This month I am continuing my adventure into the world of alternative products for period protection. My last blog post in this series was about the Diva Cup, and you can read about it here. It was quite the learning experience! In fact, I was having a conversation with my cousin the other day about the trials and tribulations of the Diva Cup and she said the first time she used it she was sure she’d have to go to the emergency room to have it removed! I almost died laughing! But I digress…onto the Softcup (now called Softdisk).
What is The Softcup?
The Softcup is somewhat similar to the Diva Cup and looks kind of like a diaphragm. It is disposable and you’ve got two options, 1) the original Instead Softcup is used for 12 hours and then thrown away or 2) the newest version the Reusable Softcup that you use for your entire cycle and then throw away. I find it to be A LOT easier to use than the Diva Cup but not as financially or environmentally friendly. At the same time, it has a smaller footprint on the earth, our health and on our wallets than tampons and pads. A Diva Cup costs about 40 bucks, a box of 14 one-use Instead Softcups costs about $17.50 while a box of tampons typically costs $4.99-6.99.
The health aspect of menstrual cups is obviously very appealing to me. Tampons and pads are made with some really scary ingredients. Do you really want to expose your delicate lady parts to these products every month for years on end? No, I don’t think so. The Softcup has zero absorbency which means zero risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and it’s made of hypo-allergenic, latex-free, non-toxic material – the same material used for catheters and baby bottle nipples.
How long does the Softcup last?
One Softcup is supposed to last for 12 hours, much longer than the average pad or tampon. This is a major perk for women who are constantly on the go. And isn’t that practically everyone?
Can you have sex while using the Softcup?
Biggest Bonus: The Softcup loves to make love. Yup, you can have sex while using the Softcup and neither you or your partner will feel it. Less messy period sex? I’ll let my readers be the judge of that one! 🙂
*This next bit is for the ladies only*
I was a little concerned because I have never used anything like the Soft Cup before, and wasn’t sure how it was all going to go down. Of course my biggest question was: Will it work? Keep reading to find out…
How do you insert a Softcup?
Basically one should sit (preferably on the toilet), squeeze the rim together and push the Softcup down and towards the back so that it sits under the cervix. Pretty much the same as a diaphragm, except it has a slightly different purpose – Ha! It should be pushed back until it can’t go anymore, that way you’ll know that it’s in the right spot!
Do not push the Softcup upward as it will stop in front of the cervix. This is not the correct position for the Softcup and can cause leakage. If that happens, just pull it out and then reinsert pushing downward and back. Inside your body, the Softcup molds itself immediately to your unique internal shape, forming a personal fit that ensures comfort and helps prevent leakage.
When the Softcup is inserted properly, you shouldn’t feel it. The Softcup fits exactly in the natural space just below the cervix. If you feel something in the vaginal canal (like a tampon can feel), the Softcup is probably not far enough inside you. Just remove and try again. I recommend starting on one of your lighter days. Just as when you first started using tampons it took some time to get used to, Softcup takes some time to adjust to.
I followed the detailed instruction leaflet in the box and on my first two attempts there was a leakage situation within 2-3 hours (think that was my fault!). But the third time was gold – it lasted for 10 hours! Wooohooo! I was so excited, especially since I was such a fail at the Diva Cup 🙂 I have since used the Softcup again and for sure I’ve found my new favorite period product!
Where can you buy the Softcup?
You can buy the Softcup at Amazon.
Ever tried the Softcup before? Or any other cup? Had any good/bad/crazy experiences you want to share? Oh I know you do! 🙂
122 thoughts on “The Softdisk & Softcup Review”
My trouble with the soft cup is that I can’t get it to stay in, no matter how much I push it up behind my pubic bone.
Enjoyed your blog. Trying softcup for the first time myself this cycle, very informative.
At first when I tried soft disk I was absolutely loving them! Tossed out tampon’s and thick pads too! But I’m not sure what I’m suddenly doing wrong? They leak every time now! I didn’t change anything or anyway of putting them in either. I’m doing EVERYTHING to push it back more but other than that nothing has changed it back to no leaks! I’m seriously bummed out cuz I thought my tampon & pad days were OVER! What else can I try? I even tried the soft cup and that was an epic fail too!!!
I bought these last cycle but I had leakage issues so I’m trying again. It is still leaking. Like gushing out. I pushed down and back and then up above my pubic bone. It didn’t feel like there was enough space above my pubic bone or like that it wasn’t going to stay. Its stayed and I can’t feel it at all but its not working. What am I doing wrong? I’m 38, I’ve had 3 kids and I wear the paraguard IUD which I Belice makes my periods super heavy around day 5 and 6 and it usually lasts 8 days. Ugh! I really want this to work and I’ve used a cup with good success however I believe my cervix shifts down at the end of my cycle and my cup always felt like it was falling out by my heavy days. Help! I’m too old for this crap! Lol!
I’m 19 w no kids lol and this exact thing is happening to me. I push it in down and back. I’ve tried using my finger to push it behind my pubic bone and I’ve even tried doing kegels to let it position itself into place but everytime it still bleeds and leaks as if there’s nothing even there. I’m so frustrated.
