Dutchess Large Menstrual Period Cups for Women Storage Pouch Pack of 2 Pink Purple Soft Medical-Grade Silicone Reusable

Let me start off by saying, "I love this menstrual cup!" I purchased it a month ago, and had to wait to use it until I started menstruating. However, I did practice putting it in before, so it wouldn't be too awkward when it was that time of the month. It was actually pretty easy putting it in and taking it out (more on that later), but I will say that I don't have super heavy periods. Even on my heaviest day, though, it only filled the bottom third of the cup at max, so there was never an issue of leakage or having trouble when getting it out. I also should mention I am 32 and have had 2 children, if that helps answer questions as to what size to get. I personally made the switch over to a menstrual cup because it was worrying me using tampons with all the recent cases of TSS (toxic shock syndrome). I was ready for a safer alternative for both my body and the environment. I picked this specific brand because I had read good reviews on it and I liked that I got two for a low price. They are really comfy, and truly once I cut the little tip off I couldn't even feel it while it was in place no matter what I did. I left it in all night with no problem. I went running with no problem. I did everything I normally do, and had no problems! I would recommend you wear a panty liner for the first time until you are comfortable. For me, it was so nice being able to just leave it in and go about my business all day without the worry of having to change it like a tampon every two hours (which is really inconvenient when you are a busy mom with two homeschoolers on the go). Now, as far as the care and how to use it part. Follow the directions!! Boil them for 3 minutes prior to first time use. Make sure when you boil them you put them in a pot with a good amount of water to allow them to float. Do NOT let them sit on the the bottom of the pan which is right on the flame! Once you are done boiling, let them cool by setting them on a clean cloth or paper towel for a few minutes. When you are ready to insert the cup I recommend you make sure if you have kids they are entertained for about 10 minutes. That would be really awkward if a child interrupted you while trying to insert it. If you have baby wipes (also I recommend to have) clean you vaginal area of any blood or discharge before putting the cup in. Then find a position you are comfortable with either sitting down on the toilet with your legs spread or standing up with legs apart in a slight squat. Fold the cup according to the instructions, and using your thumb and index finger slowly start pushing in into your vaginal canal. Now, I want to say, if you have never reached up there and felt your cervix you might want to do this first when you are not menstruating just to accustom yourself with your body. This is a really important aspect since you will need to push the cup fully against your cervix and then use your finger to make sure it has formed a seal all around it. When you push the cup up you will let it unfold and continue pushing it in. Do not be alarmed if you hear noises such as a sucking sound, squishing, or even a weird fart noise since air might have gotten up there is is being pushed out as you adjust the cup. Repeat on the noises when pulling it out too. Personally, I found it hilarious, as did my husband who was outside the bathroom. Okay, back to the cup, once you have it up there and feel you have it in place clean up yourself and walk around. Sit down and see if it is comfortable. The first time I put it in during my testing phase, when I sat down it was not comfortable due to the tip which was easily fixed by simply cutting it off (be sure to not cut the cup itself if you need to do so). Once I cut the tip, all was well in the world of my vagina. So now, the cup has been in there all day (about 8-12 hours), and it is time to remove it. Again, make sure any children are well entertained and you have some privacy for about 10 minutes. I heard some women say they had to remove it in the shower because it was messy. I never had to and I never had a mess. I simply sat over the toilet, reached in and pinched the bottom part of the cup. Very gently and slowly I began pulling it out at the same time moving it side to side to help release the suction. Remember when I mentioned noises? Prepare yourself for some fun ones! Keep slowly pulling it out and be sure it stays facing up by pulling it straight down. Once you have it out simply pour the contents out into the toilet and wipe it down. Once you have finished your business and are ready to put it back in be sure to wash it off! Hot water and soap. Once it is clean again you can go through the process of reinserting it again! Be proud. You have officially used the Dutchess Menstrual Cup successfully! I hope this review helped, and if it did please let me know! Happy shopping! Read more

