I ordered a free sample of soft cup but it never came

I'm not trying to tell you that you MUST use the cups, but I just wanted to let you know that menstrual cups are nearly ideal for those of us who pass clots during our periods. Tampons just block off the clots, because they can't absorb them. Pads work great at allowing the clots to come out, but (in my experience) they aren't ideal, because again - they can't absorb the clot so things can get messy.

The menstrual cup, on the other hand, sits low in the vaginal canal, below the cervix. It does not block the flow of clots, they can come right out your cervix and right on down the vaginal canal. The cup avoids the problems with tampons & pads because it just collects the clot with no need to absorb it. The passed clot just sits comfortably in the cup, waiting on you until you empty it. That's one of the things I love about my DivaCup. (Because I pass clots as well.)


They don't work well for all people (bodies are all made differently, after all), and some people are too grossed out to try them. But me? I love my DivaCup so much. I've had it several years now, and my only regret is not getting one sooner!

Menstrual cups are small cups, usually made of silicone, worn inside the vagina, below the cervix. They create a suction seal that prevents leaks and collect flow rather than traditional pads and tampons which absorb. They are considered superior because they can usually hold more than a tampon and be worn without changing them for up to 12 hours depending on flow, but for most women it's at least several hours longer than they can wear a tampon without leaks. They are usually reusable, like our silicone toys they can be boiled to sterilize. So they also save money. Because most tampons are bleached with harsh chemicals and contain rayon they aren't good for our bodies, especially considering how many tampons most women will use in their lifetime. Tampons also cause dryness for many women and can cause yeast infections or bacterial infections. They also may leave fibers behind which might be problematic, or at least not terribly clean. Most women I've talked to or read say they love them, that they are ultimately way more convenient, more comfortable, more effective and save them a lot of money. I just ordered my first one and I'm so excited to try it!

I would never, it makes me squeamish.

You should. There is a bit of a learning curve and some people think they're icky at first, but it's something you get over quickly.