Me too
I am the same way!!!! Doen to the iud!!! I love these but lately I’ve been having wicked keaking issues
Still have not tried soft cups but would like to since we only use phase 3 to have sex. We would be willing to try the first 2 days but the period mess makes me think about it twice lol.
I have been super interested in trying the softcup after reading/hearing about it from a lot of different people/places. Not sure when the post was updated, but here’s my email! cr******@sb*******.net
I was on the depo shot and stopped because of horrible side effects. Since then I have had random bleeding. I’ve currently been bleeding for 3 weeks. I hate wearing pads but most times it’s not heavy enough for a tampon. I started to look into menstrual cups and was thrilled when I saw soft cups can be worn during sex. Because let’s face it, when you’ve been bleeding for weeks on end it kind of puts a damper on things. I am definitely looking forward to trying soft cups. I’m probably far too late to get in on the free trial but just in case… my email is th*************@ya***.com
My friend introduced SoftCups to me and it definitely made my periods less miserable. I have a heavier flow so on my bad days they last 4-5 hours if I put it in right. Still, it’s much better than constantly changing pads/tampons.
It’s cool that SoftCups reached out to you. I don’t know if it’s too late or not but my email address is be******@pg**.edu
I am not certain when this post was updated, but if I’m one off the 5 folks to respond, I’m looking foreward to trying the softcups out. Thanks! My email is sn********@ms*.com
soft cups are a god send! I’ve been using them for 5 years & will never use anything else. I have a very heavy flow & these have allowed me to feel normal & not have to run to the bathroom every hour & stain all my clothing during my cycle 😉 I am also able to have sex without it looking like a crime scene which is also lovely. Although some men do feel it, I do not 😉 I am glad they finally have one you can use for your entire cycle, I will have to try those! I highly recommend these to women that are very active!
AMAZING!!!!!! I’m so mad I haven’t tried this product years ago! If inserted correctly it works wonders! I would recommend this product to EVERYONE. Even if I’m bleeding really heavy there aren’t ANY leaks. And sex? Oh yes! It’s very possible! Just make sure you empty after intercourse. My boyfriend didn’t even know I had it in! It even made the sex feel better!!! Good money saver!
I have been using soft cups for periods but lately my wife and I are ttc so it was recommended to try them after AI and I just did it today and I have to say it’s much cleaner! No leaking and it helps keep the sperm in place for the extra help I love it fingers crossed!! ????
These hang into my vagina as well, even when pushing all the way back. If I try to push further, it hurts. When I stick my finger into my vagina I can feel the cup. HOWEVER, I don’t leak at all and they last ALL DAY. So I guess I am putting them in correctly, maybe my cervix is just very short. I am a very petite person and my doctor once told me during an exam my vagina is unusually short as well. These cups are worth it for me though, I never want to use a tampon again. I forget I’m even wearing it, which is pretty amazing.
I tried this about 5 years ago. I have an irregular period. At that time I was tired of having long periods and my doc saying it was ok. So I got them just to have sex with. And they worked the guy didn’t complain. I would never use them for sex on my heavy days.. but on med to light days they worked great. I loved then so much I have purchased on and off for years. They are messy to take out but I only use them for sex. They have a spot right next to my condoms. I have yet to tell a guy I’ve had one but I figure they either don’t care or they have on a condom and don’t know. About to go buy another box. So in my opinion sex approved. . I couldn’t get use to everyday wear. I’m not big on tampons either.. But great to put on before your date and there will be no problems.
Trying it for the first time. Insertion seemed very easy. Wearing a pantyliner just in case, to check for leakage. In a newer relationship and don’t want to wait a week to have sex. Hoping this is a real solution because I’m sick of having a messy period.
Okay, so I have Softcups now, and I haven’t experienced any blood leaks unless I check by sticking my finger in….. awkward but okay. I saw someone say you’re supposed to push it down and far enough until it can’t go no more and touches your cervix, but when I put a soft cup in, I just push it in far enough until I can’t feel it. But I’ve noticed I have a pressure in my vagina, of course that could just be regular cramps? Was just wondering how to know where my cervix is, how close to my cervix it should be placed, and also, people say you can have sex while on your period and you usually cant feel it. But when I stick my finger into my vagina, I can feel the rim, so that’s another reason I feel that it’s placed wrong?
I have this same problem. When I walk or move I also feel some pressure even though i pushed it as far as it could go several different times and it was always in the same spot. I dont even have to push my finger far in order to feel the rim of the cup because its so close to my vaginal opening. I wonder if the cup is too big because I followed the directions on the box and from others with the same results. Then it was painful to insert but it could be because I’m not sexually active.
I’ve used the softcup for several cycles now. I don’t “push it up all the way” I insert it until I feel it kinda nestle behind my pubic bone, and never feel it during the day. The only time I feel it is once I’m on lighter days it tugs on my skin a little while I’m inserting it and I have to wait for my body to situate it better inside me- maybe do a little wiggle LOL. But after that initial feeling I wear it all day without a second thought! When I take it out at the end of the day I bear down and it pops out from behind my pubic bone and I hook it out. I would definitely recommend!!
