Lena Menstrual Cup - Soft Reusable Period Cups for Women - Large, Pink

I have been using the Diva cup for about a year and a half, but I thought it might be time for a change, so I looked around to try to find a good cup. I chose the LENA cup because I'm physically present in California at the moment (though I live in Canada) so this seemed like a good local option, because I love the way the company carries itself, because it was almost half the "retail price" when I ordered it, and because I wanted to try something totally different from the Diva. I ordered the LENA small. I had high expectations of it, but at first, I was disappointed: on my heaviest day (2nd day), it leaked. That was also the day when I received an email from LENA, telling me that by then I should've had time to try it, and to not hesitate to contact them with any question or issue. So I contacted them, telling them that it leaked and trying to find what the problem was. Emily got in touch with me, and she was extremely friendly and helpful. She asked me if my flow was heavy, and a few other questions, to try to determine if the LENA large could be a better fit for me. She said that she would gladly send me the LENA large (at no additional cost!), and I received it within 3 business day, at the adress where I'm currently staying in California. I haven't tried the large version yet, but after the 2nd day of my period (when I switched back to Diva cup for the day), I re-switched to the LENA small and it worked great for the rest of my period, without leaking. It's also very comfortable (I didn't feel it at all) and very easy to clean, easier to clean than my Diva cup because the holes have a better, more practical design. I also don't have any problem or difficulty when going to the toilet while wearing my LENA cup, contrary to my Diva cup which sometimes made it harder for me, and I had to take it out everytime. I didn't have to take out my LENA cup everytime I was using the toilet. I think the small cup leaked because it was my heaviest day, because I didn't insert it properly, or maybe both (although it only leaked a little bit, so I think it's just because the cup was full since that's when my flow is heavy). Either way it worked perfectly afterwards, so I'll see how it goes in my future periods and might keep my LENA large for my heavy flow days or, if I see that I don't need it, gift it to another woman so she can make the change to a reusable menstrual alternative. I'm so glad I bought this cup while staying in California, as they don't ship in Canada where I live. I wish they did, and I wish they will ship in Canada in the future! I recommend this cup to any woman looking to make the change to a menstrual cup, or to change from another menstrual cup. As compared to the Diva cup (the only other cup I've tried), it opens more easily once inside, is easier to clean and doesn't bother me at all when to use the toilet. I also want to say that LENA has an *outstanding* customer service, I was very impressed and I like how Emily was both personal and professional in her answers. So finally, the only 2 things I wish LENA would do is ship to Canada and offer other colors than pink for the cup. I personally don't like pink too much and would prefer if I could have a transparent LENA cup. Everything else about the product and the company itself is more than satisfying for me.

Fellow women!! So I am pretty sure alot of you are interested in switching to menstural cups versus the regular pads and tampons. I can tell you that making this switch has made me feel so free and comfortable during my period, I can do anything! I did alot a research before purchasing my lena cup and am very pleased with it so far. First of all it is a decently priced, unlike other mentstural cups, especially if you are just planning on trying it out. It is also one of the best priced bell shaped cups out there. It is made out of soft 100% medical-grade silicone that is easy to bend, but holds it's structure enough to spring back to it's orginal form after inserting it in. For first timers I would recommend trying to practice putting it in a few times before your first time used during a period; RELAX and give yourself some time- swatting on the floor was the easiest way I found, but after a while you get used to it! After putting it in just make sure it did spring back and nothing is preventing it from making a complete sucction; low vs. high hanging cervix. It is a little scary at first and don't worry it won't get stuck up there, just use your kegel muscles to push it back down (If you aren't sure how to use your kegel muscles don't worry you will figure it out!). I have learned so much about my body ever since using the lena cup - I know heavy days vs. light days. No there isn't any period smell! Sure other people may not be able to smell