I don't always write reviews, but when I do, they are for products that deserve recognition. Since I was 15, I have suffered from PCOS. For me, this means that my cramps are the unholy union of a belt-sander and a razor-sharp eggbeater coupled with a giant talon rhythmically squeezing my uterus. Unmedicated, my flow is a bit like that movie with Russel Crow as Noah, but through red glasses. BC pills have helped settle that down to only filling up a super tampon an an overnight pad every three hours, but I was using so many disposables that I decided to find an alternative way of dealing with Shark Week's messy aspects. A few Googles later, I found menstrual cups. As a poor college student, I spent five or six months wanting a cup but deciding to buy food instead. I finally bought the Dutchess cups because of their great reviews and the economical advantage of getting 2 cups for cheaper than 1 DivaCup. Anxiously, I waited for the cups to arrive. When they did, I was pleased with the packaging. They come in a box, with a pink satiny bag big enough to store both cups. The cups are made of a soft yet springy silicone; they are what I would call a medium-firmness cup. If you have super strong pelvic floor muscles or a weight-lifting, Hulk-like vagina, this cup might be a little soft for you. The cups look enormous-- my first thought was of trying to shove a pool noodle through a keyhole, but don't freak out. I highly, highly, highly recommend a water-based lube like KY Jelly, especially if you are a virgin like me. Self-checkouts, people, self-checkouts. . . Also, put the lube on/in yourself, not on the cup. It will get slippery otherwise and things will quickly turn into a sing-along show: "Follow the bouncing cup!" Look up different ways to fold the cup-- there are a ton, and different folds work better for me on different days. If you do a dry run (inserting the cup while not on your period) be aware that your structure down there changes when the floodgates open-- a punchdown fold might work great when you're not on your period, but might not open during your period and vice versa. Personally, I love the origami/tulip fold, but just do your research to find a good fit for you. For me, inserting the cup works best on the toilet. Don't push up towards your stomach when inserting! Try inserting at a slight downward angle, towards the base of your spine. Once the cup is inserted, try different methods of making sure it's open or helping it along. For some, the cup opens on its own. Others have to fiddle with it a little. I do not recommend these cups for those squeamish about touching inside their vaginas. Try giving the cup a little twist to help it open, and don't worry if it is not completely circular once it's in. My cup is always a tiny bit flat on the upper wall of my vagina, but it is sealed well. One way to tell if you have suction is to tug lightly at the stem of your cup. If it feels like a tug but stays put, you're good to go. If the cup starts to slide out like you're King Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, you need to remove it and try again. When it does come time to take the cup out, pinch the base of it (not the stem!) and pull it out, keeping it upright. Then, dump in the toilet, wash in the sink, and plunge into the depths anew. It's pretty simple. The cups themselves are great. I love that there are 2: I keep one in my purse and one in my cupboard in the bathroom. I have had no leaks at all, and was comfortable enough to not even wear a pad or liner by the end of my period. I even slept with it in and had no leaks at all for 10 plus hours on a weekend! These things are great! I felt like my cramps were less severe with the cup than they are with pads or tampons, although there is the occasional twinge when I first put the cup in. All in all, the Dutchess cups are the best purchase I can remember making in a long, long time. I spent about $12 a month on pads and tampons before-- that's almost $150 a year that went to glorified adult lady-diapers and bleached bits of cotton to shove up my hoohah. For me, these cups will pay for themselves in just over 2 cycles. These cups have worked great for me, and are well-made. In 5 years or so when I need new ones, I know I'll probably come right back here to Amazon to buy the Dutchess cups again. **EDIT: 1 YEAR LATER** Still making me a happy camper even during the monthly mudslide in crotch canyon. I even went off birth control for a while, and so far, my cup has not runneth over. The satiny bag is no longer with us (it frayed apart), but it was easy to find a replacement menstrual cup bag on Etsy. Read more