I’ve used the softcup, I’m actually on my 2nd purchase. It works really well but it sometimes leaks. I’ve noticed it only shows up while I wipe after the restroom, and when I’m actually using the “restroom.” I’ve used it during sex, and there was no mess. I’m not sure if he felt it, but he didn’t complain. I didn’t feel it, but I couldn’t get as “wet” but I usually feel that way during my period anyways. Just make sure you use a little foreplay. However, sometimes I feel like it’s leaking but nothing there. I just may overthink it but overall I like it and i’ll continue to use it. It’s alot better than using pads and tampons thats for sure!!!!
Would he feel it if he was to insert his finger while having oral?
I decided to give cups a try and purchased both the silicone diva cup and also a box of soft cups. Of course I started my period on a morning when I didn’t have much time to play around with the diva cup and honestly didn’t expect it to be too difficult. I tried inserting it in the shower as recommended and I couldn’t get it to ‘pop’ open, I tried different folds but nothing. Being a 30 year old woman who has given birth 3 times I didn’t think this would be a problem. It just wasn’t instant success and I was running late with no backup other than the soft cups who h I also didn’t have any experience with. I folder the soft cups, pushed it in and it seemed to be in place. I checked it several times over the next couple hours with zero leaks so I was happy. Yes, you have to reach in and hook the edge and pull it out which I didn’t find difficult or messy (at least no more so than expected). I have since continued using the he soft cups with no issue and have yet to try to silicone diva cup again. I for sure expected to like the dica cup more and thought it would be easier but for me, soft cups is the way to go. So super easy, comfortable, and cleaner feeling than tampons. Im sure I will try out my diva cup again but I’m positive I won’t ever go back to using tampons.
My friend introduced me to soft cup because my boyfriend dont like sex while period is around and I’m still not sure about them but only tried them a couple times second time was better then the first just haven’t tried the sex thing yet
I’m curious on how to tell the guy I’m dating that I’m wearing one of these. Like, I don’t feel at a level with him to straight out tell him about this, and I feel like talking about having it in would be off putting and a mood killer, but I do wanna give him a heads up so he won’t freak out. Any suggestions?
If you’re on a level that you can have sex, shouldn’t you be on a level that you can talk about your body? Just a thought…
My thoughts exactly!
I’m curious about how sex works with the softcup. I’ve been considering trying them out, I just wanna know if you will need to use lubricant or not? Since the cup will block the cervix and arousal fluid won’t be able to get in, you’d need lubricant of some kind right? If any of you have had sex while wearing the softcup, I’d love to get some tips!
I just started using them on this cycle. I was super curious about sex as well with them. So I tried it on my heavy day and my guy didn’t even notice or know I was on my period. Several different positions no leaking. Amazing!
I want to try sex with the softcup but I’m afraid ofof it being lodged, lost, or pushed to far from my reach. Did you have any issues retrieving it??
In my experience it did push it back a little farther, but like others have said don’t panic… I just had to bear down a little harder to get it out. Still very much worth it!
I bought softcups solely for sex during my period, but ended up liking it so much that is now my primary period product all cycle long. Despite claims that your partner won’t know, mine can feel it. He knows right away when I have it in. He is on the larger side also, so that may have an impact. I can feel it also, but it’s not uncomfortable for either of us, however, there’s no denying is there. Some positions more obvious than others. For instance, if I’m on top, I can feel it more and can sometimes feel an irritating ‘rubbing’ feeling. Best results have been with me laying on my back on the edge of the bed with him standing, or him entering me from behind. There is noticeable dryness using softcups for sex. Not painful, but noticeable. A little lube might do the trick here, but I’ve never been a fan of lube (nor have needed it). Overall, non-period sex is better (obviously) but sex with a cup is still pretty good. Certainly anything is better than a week without. Leaking had only been an issue once, and it wasn’t even that bad. Nothing on the sheets, but his member had a little bit on it, I had what resembled spotting when I wiped in the bathroom immediately after (as I was preparing to change it out). No biggie. That was once out of maybe 20 times. Every other session was as clean. However, as far as ‘hiding’ it from your partner? Definitely not. He will know. But, your man knows you’re a women and what nature entails for us, so menstruation shouldn’t be taboo. Our only issue was the mess, but thanks to softcups that is no longer an issue at all! We’ve even used it on some of my heaviest days. I highly recommend a clean cup immediately before, and rinsing it out after. Yes, I rinse then out and reinsert. I prefer the one-per-cycle version because the cup seems sturdier (thicker, if nothing else), but the disposable ones can be reused as well. I wouldn’t recommend more than one cycle per cup though, bit that’s just a personal preference. I wish I had known about these years ago. Sure, I still keep a few tampons on hand just incase, but softcups are my primary product now, and I’m so satisfied… especially because I can still get some booty! Haha
Hi. No it doesn’t block where your natural lubricants come from. I just had this experience. Sadly I did not tell him. I told him I was done a few days ago. (My own reasons) He hasn’t noticed at all.