it, but you, yourself sure can. Be careful when breaking the seal and pulling it out; don't pull to fast or you may spill it over yourself. Keep a good grip on the grip rings and slowing pull it out; without letting it slip out of your grip. Read the directions that come with it; very helpful! My experience! I guess I was lucky, because after practicing a few times when I wasn't on my period I was able to put it in correctly and didn't have any leaks! I still wore a panty liner just in case. After I put it in I literally couldn't feel it; I was shocked. I when through my day very concous of it so a few times I thought I felt it, but after a little while I completely forgot about it. I did start spotting a little bit on my first day, but it was due to a heavy flow kind of day- I took out the Lena cup poured the blood out, rinsed it with warm water and a little bit of soap and then put it back in - Volia no spotting. On my heavy day I took it out a total of 3 times, regular and light days 2 times. When I started spotting on my heavy day I thought I bought the wrong size - so don't fret you might be having a heavy day.Sleeping at night was one of the things I was really worried about; Make sure you empty the cup at the lastest before you go to sleep and really check to make sure that it is one correctly - I didn't make sure the first night, because I got cocky and I ended up leaking big time, the next night I made sure to check and empty it out right before I went to sleep and it was perfect! I was worried about the air holes at first, but in the end it didn't cause an leakage. I was very active during my period and saw no leaks, the last few day I was daring enough to go without panty liners (I ran out and saw no rush to run to the store). If it helps I have fairly regular periods that last 5 days - It is usually heavy during the first few days and lightens up. I feel bloated and sometimes experience cramps - the Lena cup did not cause any of these symptoms to worst. I am truly impressed with this product and will continue to use it for a long time. Tips: If you are wondering about soft vs. hard silicone - I would go with soft, because it is more versitle - When I was figuring out how to put it in and want something a little harder I would run the cup under cold water and it would cause it to get a little bit firmer for insertion and then soften up within the body!

First, I'll just get this out of the way: I am a 33 year old virgin who just so happens to be involved with multiple international travels a year. I am often in leadership with young girls, and from time to time I have helped in small ways to educate them about our bodies and that they are a gift to us - not a curse!!! I first discovered handmade (Washable) fabric pads about five years ago, and I haven't looked back. If you haven't felt the softness and comfort of one, go to Etsy and buy one immediately! They're a soft, comfortable and gentle luxury I regretted not having been introduced to when I was having my first panicked blossoming event. My Etsy friend (WeeEssentials) helped to invent and innovate the perfect fabric pads that suited my lifestyle when I served in Thailand as well as when I served in India. In the city where we lived in India, there is no garbage pickup. There are open sewers, and lots of sunshine. I strung a line in my room between the bars on the windows (to keep monkeys out), and took care of Aunty Flo, no problem. Incidentally, every disposable pad I ever purchased and tried in Thailand was terrible. Washables pack lighter than disposables. I found the videos about how to use Menstrual Cups after I'd already taken the plunge and ordered a set of two rather simple cheapies. (You know, the pink and blue set with the little heart at the bottom of the stem?)Those came in plenty of time to have ready when Aunty Flo arrived. Now, we had visitors in our home when Aunty arrived, and the whole reason I was finally willing to try these Cups is a trip that I'm departing for to India in about three days. We will be travelling a great deal by train, and in the evenings at that. So, needless to say - my favorite handmade washable pads just weren't going to cut it. I won't always have the luxury of a place to dry them! There simply isn't always a rubbish bin available, and I will likely have to use some of my drinking water when something as simple as water may not be available - but hey, that's India. I'd tried tampons as a very young and inexperienced child whose mother stood outside the bathroom door and anxiously whispered "can you get it in?!?!" The answer was a very painful, tearful and resounding "NO!" that has haunted me ever since. But, this is about beautiful children I love and want to visit. This is about my cycle getting in the way of my own life and that made me just the right mixture of desperate, angry and