Best Beginner Cup!

In my opinion a good beginner cup is one that addresses some of the concerns a person has when they are first trying a menstrual cup. It can take a lot of courage just to convince yourself to try something new like a menstrual cup. Depending on what item you were previously using during your period, a menstrual cup is a big step. Personally I was a tampon user so a menstrual cup wasn’t that intimidating. I was used to the insertion process, although a bit of a different technique, but I didn’t really know what to do after my menstrual cup was in.

Get Started With Lunette

The adjective best is very subjective. So when menstrual cup users describe a cup as the best this can be hit or miss. I don’t claim to be any different but after trying at least 30 cups I have some decent experiences to speak from. The best beginner cup to me is the Lunette. This cup addresses the concern beginners can have about the cup opening. If a menstrual cup does not open it will not catch your menstrual flow — which is the whole point.

Lunette has a firmness to it that facilitates the “pop” that menstrual cup users speak about. So no matter how you fold it, once inserted the Lunette will pop open. Those individuals who know that their cervix is on the lower side may want to place a finger between the cup and themselves to buffer this pop. Failure to do so may result in what is affectionately called a cervix slap! Just as the term implies, this is when the menstrual cup slaps your cervix. My cervix is always high during my period so I fortunately have never experienced this, however, from what I’ve read the sensation is not pleasant. So, do yourself a favor and take the necessary precautions.

I also like the shape of the Lunette. It is tapered or v-shaped unlike more round cups (e.g. Lena, Saalt, Merula, etc.). Round cups serve their purpose too and are loved by many. No shade whatsoever against them but I have found them to press against my bladder and cause discomfort. As a result, I tend to favor v-shaped cups. Although, some round cups have surprised me (Venus cup!!!). Now, back to Lunette. Its shape fits my anatomy nicely and is even comfortable when inserted at an angle. My cervix is routinely towards the back of my canal and close to my left vaginal wall. Whenever I insert my cup I have to aim it towards that direction and my cup always ends up sitting at an angle instead of straight up and down. This used to bother me because I thought something was wrong. My gynecologists has reassured me all is well and I’ve had no issues because of it.

All About The Lunette Stem

Some of you may wonder about the stem. The Lunette stem is solid, flexible and has notches. It is not the softest stem but is also not the firmest I’ve felt. I would describe it as average in texture. The stem is also average in length (.8” long). Those of us with a high cervix wouldn’t complain if it was longer...but I digress. Menstrual cup users have varying opinions about stems. If you are very sensitive and find that the stem irritates you it can be trimmed or removed completely. Removing the menstrual cup is easier with a stem so unless your cervix is average to low you may want to keep at least a a notch or two. Although the stem should only be used to locate the cup and bring the cup closer until you can reach the base, if the cup is too far up the base can be difficult to reach without a stem.

I happen to not be sensitive to the texture of a stem. Once inserted I rarely notice them and those that I can feel don’t rise to the level of bothering me. This could be due to the fact that I’ve birthed two children and so a stem is the least of my worries :-). Since I’ve only used menstrual cups as a mom I don’t have any pre-childbirth experience to draw from. Nonetheless, everyone is different so just be mindful that if stems bother you they are customizable and you’re not alone.

What’s Not To Like?

Lunette comes in all sorts of pretty colors so they’re an easy sell in my opinion. The individuals who might not be sold on a Lunette are those with a heavy flow (the size 2 holds 30 ml and the size 1 holds 25 ml). Once again these capacities are pretty average so if you have a heavy flow there are quite a few cups that won’t measure up. Some individuals also might not be a fan of the firmness. Lunette’s firmness is comparable to Lena and Saalt. Unlike Lena and Saalt, Lunette does not offer a sensitive or soft version. I’ve found the size 1 Lunette to have a firm rim and softer body and the size 2 to have a universal firmness with a slightly firmer secondary rim (the part that is branded with the name Lunette). Obviously, if the firmness of the Lunette bothers you then it isn’t the right cup for you. You may want to try different placements before throwing in the towel. One cup I tried was noticeably uncomfortable until I placed it a bit higher and closer to my cervix.

Those are my thoughts on this cup. I hope it helps someone or at least made for a great quick read.

Take care,

Erika