Hi. I usually squirt when I have sex. Would this block my squirt? My guys loves it and I don’t want to get dry
I have used soft cups way back wgen they first came out, but always seemed to have problems. I recently tried them again and they work great, but notice that when I go potty that leak. Anyone else have this trouble? And if you did, is there a fix?
I started using softcup about 6 months ago. I think it took me about 2 cycles to really get the hang of it. Learning to insert and remove was a little tricky, and also messy. That is my one complaint, taking it out is much messier than a tampon. However overall its so worth it and I will never go back to tampons, I only wish I had known about these sooner. They are a life changer. On my heaviest days I have to change it like every 3 to 4 hours similar to a tampon. All the other days I can use for 12 hours. I have never had any leaks overnight, which I constantly did when using tampons. Also you can have sex with them in. My husband said that he can feel it, but it didn’t bother him and was not painful. I always change it right before we are going to have sex. Also a couple of times after it was hard to remove, it felt like it got pushed back and more suctioned on. I think the key is not to panic, just relax and try to push down a bit then you can reach it better to remove. One more thing I wanted to add, have you ever looked up any info on the harmful chemicals that are in tampons? I had no idea. These are definitely better for your body. I used to get such bad cramps and since using the softcup they’ve gone away completely. I can’t say enough good things about them! Try them!!!
Is the cervix supposed to be inside the cup? When I insert the cup, I feel like I have it positioned correctly because I cannot feel it at all, however, I was leaking a lot. I decided to check my cervix and it is right at the opening of my vagina. If I insert the cup all the way back to my pelvic bone, I completely bypass my cervix. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
Hey Lisa, your cervix is definitely not at the opening of your vagina. The orifice you are seeing that you think is your cervix is most likely your urethra, which is inside the labia minora, along with your vagina. The cervix cannot be at the opening, because the cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which is inside.
If you are having leaking, it is certainly an issue with positioning, but the cup is probably not inserted far enough in I’m guessing. Pulling it out more definitely will not help–and your cervix is deeper, not more external as you are thinking.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
What am I doing wrong??? I just can’t seem to be able to get it in the right way?
Actually Julie I have the same problem. My vagina is about 1.5 inch deep (though it will easily stretch to accommodate a 6+ inch penis during sexual intercourse).
And my cervix is positioned about midway between the opening and the back of my vagina (so situated roughly at 0.7 inch from the opening).
If I contract my vaginal muscles, I can occasionally push my cervix out of the opening of my vagina.
So if I use the Diva Cup, the cervix is fully inside, and a small part of the bottom of the cup is outside of my vagina (not enough for me to feel it when I sit or walk around. But if I put my finger there, I will feel the bottom).
Instead Softcup did not work at all for me because it was simply WAY TOO BIG to remain inside the vagina.
I could put it in (because, like I said, my vaginal walls can easily stretch to accommodate larger objects).
But, as soon as I would contract my vaginal muscles a little bit, it would be pushed outside!
Even if I was very careful to keep those muscles as relaxed as possible, if I went to pee, just the small muscular contraction of the pelvis would push the cup outside of the vagina, and the pee would just fall into it (and then I had to throw it away).
For most women, the cervix is situated 3 to 6 inches into the vagina. But given that the full length of my vagina is 1.5 inch, that would be an anatomical impossibility!
Also, the position of the cervix can vary in some women. I know mine is weirdly situated (on the anterior wall rather than at the back). According to my gynecologist it’s no cause for concern, just a variation that happens sometimes.
So it could indeed be possible that your cervix is right at the opening. Uncommon, but far from impossible.
I’ve switch to the 12 hour soft cup. I love it! Sex is not difficult and my partner is very endowed. No leakage yet. I wore pads and tampons with my difficult heavy periods and often felt raw days after ending from rubbing against so much cotton! No more raw feeling. I am a nurse and used a Nuva ring previously and I felt that helped me getting use to removing the cup. I suggest using the middle finger to removed squatted over the bathroom floor. It’s longer and helps hook easier. Bearing down squatted it will push closer. Good luck ladies! Happy to be free of the cotton devils!
I’m considering using it this weekend with my partner. I read on another review that if you can try to feel it with your finger then most likely your partner will feel it too. Is this true? Also, were you able to try different positions without him feeling it? Thoughts please! 😉
Hi Jen! I’m curious how your experience was. If you’re still looking for feedback, can I ask you to post this on theKnow Your Flow community? We’ve got a lot of women in the group and you’ll get a wider range of opinions. 😉
I’ve been using this for a long while now. However, I’m pretty sure I “lock” it behind my pelvic bone. I very rarely have any leakage. Is this not correct? Also has your partner ever felt it during sex?
My little sister told me that these were all the rage at her school and I’d love it. Long story short, I did not insert it correctly. The soft cup was stuck in my vagina tucked above my pubic bone. After about an hour of laughing and crying, sometimes simultaneously and other times alone, I called my premed ex because it was 12am on a Wednesday. While that may have been the just about strangest thing to call an ex about, he found a medical journal and read it to me to which had step by step removal advice. What worked for me was straddling the toilet once I was very relaxed and pushing on the product with my index finger to relieve some of the air pressure. Once it wasn’t so suctioned, I was able to hook it out with my pointer finger. I think I’ll stick to tampons for a while after that.