determined. Last week, I took the plunge. I dived in with both feet. Yes, I was scared, and I was mostly certain that my new plan wouldn't work - though I was determined to prove myself wrong. Also, watch the videos - push BACK, not UP!!!! Moving on. First semi-uncomfortable session of getting the cup in for the first time... I now realize that the cup was probably too soft, but it was pink and it was cute and it was going to rush in with a cape and save the day. Or night. Whatever. I was in the shower, figuring this thing out when.. it just worked. It also leaked, though I'm quite positive that it never actually opened completely, my best guess is that was because it was too soft - but even with a very small leak, my Aunty was so much more manageable that I barely even remembered she was in town!!! I'm sold. Yes, the first time was a bit uncomfortable to figure out, but look at what it bought me!!! FREEEEEEDOM!!!! I didn't go swimming, but I did work 10 hour days in a coffee shop with minimal breaks to rest or sit. The cup didn't have to come out for restroom breaks, and I would just take care of things when I got home and was in the comfort of my own shower. One side-note: SERIOUSLY, make sure you empty it within the 12 hours prescribed. If you do not, you will not get sick - but there is an unpleasant odor that takes over your cup, even after it is washed. It took substantial cleaning, washing and boiling to eradicate the odor in mine from day 5 when I just kinda forgot. My guess is that there is a freshness window on the fluid that your cup collects, which makes sense. There's a freshness window on carrots, milk, and bread - why not this... You WILL need to use those muscles to bare down and get the cup out. My first time, I kinda panicked - but then I had to teach myself to calm down. Meditate, Pray, be gentle with yourself. This isn't a chore that needs to be rushed, it is proper care for your body. The first night of my period, I had panicked that I bought the wrong cup. I was suddenly sure it was too inexpensive, it wasn't the matte design of silicone, and I was sure I'd wasted my money. Determined, I ordered this Lena cup. The small, in pink. No, it wasn't in the budget, but I figured I could skip a few meals if that actually became an issue. Aunty Flo was not going to boss me around. I went through that entire period with the cheapie set (incidentally, it came with a very un-useful satin carry pouch whose strings cling to the cups). It wasn't perfect, but it worked. It convinced me, and after our guests had gone, I prepared my Lena for Aunty's next visit on foreign soil. The Lena is much more firm, it hurt a little and I did spot (bleed) fresh blood a little when I first inserted it for a dry run. So, again, undeterred, I was almost positive this one would be the proper amount of firmness that would allow the cup to open once inserted. I then had to enter into the realm of choosing a lubricant for the next dry run. I found some organic Aloe lubricant that can be used for various things - this cup being one of them. Multi-purpose, I'm all about that!!! So, the second dry-run with my Lena cup went much better. Yes, it opened. Yes, it was comfortable. Yes, it's a prettier pink, and yes I now feel prepared for Aunty Flo more than ever. That said, I also have been a fan of Dear Kates undies. They're made in NYC, they're comfortable, pretty, annnnnnd they have saved me from Aunty's sometimes messy visits. However, they are also a little expensive. I tried the Anigan first generation period-proof panties, and was left disappointed. Then, last week, I decided to try another brand. The YOYI Fashion panties, while not as sexy, are made well and are quite comfortable. If you're on a budget, they will likely suit you just fine. I purchased the Jacquard ones and am ever so pleased with how pretty they are. They aren't THINX, as they're only for backup - but they are helpful and a cheaper option when you're first getting acquainted with all of the opportunities to cushion Aunty Flo's visits. I feel as if I likely just told you far more than you probably wanted to know about me. You now know what is in my underwear drawer...but if you're scared, or apprehensive of these methods for yourself or your loved one - don't be afraid. Try them, and see which methods work for you! ***update a month later*** I'm placing my order now for a large size, the small was a life saver on my trip to India. Inserted correctly, I had no issues in villages, over train toilets, or in the home of friends. I did experience a day of heavy bleeding and needed the pad I was wearing for backup. I should have emptied it sooner, but there were no facilties available. However, I wish I knew how to put it into words - just how much angst and worry this small thing took care of. Try one, I am quite sure you won't regret it.

