Even when on your period, you want to enjoy summer! ~ Period products you can use at the beach or pool ~

Have you ever been unable to go to the beach or pool that you were looking forward to because it coincided with your period, or suddenly got your period while traveling and found yourself in a difficult situation?

Menstrual cups, also known as the "third menstrual product," can be used at the beach, pool, hot springs, and even saunas, making them convenient for summer leisure, swimming lessons, and those with small children!

This article explains the features and usage of menstrual cups.

It is a small cup-shaped device that is folded and inserted into the vagina for use.

Features of menstrual cups

・Catches menstrual blood inside the vagina, so period odor is less noticeable
・Reusable after washing, no need to buy new ones every month
・Can be used during sports, yoga, and while sleeping

① Inserting the cup
・Wash your hands thoroughly, then fold the cup.
・Squat or place one foot on the toilet, assuming a comfortable position to insert the cup.
・Feel around the cup with your finger to ensure it has fully opened.

② Removing the cup
Remove and empty the cup within the usage time specified in the instructions.
・Wash your hands thoroughly and assume a relaxed position.
・Pinch the base of the cup with your thumb and forefinger, allowing air to enter between the cup and the vaginal wall.
・Gently remove it by wiggling it slightly from side to side.

For daily cleaning, you can use mild soap and lukewarm water, but boiling water sterilization is required before each use. *

If you are reluctant to sterilize in a pot, a special item that can be sterilized in the microwave is convenient.

Important note
To maintain hygiene, it is recommended to remove the cup at least once every 8 hours.
*For detailed instructions and precautions, please be sure to read the instruction manual included with each product.

Here are three folding methods recommended for beginners!

fermata members who use menstrual cups answer common questions!

Q. Can people who have no experience inserting anything into the vagina, such as tampons, use it successfully?
A. Hiroko: I played sports, so I started using tampons soon after my first period. Menstrual cups are inserted shallower than tampons, so I think it will be easy once you get used to it.

Insertion position

Q. Does it hurt when you insert it? What are the key points for insertion?
A. Akane: The first time I used it, it wasn't painful so much as it felt strange. If your vagina is dry, such as on days with light flow, I recommend using a lubricant.
For folding, I use the punch-down method, which makes the tip narrower, and insert it by scooping it up from below.

Intimate Gel - EVE

¥2,970

A fragrance-free lubricating gel made primarily from aloe vera leaf water. Its fresh, spreadable texture is a key feature.

Q. How far into the vagina do I need to insert my finger when removing it? I'm worried it might get stuck.
A. Akane: The cup isn't inserted as deeply as a tampon, so when removing it, your finger won't go past the first knuckle. If it's difficult to remove, try bearing down with your pelvic floor muscles (like giving birth) and the cup will come closer. If the grip is slippery, I wrap toilet paper around it for better traction!

※The vagina is approximately 7-9 cm** deep, and it becomes very narrow beyond that. Try to relax your muscles and gently wiggle it from side to side when removing it. If you absolutely cannot remove it, you can have a gynecologist remove it for you.

**Source: Japan Society of Fertility and Preservation

Q. How often should I change it in a day?
A. Akane: I don't insert and remove it every time I go to the bathroom. I insert it after my morning shower and remove it when I get home (I use an EVE Menstrual Cup size S). For sleeping, I prefer absorbent underwear over a cup.

Hiroko: I put it in before bed and change it before I leave for work in the morning. I didn't need to change it during the day until I got home.

Q. Does it get messy when I use the toilet with the cup in?
A. Akane: The correct insertion position is when the tip of the cup is hidden, so it won't get messy if you use the toilet with it in.

Q. Do my hands get dirty or does it spill when I reinsert it?
A. Akane: Since menstrual blood can get on your hands, it's convenient to have feminine wipes with you if you anticipate needing to reinsert it while out.

Hiroko: If you don't try to pull it out all at once, but rather wiggle it out little by little from side to side, you won't have to worry about spills.

【Flushable type】Natural Refreshing Wipes - Rael

¥880

Wipes made with plant-derived ingredients, suitable for delicate skin.

Q. How do I know when the cup is full? I'm worried about leaks.
A. Akane: Unlike tampons, it doesn't expand inside, so you won't know by feel. When you first start using it, I recommend removing it after a few hours to gauge your own menstrual flow.

Hiroko: If you're really worried or it's your first time using it, I recommend using it in conjunction with a pad or absorbent underwear.

※Causes of leakage, besides timing of change, may include the folded cup not fully opening. Check by touching around the cup with your finger to ensure it has opened. Also, for those with strong muscles, a firmer cup is recommended.

◎ Lunette Cup
Available in 4 colors: yellow, blue, violet, and orange!

Lunette Cup - Lunette

¥4,620

Made of medical-grade silicone / Comes with a pouch made from recycled PET bottles for easy carrying!

In 2022, Lunette was appointed as the official menstrual cup partner of the United Nations.
They are planned to be distributed in countries and refugee camps where access to such products is often limited, through free period product kits called "Dignity Kits" and other UN programs.

◎EVE Menstrual Cup

EVE Menstrual Cup - EVE

¥3,960

Made of medical-grade silicone / Transparent, recommended for those who want to check the amount and condition of menstrual blood.

◎MeLuna Cup (Classic / Sport)

MeLuna Cup Classic Ring - MeLuna

¥3,960

Made of medical-grade TPE / Ring type for easy gripping!

MeLuna Cup Classic Ring - MeLuna

¥3,960

Made of medical-grade TPE / Firm elasticity, recommended for those who are physically active or play sports.

◎ Claricup

Claricup (with cleaning case) - Claripharm

¥5,390

Made of medical-grade silicone / Easy to fold thanks to vertical grooves! Softer, recommended for those who want to try smaller sizes.

At the fermata online store, buying menstrual cups and sterilization pots as a set is a great deal! You can combine them with cups from any brand, so find what's perfect for you.

Please refer to the comparison table as well.
 

Small) Claricup Size 1, MeLuna S, EVE mini, Lunette Size 1
・Those with no experience wearing menstrual cups and who are hesitant to insert a finger deep into the vagina.
・Those whose middle finger only goes in up to the second knuckle to two-and-a-half knuckles when inserted into the vagina.

Average size) EVE S, MeLuna M, Claricup Size 1
・Those who use 5-6 pads on heavy flow days.
・Those whose middle finger goes in up to two-and-a-half to three knuckles when inserted into the vagina.

Large) MeLuna L, EVE L, Lunette Size 2, Claricup Size 2
・Recommended for heavy flow days or days when you can't change the cup.
・Those who use 6-7 pads on heavy flow days.
・Those whose middle finger goes in up to two-and-a-half to three knuckles when inserted into the vagina.
・Those who have given birth vaginally.

・・・

If you're interested, please give it a try!

If you have any questions or concerns, please send them via the chat function at the bottom of the page. We would be happy to help you feel even a little more comfortable during your period.