I was wondering if there is any harm done if the soft cup was forgotten, and left in for multiple days? (at the very end of the period)
Hi Jamie! I recommend joining my Know Your Flow Facebook group and posting your comment/questions in there, that way I can answer your question!
Warmly,
Nicole
It’s my first cycle on these, and I think it’s making my cramps worse…?
Hey R, if you think it’s making your cramps worse that you should try one cycle without it and see what happens. If it’s the culprit then I suggest trying another menstrual product.
xoxo,
Nicole
It is my first time using this product and I was having a difficult time inserting, but reading your blog was like a girl to girl talk and I finally understood back not up lol. And so far I feel confident using it. Thank you so much for your help !!!
So glad I could help, Marii!
I reuse one disposable for my entire cycle. I shower twice a day and just remove it while I’m in the shower, I remove the cup, rinse the cup, rinse myself and reinsert-no mess at all.
There are a lot of incredible questions on here, but it’s so much easier to get clear answers in our Know Your Flow Facebook group. Just paste the following link into your browser:http://tinyurl.com/pkflo6r There are tons of women in there who’ve had similar experiences and it’s much more private. I also have a free Period Survival Guide for you here: http://tinyurl.com/nh7y55g
Hi first time trying the soft cup I think I put it in right but there is still blood on the pad not sure if it’s not in right spot or what but I don’t feel it so thought I had it in right help
I’ve just tried Softcup during intercourse for the first time yesterday. This is the second cycle I’ve used Softcup, and I’m loving it. My partner knew I have my cycle, so he was kind of expecting a mess. He did not feel the cup, but there was a bit of leakage, not a lot. During the second and third times, I had a new one inserted and it still leaked. I feel that he may have pushed it further? Has anyone has this problem?
I tried to have intercourse while using a disposable cup and my partner immediately felt it and said it really hurt. So no more of that, but it’s pretty great as a whole. It doesn’t leak at all and it lasts way longer than a pad or tampon.
I really love this product the 12 hour wear is amazing. Camping, Boating, Swimming and sports are not a worry for me. However I have had intercourse a few times with it and at first there was no issue. Twice now after intercourse the ring has almost been impossible to remove. So difficult I thought I would have to go to the doctor to have it removed. It had felt like my tissue had formed around the ring. Could it have been I tensed up? Eventually it did come free about a half hour of trying to get it. If anyone has answers to why this may have happened or similar experience I would love to hear It because I love this products but has given me a scare.
Hey Shelly!
Wow – that’s crazy! You may want to check my Know Your Flow group on Facebook for some answers. There’s a bunch of women using them in there! Here’s the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fixyourperiod/
So I think I just need some help trouble shooting my problem. Hopefully someone can help. I just started using the soft up and my flow is relatively heavy. I have not leaked using the soft cup BUT the three times I have when to the bathroom with the soft cup I have leaked all the contents. Am I mis placing it? Is it just full. Literally what happened with the most recent was this morning I took out the old one which seemed full and popped Ina new one. Went to work and about 1 1/2 from the insertion went to the bathroom. I pee’d and when I looked down there was blood in the toilet!!!! And so I didn’t feel comfortable returning to work without taking it out so I had to take it out. Gross for the at work environment!!! And luckily I had back up tampons. So, what am I doing wrong or is my flow just that heavy. Please help, I want it to work so bad!!!
The cup leaking or emptying the blood when you pee is normal. That was even stated on the insert that comes with the softcups. It happens when I go to. Once I return to normal activity after I pee it doesn’t leak. Don’t worry about it!
Here is my concern, I just purchased this today and inserted it. IT seemed to hang low in the vagina. SO any intercourse with my partner he would for sure feel it if I can with my finger. Did I just insert it incorrectly???
I just wanted to comment to all the ladies out there asking the valid sex question! I have tried it only once, and this was with my ex boyfriend. I didn’t tell him about it ahead of time thinking that if he KNEW he would be able to feel it. We didn’t use a condom as I was on birth control so if he felt it he didn’t say anything and never asked me about it. So as far as I know he didn’t feel it! We enjoyed it too so no worries! I’m trying it on my new boyfriend however so we’ll see how that goes, because who knows all guys are different! Also no blood leaked out during sex so no worries there, and I personally couldn’t feel it either. Just maybe make sure you’re on the bottom just in case, and be sure to change to a fresh one right before! 🙂
I am going on a trip with my husband and I will be getting my period exactly on those days. I need reviews on the soft cup durring sex. I have used it for two months now and love it. Although it does leak a little sometimes I just use a liner and that’s it instead of 5 pads per day on heavy days. But help what is sex like within in?