Experience as a first time cup user: Due to environmental reasons and not wanting to pollute the Earth or myself, I have used reusable cloth pads for over five years. My coworker really talked up the cups which I was on the fence about for ages, so finally bit the bullet. I did quite a bit of research on menstrual cups before choosing the Lena based on several factors like customer service (quite impressive) and the quality and care that went into designing the product. Originally I purchased the small on Amazon and didn't see the option for the two pack until after my order shipped, and contacted the company to see if I could purchase a discounted single large so I had both sizes to experiment with. Their amazing customer service team sent me a complimentary large, was so not expecting that! Just the fact that a real person got back to me in a short amount of time is noteworthy in this day and age. The experiments: March, Month 1: I watched videos of several different folds to prepare myself and eagerly awaited for the blood bath to start for the test drive. The first month I was amazed how much more sanitary it was to use a cup. One would think blood nestled in my woman cave would smell putrid after pooling in a petri dish for hours on end, but it actually smelled clean and my innards weren't robbed of all their natural moisture from cotton tampons. It was a strange feeling to run to the bathroom and keep checking for leaks in my pants (you can "feel" the blood collecting) but it worked wonderfully after some playing around with suction/folds and several times I got a good seal without looking like a murder scene, so thrilling! Never had pain with it going in, a slight feeling that something is inside of you, but for the small not even bladder pain. I used to have Interstitial Cystitis so I have no tolerance for a cup that will cause discomfort in that way but this was great. April, Month 2: Tested out the large Lena cup, ouch! I felt so much pain in my bladder, and had difficulty urinating with it in. Definitely way too big for my innards after all the moving around I did, just could not get it comfortable. Had wanted larger capacity, but just wouldn't work. Went back to small Lena, but somehow it seemed like the magic I had the first month of getting a good seal wasn't there, and I could not for the life of me stop it from mild leaking. It wasn't like pools of blood loss, almost like the natural female juices cleansing my insides and it was a very watery tiny bit of pink/reddish that was coming off when I would wipe after bathroom usage. Try as I might, my fingers do not physically reach in to spelunk inside my body while keeping my cup folded at the same time. The best fit for me is when I put in at night and it naturally is "digested" by my lady bits, then I have no leaks. But I can't reach it, and I too felt the panic for about five minutes of trying to take it out. I bought some THINX pad panties to wear with them while I test out folds to avoid any stains and to compensate for leaks I was still getting. About this time I was thinking I need to find out if my troubles are from internal tilt and discover my cervix height. May, Month 3: Way too much traveling with questionable access and sketchy bathrooms, so I opted for organic cotton tampons. Didn't like using the tampons after my cup experience, but had to make due. Note to self, REMEMBER TO MEASURE CERVIX. June, Month 4: Very determined to make it work, I wore it the entire conference (6 days) that I was traveling out of town. Was not too hard to deal with since handicap bathroom at the site had sink in it. However, I did have some very light leaking (that watery pink/reddish) so I had to wash some of my undergarments to avoid stains in my hotel sink. Still have not gotten around to measuring certix height or figure out how to examine myself to find out any pelvic floor tilting going on. That kind of feedback would even be helpful to manufacturers of cups to make some for ladies with different needs, which I could potentially be one of. All in all, I love this cup, the small feels good when the seal works, and I believe its made by people who genuinely have our health in mind. Going to keep trying the Lena and do more research on my lady privates layout and report back on cervix stats. Might try a different shape cup from another company to rotate with for frame of reference, but this is a solid choice if it works for your body. Edit: I am very sad to see so many low reviews, I feel like people should be leaving higher than one star based on customer service alone as they give full refunds, caring support to everyone who has posted if they need advice, and make a quality product regardless if it fits everyone's unique body. Updated 7/13/16 Tip 1- Measure cervix length! There are many how to guides online from cup sites, as well as great Facebook group called Cup Love that is supportive and has a lot of documents for members. In some women like myself who have higher cervix during menstruation, we may need a longer cup to reach properly. (Attempting the Lily Cup in July) Perhaps once there is more data on varying cervix height, that will become the next reiteration in menstrual cups and how companies will market them vs child/no child, and S/L, and it will make it much less of a hit or miss kind of thing. Tip 2- There are also buy sell trade cups groups (you boil cup to sanitize) it helps offset costs as some folks have to go through multiple cups from different brands to find what some in the community call their "goldilox cup". Lena is unusual in that they offer money back guarantee, most do not. <---- major props Tip 3- I want to note that so many users are getting freaked out that it takes a couple of minutes to coax it out using muscles down there. Yes it takes a little getting used to the method and technique for each person and their needs. (For example, I have bladder sensitivities, so wide bulby cups like the Super Jennie would not be good for me as it would press against bladder wall) Tip 4- This will not ever pull out like a tampon in three seconds flat for me, and if you want something like that either use organic cotton tampons or go with a reusable sea sponge if the few extra minutes to remove, potentially clean, and reinsert is a constraint. Tip 5- Cups do take a little more care, and you will get blood on your hands literally, so if you are too sqeamish about such things please don't knock the Lena company and get a product you would never feel comfortable using to begin with. I've heard great things about sea sponges from folks in my circle, so look into that if you want something more tampon-like but still reusable.

