are really just a guide - as long as you can get a comfortable seal with a post-birth size then you're all good. Unfortunately the only way to be sure is to try. Cups usually hold 3-4 tampons worth of blood anyway so you might find the smaller size is fine :)

[@susy14valentine]

Of course, but you have to take into the account how much you bleed....the biggest cup in the market is the Merula XL (50ml) 😊

[@maricarsays]

I bought the Type B cup to accommodate for my heavy periods but I found to actually use it on my light days. The first month I used this cup on its own, I started leaking during my heavy days/found that I had to change many MANY times. Switched to a bigger cup/brand for heavy days (femmyCycle and dot)

[@jasminemoreau67]

@@bekabyx Thank you for the feedback! I think I'll try the smaller cup. :)

[@jasminemoreau67]

@@maricarsays I'll give them a look! Thank you :)

[@priscillajimenez27]

I had another KZbinr mention to boil the cup after each period so it's sanitized until you use it again the following month. How do you thoroughly clean it before storing it away for a month?

[@Gittemary]

I boil the cup after I am done with my period, that is also what is advised with the guidebook that comes with the cup 😊

[@priscillajimenez27]

@@Gittemary thank you!

[@Koshka219]

Interesting fact about absobption

[@Gittemary]

😊🙌

[@megsian4261]

Stupid question... I thought intimina tested on animals whereas other menstrual cup companies don't? I'm not an expert just something I've heard so genuine question. I'm a menstrual cup lover been using one for 6yrs now would never go back highly recommend!

[@lucianaqui8846]

I read a comment where intimina's customer care confirmed that they are cruelty free and vegan. I also read that they do not sell their products in countries where animal testing is obligatory by law.

[@priscillajimenez27]

Since my sister uses tampons, I'm gonna see if she'd be interested in using this.

[@supernova622]

I always hated pads, with no interest in reusable pads or period panties. Really love my cup. Took me some trial and error to find the perfect style, but I'll never go back to tampons

[@emeliasoderlund]

Team cup! :D

[@Gittemary]

ALWAYS!

[@cassandrelosser5826]

Usualy when I swim I stop bleeding so no needs for tampons. So strange but confortable at the same Time. Am I the only one ?

[@Gittemary]

Well that's pretty neat, unfortunately, I haven't experienced that😅🙌