What section can u find these in in stores? Iv looked at. my local walmart near the tampons and pads and it says on the softcup site they sell them at that walmart but i haven’t found them. the employees don’t seem to know what they are either and its a bit awkward to go into detail about haha
They’re usually on the bottom shelves at the pharmacy. CVS RiteAid
I got mine at rite aide
They are indeed extremely comfortable. The only drawback is that Softcups are made of Polyethylene and Mineral Oil, both of which are known endocrine disruptors, which are linked to fertility problems (the fact that they claim that they use the same materials as in medical catheters, baby bottles and nipples doesn’t make those chemicals any less offensive). So if you have any hormonal issue, or don’t want to have them in the future, I would be very cautious using these all the time.. Very sad, as I really like the idea.. I hope they come up with a more natural alternative one day…
I haven’t successfully used it yet, but I’m giving it a second try right now. The problem I encountered the first time: it didn’t fit. I could never get it to a point where I couldn’t feel it and it always leaked. I read up on the reusable cups and they have different sizes based on age and whether a woman has had a child.
A couple of years and the birth of my son later I’m giving it another shot and I had no problem getting it in and I can’t feel a thing. This is only the first day and I won’t have significant flow until tomorrow so I can’t say right now whether it will still leak.
So, if some of you are having a hard time getting them to fit right (and especially if you’re in your teens or early 20s and/or have not had children, or possibly if you’re very petite) you might want to try some other brands or even go ahead and try ordering a reusable because they come in different sizes.
Thanks for the advice, Amanda! I hope your test with the new size works for you.
I have been using softcup for only 3 months now and I am very impressed. I will never purchase tampons again. It was bit tricky inserting it correctly the first time but like alot of things, practice makes perfect 🙂 I purchased a box of 8 for£5 from Boots which is the only place I have seen them. Getting through my period now for me is much less hassle and actually more fun than I ever thought it could be!! :))
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i love the softcup. it works well on light and heavy days and unlike some other posts i have found, i put it in with no worries from the very first time. my husband is a hornball, so being out of comission for any amount of time is sadsville for us. with the softcups, it has allowed us to have more days of intimacy than any other product on the market. the best part about softcups is that when hubby and i decided to have another baby, this product doubled as a fertility aid. after sex, i inserted the softcup inside over night to help sperm swim to egg. and i am proud to say that only after two tries,, we are preggo and ecstatic…would definately recommend this product to any menstruating or ttc woman. thanks softcups! (sorry for typos and spelling errors)
I really want to try soft cup but the reader that past out for 20 seconds has me extremely nervous. I only want to use it when I think I’m going to be intimate. Luckily my boyfriend is a nurse.
I tried these once (well, 2 or 3 times over one period). I bled for 35 days straight! That has NEVER happened to me before. Was the the Softcup? I don’t know…but I’m never going to use it again.
I’ve been using the Softcup for about 2 years now and I love it! It’s like my period isn’t even happening. I have yet to try sex with it in, but since reading the comments I think it’s worth a try. My first few tries to get it in were not successful, but once I realized I needed to angle it downward and back it slid right in. Tampons never fit right, always uncomfortable for me so when I found this it was a godsend. For the mess while removing I have used disposable gloves and basically use the glove like a bag to contain everything. Not bad to have in your purse if you are in a pinch to remove the cup while not at home.
Glad to hear you are loving it! There’s definitely a ‘trick’ to getting it right, but it is worth the perseverance.
I tried using the Softcup but I can’t seem to get it in. I’ve never used tampons before. Also, I don’t know if this could be a cause, but I’m a virgin. If anyone could give me some tips, I’d really like to give these a try.
Hi Trudy! They definitely can be tricky. Check out http://www.bepreparedperiod.com for some great resources that can help you.
Does anyone know where I can purchase in nz other than online stores? Id ideally like to get my hands on some tomorrow!!! Big night planned 🙁
Just a couple quick comments:
1) Ditto on being near a sink when removing the Softcup. I took it out one time and the contents spilled – ugh! Luckily I was at home when that happened, but I made a point of not removing it in public restrooms after that. A panty liner was sufficient protection for the rare times it was full and leaked.
2) The thing is AWESOME if you have sex during your period. My partner has even given me oral (near the end of my period) and had no clue it was in place. I just put it in a couple hours beforehand, rinsed my vag with plain water while in the shower, and was good to go.
Terrific product!
I tried this product 2 months ago. About 5 minutes after comfortably inserting the Soft Cup I fainted and convulsed. Luckily my boyfriend was there and barely managed to catch me before my head hit the ground. I was said to have been out for about 20 seconds before I came to and, in my frightened nauseas daze, demanded my boyfriend remove it (which was done quite promptly). Afterwards I was a little shaken but overall fine. When I visited the hospital everything turned out fine. They just recommended I do not use the product anymore. I have never had issues with fainting, siezures, or anything of the sort before or since that occurance. I’ve heard of occurances like these happening with simular products as well so really really read into this before you try this product. And please, make sure if it is your first time using it especially that you are not alone. I’m lucky I had someone there with me or there is no telling what could’ve hapened to me. I’m so fortunate I had someone I trust there with me. Please keep this comment in mind for your own well being. Just that it may work very well for some, but not others.