This is the first menstrual cup I've ever tried, and I honestly wish I hadn't waited so long. To say that I find this vastly superior to tampons and pads is an understatement. As I'll discuss below, removing it is a little bit of an issue for me, but even so, it is better than anything else I've tried a thousand times over. So, a little background: I am 28 and I have PCOS, so historically I have had extremely heavy periods. I've had two babies (via c-sections), and I have a tilted uterus. Since I was 16, I have always worn a pad and a tampon at the same time, just to be safe. There have been way too many bleed-through incidents for me to only use one or the other. I'm on a birth control that works for me now, so my periods aren't nearly as bad in terms of blood loss anymore, although they are still painful. I continued to double up on supplies just to be safe. Enter Lena Cup. I decided to buy this brand specifically because I read that the silicone is much thinner than most of the alternatives (like the Diva Cup), and I'm thrilled with my choice. I have only been using this for a week, but for a few of those, I've been able to completely go without a pad. I mean, maybe I'm going to jinx it, but there's very little chance of leakage with this thing—none if it's inserted correctly. For the first time in my life, I feel comfortable without a back-up product, even overnight. I bought the smallest size they offer. The listing claims the smaller one is for beginners, and the bigger is for more experienced users and/or heavy flow, but I think I disagree with that. Once inserted, the seal is so incredibly powerful that I actually struggle a bit to remove it. Using the stem part, I pull it as far as I can manage, until I can get a grip on the base of the cup and break the seal. This is actually pretty uncomfortable for me, just because the suction is so strong. And, to be honest, I don't even insert it that far—basically enough so that the "string" part isn't external. That aside, the wear is very comfortable. I insert using the C-fold. I glanced over the instructions when I got it in, so technically I knew there were other folds, but the C-fold seemed easiest to me. I washed and sanitized it before my period started, but I didn't practice insertion. Still, I managed to do it correctly on the first try. It was—and is—completely comfortable. I can't even feel it when it's in! It's more comfortable than tampons have ever been for me. It might take practice for others since everyone's body is a little different and it can be a little intimidating, but there's a chance you might find it easier than you think! I don't plan on upgrading to the larger cup. I feel very confident in my use now, but I just don't believe a larger cup would be comfortable for me. Besides, even when my bleeding is heavy, I only have to go to change it twice a day or so, maybe three times at most. To be honest, it's been a little bit of an adjustment period (pun intended) transitioning from tampons and I've been removing the cup way more than I need to! I would occasionally need to change tampons very frequently (I'm talking hours at most), but either I'm having an abnormally light period or tampons just don't absorb as much as they claim to. Finally, I have to address the economical and environmental side of this. Obviously a huge benefit to using a menstrual cup is that it's both cost effective and environmentally friendly. (Hardcore environmentalists really need to latch onto this point. Something like this is good for the planet *and* it will save you a ridiculous amount of money? What kind of psycho would pass up that opportunity?) I am thrilled that I won't be spending like $16 a month at a minimum. Even if I decided to buy another Lena cup so that I can alternate (which isn't even needed), I would still save $130 a year. That's crazy enough to make me upset that I didn't try one sooner! Basically, if you're going to try a menstrual cup, try this one. Also, you should try a menstrual cup. It makes periods so much more bearable!