Jasmine, thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience. I’m sorry to hear you had such a reaction. Research is always so important when trying new products, and it’s great to get both the positive and negative feedback. Hope you’re feeling ok now!
Jasmine,
This just happened to me last night! Ive never fainted or convulsed before. Its very scary! Luckily my husband was there. After I came to we went to the ER and evergthing is ok. Im wondering if you have ever had this happen to you since for any reason? Or any types of fainting and/or convulsions, if this experience possibly triggered them to happen more or if this was the only time. Please email me at th**********@gm***.com
Thank you and hope all it well
Carrie
I absolutely love the softcup. I can’t even tell I am using anything. I used them once before and then couldn’t find them in any local stores so had to switch back to tampons. So glad when I found them in my local Walmart.
I meant to say I rinse the DISPOSABLE Softcup and reuse it. I see no huge difference between the reusable and disposable except the cost.
I’ve used Softcup for over a year now and won’t use anything else (except a panty liner with it). Contrary to its warning about usage with an IUD — which is merely a liability necessity — I have had zero issues. The truth is, to reach the IUD string is crazy hard and the softcup is not close enough to confuse the two or accidentally pull the IUD string (really?!). Also, I rinse the reusable Softcup and reuse it for my whole period. I had a sample of the reusable one and there is practically no difference. The reusable one may have a sturdier material, but I have never had an issue re-using the disposable one for the entire duration.
Sex is less messy by far which is a huge perk.
The only negative is you HAVE to be near a sink when you need to empty the contents or just resign yourself to the fact that at work or on the go, you just have to dispose of that cup and get a fresh one. It is a drippy, bloody mess and a sink next to you is essential to rinse off and re-insert.
I LOVE softcup. I am a heavy bleeder and its just amazing. I haven’t tried sex while using one, yet, so I have no comment on that. I can however attest to their other claims as being valid. It’s easy to use. The first time you remove one, it might be a little scary. I love it. I will never, ever use tampons again.
I remember these from about 10+ years ago. Don’t remember why I went back to tampons. I decided to given these a try again. And I think I am now hooked. I hate the dryness from tampons, and the mess. I’m glad I came across your post.
Thank you
I had never heard of these until a couple days ago, I called around where I live and found soft cup. I got it on my first try! It was like I had no period at all!! I only remembered when I went to the bathroom and when it was time to change it! I love it. I’m so glad something better and safer came out!!
I was very skeptical about the Softcup, but typically three days before my holiday to Spain I came on my cycle. Went to the doctor yesterday for the contraceptive (after a very long wait!). Needless to say that he said even though I had only just started, it would not work ARGHHHHH!!! So I Googled what I could use instead; lemons, gelatin, sex, and I was quite seriously contemplating them all, when I came across Softcup. I researched into where to buy them (not that widely available in England) and finally found them. Tried one overnight; I have to mention that I have very long, heavy irregular periods (hence not going to the doctor beforehand); and I was astounded! It only leaked a little, after eight hours sleep, when I stood up to go to the bathroom. This didn’t surprise me because it was full. So I used another this morning and have done my thirty minutes of morning yoga…no leaks!!! I am henceforth a convert. I will spread the word to my friends and family.
I am trying the softcup right now myself, I’m really curious about if anyone has actually tried having sex with it in yet. I used to be on the nuvaring and I know my boyfriend could feel that during sex, so I’m willing to bet he will feel the softcup. But my worry really is leakage
If it can leave just from muscle movement while peeing (which it says on the website it can) how can it possibly not leak while having sex?
i just got these, i am gonna try them tomorrow on my period, i just wish i could find the reusable ones
Thanks so much for sharing. And that website is really really helpful! Thanks so much!
I must have a different shaped vagina or something because after many attempts I could never get the soft cup to fit right. It felt too big for me. Has anyone ever heard of anyone else having this problem?
Can you have sex with the softcup? I have done my research and ive read that the guy can actually feel it..
Hi Amanda, I am so sorry to hear that. You should reach out to Softcup and mention your experience. Maybe this has happened to other women and there is a reason for it. Big hug!
I tried them and I had a lot of pain and swelling. It got to the point where removing the softicup was so painful that it took me five minutes to take it out. I was really upset about this because I hate using tampons.
Hi Angela, you should totally try them and see if they work for you. There are illustrations on the box and on the package insert. Honestly if I can use them anyone can. I have not had much luck with a lot of other products before. Good luck!
i am so curious and want to try the soft cup. im very unsure. is there illustrations in the package directions?
I was wondering if you clot a lot does it still work?
Evelyna! This is fantastic! I’m so happy you stumbled across my post! 🙂
I’m getting married soon my I thought my period would ruin my honeymoon until I read this article
Im trying the softcup tonite and i cant feel any discomfort and it took a couple of tries but it feels comfortable. I found a box of 14 for 5 bucks at the local walmart so they’re not very expensive.