this is going to be detailed to touch on a few issues. first, I am in healthcare and work at a busy hospital so liked the idea of having something be able to be worn for more than a few hours. I also like the idea of non cotton...sometimes I just find the cotton w/liquid to just be sort of gross. would rather empty the little cup to be honest. COMFORT: I tried the "instead" disposable cups in the past. they are a bit more comfortable than this only in that they did not take getting used to or need any repositioning. they sort of popped right into place. but again, they were disposable so a different material and product in that sense. After a few tries, the Lena settled in and it was ok but there are times that I need to stop and re position b/c it is noticeable. the idea of one of these things is to not realize its there and there have been several times that I do in fact notice and then have to arrange to re position. overall, though its ok. the little stick def needed to be cut to feel comfortable but that's ok, the instructions say you can safely do this and not ruin the product. I had to do a few times to get it the correct length for me. CONVENIENCE: it IS convenient it itself as far as leaving it in and emptying it. I feel it is actually CLEANER if that makes any sense b/c I feel like its being removed, cleaned and replaced w/o any cotton pieces being left behind. my body felt all over CLEANER when using this is what I am trying to say. it may NOT be convenient if you need to empty in public bathroom in which people share multiple sinks and stalls. my work bathroom is a one person stall w/ sink right there so this is not an issue for me. between that and my own house, I have zero problems finding a place to change. I find shower time is always good for this. EFFECTIVE: I have used it 3 mos now. the first one I got used to it, the 2nd one was good and the 3rd month, I def noticed some leaking issues. nothing that needed major intervention but def enough to be annoyed by it. even after emptying, adjusting and doing again, it took place. and I have a very light cycle in general so this was not due to overflowing issues. While I could work around the fact I had some leaks, I certainly would not wish to be swimming or in a situation where this would have made a difference. All in all, I am still on the fence w/this. I wanted the convenience and ease but w/the leaking, am hesitant now to use for the upcoming month which falls on a holiday and I will be at the pool and no leaks allowed! so may try again the month after to see if still having the issues or if that was a fluke. the size is correct and I am comfortable w/my body as far as putting in and removing (in other words, I am not squeamish) and I never had any leaking whatsoever w/the "instead" disposable type. I realize an advantage of this type is the kindness to the environment vs the disposable kind and do appreciate that. so not sure if the traditional method may just be best for me. ***sorry if this was graphic in any way but for something like this I think people want the details***

I've been using this cup in both sizes for almost a year now. I really wanted to be able to give an informed, experienced review. So here it is. If medically correct terminology about the body bugs you then skip my review but know that I highly recommend it. ******* First off, you really, really, really need to use it for at least 3 periods to see if you like it, love it or hate it. I cannot stress this enough. I'm in my late 30's and had used pads about 95% of the time. I hated the way a tampon felt and I was super skeptical of a product that's inserted for 12 hours. I can honestly say this feels completely different, in the fact I can't feel it at all unless I cough or sneeze really hard. And now that I'm super confident with it I just go to the restroom and push it back up a bit and forget about it. Some of the fears and concerns about menstrual cups are based on the fears of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) with tampons and the fact that most of us aren't used to inserting and then leaving an object that looks large and awkward into our vaginal canal. But rest assured that once it's in and open, it really is hard to feel it. It's also extremely rare to get TSS using a cup because it's medical grade silicone instead of a paper product that changes the PH in the canal. Empty the cup every 8-12 hours (I've even gone as long as 16), and it should be just fine. It's not hard to remove the cup as some fear it getting stuck. If you bear down like you are forcing a bowel movement, the cup comes right to the opening and it's easily removed. I first ordered the large cup based on Lena's recommendation because I've had a child. After 2 periods using the cup I began to get frustrated because it would be fine one day and then refuse to fully open the next. I broke down and bought the small cup to see if that worked better. Doctors and Lena will tell you that all vaginal canals are different, and it's so true! I started my 3rd period using the smaller cup and then moving to the larger cup on day 3 as the swelling in the canal decreases. Keep in mid the position of your cervix also changes during your period and I found that having the smaller cup helped when my cervix was lower. Bottom line is BOTH cups was the answer. I've been using both for over 8 periods and its been fantastic. If I'm having problems getting the larger one to open then I use the small and presto awesomeness! The benefits of the cup are TOTALLY worth a couple of periods learning your body and getting over the fear/anticipation based on some true and untrue bad experiences. I have NEVER had the cups leak, overfill, turn upside down, get stuck, or slip out, and that's where most of the worry seems to come from. The horrible smell of period pads is gone with cups and I personally feel so much better not putting all those pads in a landfill. ******Bottom line is TRY THEM. If you end up liking or loving them, you'll save so much time and money using this cup instead of pads and tampons!******

I am a first-time user of menstrual cups and used the Lena Cup during the entire duration of my most recent period. I always try to find ways to reduce material waste in my household, as well as the cost of buying disposable items. If it's reusable then it's for me, so I was dedicated to learning how to use a menstrual cup. I chose the Lena Cup because it is made here in the United States (support US industry!) and because it appeared to have many ribs and ridges, which I assumed would be helpful when trying to negotiate a slippery, rounded, silicone cup. I was right. I don't know what I would have done if I had bought a cup without the ribs and ridges. The shape of the Lena Cup also seemed to better allow for leverage when releasing the suction for removal (speaking of the indentation just below the lip of the cup). The design is just perfect. After a few short hours of practice and experimentation, I was a pro. I will never, ever, EVER go back to tampons. I wavered in my decision to purchase a menstrual cup after reading about issues others have had with them, so I'm going to touch on each horror story and explain why you have to be incompetent to be unable to use one of these. I am also going to explain my method so that others who are curious about the cup can get an idea of what it entails. I am going to use proper language to describe the whole process. If you aren't comfortable reading or hearing the words 'menstruation/period' and 'vagina', you might as well turn back now. I have a vagina, you have a vagina, all women have vaginas. I recommend getting comfortable with human anatomy now, because you're going to be knuckle deep in it when your period comes around if using a menstrual cup. Personally, I believe that we derive strength from understanding and awareness of our own bodies and needs. Before my period, I practiced inserting the cup in the shower. I practiced with several methods I had read about, but settled on using the U Method (Here is a list of folding methods I found online [...]). By the time my period began, I was comfortable inserting the cup. One story involved a woman who inserted it for the first time before some major event and was horrified to find a blood bath a few hours later. Yeah, don't do this. There is a small learning curve so you'll want to wait until you have a day off to experiment with the cup during your period. If this isn't an option, simply pack extra underwear in your purse or bag, and use a pad until you're sure you have mastered the placement of the cup. Once I began menstruating, I felt comfortable inserting the cup. I tried multiple leg positions but the -right foot on the sink counter with knee bent, left leg straight- method worked great for me. I reached my right hand holding the folded cup around the back of my right leg and inserted the cup from behind. I held the folded cup tight between my thumb and first finger and inserted, pushing it deeper with my middle finger. In this way it doesn't unfold at the opening of the vagina. Once in, it often unfolds by itself. Once unfolded, I simply ran my middle finger around the external surface of the cup, to rotate it and to push it higher into place. The key to menstrual cups is the suction seal. If there is no seal, they leak. After it was in used the stem to wiggle it slightly. All done. I read several stories in which women had difficulty removing or finding the cup hours later. First, our vaginas are not an infinite void of space and time. There is an end. I have no earthly idea how women lose things in their vaginas. Second, the Lena Cup comes with a ribbed stem which, in my anatomy, is usually situated just inside the opening to my vagina. I did, however, find that after sleeping with the cup in place it had retracted slightly further into my vagina. The first time this happened, it took just a few seconds longer to remove the cup. Like I said, practice. After the first time, I soon figured out that bearing down (squeezing your muscles as if you are trying to have a bowel movement/poop) pushed the cup enough that I could get a strong hold on the stem. For removal, I simply get a good, strong hold on the stem with my thumb and index finger and insert my middle finger to depress the cup until I hear a break in the suction seal, or until I can feel that the suction is broken. I then just slowly slide the cup out, careful to keep it upright. Caution, though: It's slippery. I read many stories in which women claim that they can feel the cup and that it is uncomfortable. I was only able to slightly feel the stem around the opening of my vagina, but it wasn't too noticeable. In fact, I went for a two-hour hike with 0 issues. I also read stories about overflow. My experimentation phase began on period day 1 and I had several events in which I suspected my uterus had declared a bloody, violent war on me. I blamed these events on my inexperience, rather than the cup's inability to handle a heavy flow, as I didn't experience a single issue after I began using my new and improved insertion method (described above). I hope this was helpful. I tried to provide the information that I wish I could have had before purchasing my first menstrual cup. I would not have hesitated for a moment if it hadn't been for those horror stories, so I hope I have properly explained why those experiences were anomalies. These things are seriously awesome. Much better for the environment and safer for our bodies. If I can use one, so can you.