Omg, been contplating using the softcup for a week or so now. Mainly for mess free sex as I am on the implant and have constant bleeding at the moment. And my new partner freaks at the sight of blood. Anyway just put my first one in, and I’m so amazed it went in so easily! Concerned because it was so easy that it’s not in correctly but will wait and see. Here’s to some great sex! Thanks softcup
There used to be a similar product out approximately 30-40 years ago that I loved SO much, and may have been made by OB. It was much more “sturdy”, and seemingly made out of pink rubber with little suction grippers around the sturdy but bendable rim as well as a rubber “loop” at the closed end with which to pull the little booger out with easily. The reason that I am commenting here is for you and your readers to check and possibly call the company to ask: What is the possibility of contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome? ( which is exactly the reason that the FDA gave for pulling the cup off the market all those years ago) Of course, I ran out and purchased all of the cups that I could find within a 25 mile radius of my home, but eventually, I ran out of them and had to begin using tampons again. (These days I am WELL past having to worry about menstrual blood) however, the earlier cup on the market seemed much more sturdy than the Softcup, and even more well built than the Diva cup, which looks like it could hurt if not inserted properly and the stem trimmed at the bottom. I honestly thought that they stopped making it because it was so STURDY that it was also multi-use, period after period, if you wanted to take the time to clean it, and they were probably losing money because once you owned a package, you almost didn’t need another one until the following year! It’s a great concept though, and I was just bemoaning the loss of their production to my daughter in law today, and then I saw your blog. They seem to sell them at my Walmart, and I will certainly go look them up for her to try. (I didn’t know about them, as I don’t need to frequent that section of the store any longer ) Thanks for the info though, it’s a great concept, and you really don’t know it’s in there once you’ve mastered insertion.
Anne, you should consider buying it on Amazon.com. Hopefully you can find it online somewhere! Good luck! 🙂
We can’t find this in France!!! So sad!! =/
Enjoy girls ^^
Traci, I would suggest giving it a try. There are a number of women I know who are heavy bleeders and have had success with the Softcup.
Let me know how it goes! 🙂
I am a really heavy bleeder for the first coupe days. lots of female issues.. really no leaks. I have blow by with a tampon every hour.. So any heavy bleeders? using it? What the heck it worth trying..
Hey Nicole! This is great… I’ve actually never seen this before and would be really interested in trying it. I’ll have to see if they sell them in New Zealand. I’m sure they do because they don’t sell ANY tampons with applicators. Which I love. Whereas in the States there’s only one brand that sells them WITHOUT the applicator, and sometimes even that’s hard to find. Way to go O.B! I’ll let you know if I find them!! xxx
Hey Arielle! I can’t believe they don’t sell tampons with applicators in New Zealand – that’s a whole other universe! Why is that? Def see if you find the cups over there and let me know 🙂
@Debbie, I will send you a box! I’ll email you directly in a bit.
@Grace, I had no idea that IUD users couldn’t use the Softcup.
Here is what I read on the Softcup website:
We recommend that women using an intrauterine device or IUD talk to their doctor before using Softcup as there is a risk of dislodging or removing the IUD by pulling on the IUD string while removing the Softcup. Your doctor may be able to help you determine whether there are steps you may take to safely use the Softcup and your IUD simultaneously, such as trimming the IUD string.
@Lisa, good idea to check with your doctor 🙂
LOVE the period cup! I’ve been using it for the last couple months. I can only go about 6-7 hours before it needs to be replaced and I am completely satisfied with this product.
The only concern is that I have an IUD and according to Grace on this blog, it is a no-no. I have already placed a call with my Gynecologist to inquire.
As a menstruation nerd, I’d love to try the Softcup, but it’s a no-no for IUD users 🙁
I love the softcup! My period has changed drastically in the past 5 years and it is the only product that I feel confident wearing (no leaks!) I’ve been curious about the reusable. I can’t find them anywhere.
@Katinka, thank you for posting! It’s your lucky day 🙂
@Amanda, your welcome, you’re eligible.
@Donna, I hear you on this sister!! I was totally curious about that too and it definitely gives an accurate measure. I’m also with you on the environmental issue. I would love to use the diva cup but I had too many issues with it unfortunately. I’ll be sending you the one month reusables!
Thank you ladies!! xox
I’ll give them a shot, but I am a moon-cup/ diva cup lady for the environmental benefits as well as health So are they sending you any of the 1 month re-useable ones too? Why are women so afraid of their vaginas and periods I don’t get it :p I was so curious to see how much period I actually produced and the cups provide a accurate representation. Even if it FEELS like a tidal wave there really isn’t that much mess to deal with. AND NO MORE BLEACHED PRODUCTS IN YOUR HOO HAA. Everyone should convert!
I have definitely been a DivaCup fan for a while now, but I would love the opportunity to try out the soft cups. Thanks!
Thanks so much for posting this Nicole! I wasn’t familiar with Soft cups, but somewhat unhappy with I’m currently doing. So glad to know about it!
Hey Mary! I don’t know if you saw my update just now but I am offering a free box of Softcups to my first five commenters. So it’s your lucky day. I’ll send you an email in a minute 🙂
Thanks for sharing this Nicole. I have used the Diva Cup for awhile and would like to try the Softcup too. I can totally relate to the learning curve you mentioned for both products!