Bought this to try and do my bit for sustainability however, its been amazing for changing how I manage my period!! This product is amazing once you've learnt how to get it to seal but it does take a little bit of getting used to which for me took a couple of days/tries. At the beginning its very scary & you think it's going to be lost forever however just relaxing makes life so easy. It means you can go out, move, swim, dance, whatever you want, without fear and you can do that all day realistically without having to fill your bag with supplies and always be thinking of what time it is. Fantastic product. I've only used it one cycle so far and already think I've mastered it, however from my experience it can be a little messy & you just need to get used to the sight of blood and some on your hands etc. I wouldn't go back to any other product now. Feels amazing - almost like you don't even have your period.

Really love this cup. I have a low cervix and it sits inside all my cups as it is dangly, with this cup it is the nice tulip shape so there is the extra lip to keep it in place. I have had no leaks even on my heaviest days, I do have to change it more often than I would like on my heavy days, but on a light day I can leave it all day and not even notice it is there. It is firm enough to get a good comfortable position inside and stay there, plus it’s harder to spill it when you take it out because it is firm. Not too firm that it pushed the bladder etc. The silicone is much better than TPE cups I have previously used. The air holes are slanted and easy to clean, one rinse gets them clean. The packaging is nice and the bag is good quality compared to others I have had. Overall I would recommend this cup to anyone. I have used meluna shorty and the TPE wore out quick and became more oval than round and started to leak, it was good at first. I have also used a moon cup uk, which pushed against my bladder sometimes and was too large. Finally, I have used a femmycycle for low cervix, which I am pretty sure caused damage and elongation to my cervix due to the extreme suction. But this Lena cup is comfortable and quality compared to all of these.

Love this cup. I am 25 and have had two kids, so I bought this cup because I heard it was pretty firm and easy to pop open - which is absolutely true. So easy to put in, pops open with absolute ease and comfort and sits really nicely inside. The length is good, I didn’t have to trim the stem. Love the colour and the material is very smooth, the bag it comes with is also really nice. I would deffo recommend this cup to a beginner or someone who has had children like myself. The only thing I could find as a down side is the amount of liquid it holds - the first 2 days of my period I was having to empty it more often, but to be honest I would have been changing a tampon the same amount of times. The rest of my period I only needed to empty it twice a day. Overall it’s a fabulous cup, I would totally recommend and I’m very happy with my purchase!

Love this product, at first I was sceptical about it however I haven’t looked back since making the change! It took me a while to get used to inserting and removing (when I began using it I wasn’t inserting it correctly and would sometimes leak) however that problem has now resolved as I’ve got used to the best way of inserting it for my body. The normal size cup can hold enough for a heavy flow. I only empty mine every 24 hours (probs recommended to do sooner than this but I can’t be bothered) and even on my heavy days it’s not full after 24 hours - holds soooo much more than a tampon. Also you cannot tell it’s in at all! Would recommend this to every woman out there!

I am a very heavy person when on mu period. So when I'm at my heaviest this is not idea for me at all. But I have enjoyed using and felt very clean when wearing this. Itsvery easy to insert. I'm not sure if it's not holding my period because I have ordered the wrong size. But it would leak past even if it wasn't full to the top.