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Are Menstrual Cups and Discs Comfortable?

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Period cups and discs are becoming popular as eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives to pads and tampons. But if you’re thinking about making the switch, you may wonder: do they hurt? Learn: Menstrual Disc vs Menstrual Cup What Are Period Cups and Discs? Menstrual cups are small, flexible bell-shaped devices made of medical-grade silicone. They sit inside the vagina to collect menstrual fluid, staying in place with gentle suction. You can wear them for up to 12 hours before needing to empty, clean, and reinsert. Menstrual discs are similar but sit higher in the vaginal canal, encircling the cervix. They don’t rely on suction and provide a snug fit by resting behind the pubic bone. Learn: Is a disposable menstrual disc or reusable disc better for me? Do They Hurt? Most of the time, no—they shouldn’t cause pain if inserted properly. It may take some trial and error to get the placement right, but discomfort isn’t normal. If you feel pressure or cramping, it likely means the product ne...

Menstrual Cups vs. Menstrual Discs: What’s the Difference?

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Both menstrual cups and menstrual discs collect period flow for up to 12 hours. Cups, like the Saalt Cup, are always reusable, while discs, like the Saalt Disc, come in both reusable and disposable options. Placement & Fit Menstrual cups create a light suction seal and sit in the vaginal canal, similar to a tampon. Discs rest higher in the vaginal fornix, secured behind the pubic bone without suction. Discs can also be worn during penetrative period sex for a mess-free experience. Capacity & Materials Cups hold 2-4 tampons worth of fluid, while discs can hold 3-6 tampons worth. Both are made from medical-grade silicone and, when properly cared for, last up to 10 years. Insertion & Removal Cups are folded before insertion, while discs are pinched into a figure-8 shape. Both should be inserted toward the tailbone. To remove, cups require breaking the suction seal, while discs are pulled from behind the pubic bone. Care & Cleaning Reusable cups and discs should be rins...

The Four Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle

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At Saalt, we talk a lot about periods—but did you know your body is always in a menstrual cycle, not just during your period? Understanding all four phases of your cycle helps you better support your body’s needs. 1. Menstrual Phase (Your Period) This phase lasts 3-7 days, bringing symptoms like fatigue, cramping, mood swings, and bloating. Listen to your body—rest is key! Saalt’s menstrual cups and leakproof underwear provide 12-hour protection so you can go about your day worry-free. 2. Follicular Phase (Pre-Ovulation) Energy returns, mood stabilizes, and focus improves. Take advantage of this phase to be active, tackle new projects, and feel your best. 3. Ovulation Phase This short phase (1-3 days) is when an egg is released. You may experience spotting, cramping, or thicker discharge. Keep leakproof panties handy for extra protection. 4. Luteal Phase (Pre-Period) Lasting 11-18 days, this phase often brings PMS symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and acne. Slow down, practice sel...

Why Is My Period Cup Leaking

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So, you finally made the switch to a reusable menstrual cup (yay, go you!), but now you’re noticing some unexpected leaks. Annoying? Yes. Fixable? Absolutely. Here are four common reasons why your period cup may be leaking—and how to troubleshoot these issues. Your Cup Isn’t Fully Opened After inserting your cup, check to make sure it has fully opened. If it isn’t, try rotating, pumping the base of your cup, or try a different fold. Cup Placement If your cup is placed too high in the vaginal canal next to your cervix, blood will pass alongside it, leading to leaks. Unlike tampons, which sit higher, menstrual cups work best when placed lower in the vaginal canal. Your Cup Has Overfilled If you notice your cup is nearly full (¾ of the way or more) when you remove it, your flow might be heavier than your cup’s capacity allows. Consider sizing up to switching to a menstrual disc for higher capacity.   Wrong Cup Size A cup that’s too small may not create a strong enough seal, while a ...

Autodumping and Self-Emptying with Menstrual Discs

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If you’ve heard the term autodumping (or self-emptying) when talking about menstrual discs , you might be wondering what it means. Simply put, self-emptying happens when a menstrual disc partially empties itself while using the bathroom. Unlike menstrual cups , discs sit in the vaginal fornix without suction, allowing them to shift slightly when you relax your muscles to use the restroom. This movement can release some fluid into the toilet, a natural and often helpful feature that can extend wear time without needing to remove the disc. Not everyone experiences auto-dumping. Factors like pelvic floor strength, disc design, and disc sizing can affect whether it happens. Some discs stay firmly in place, while others shift more easily. Is it normal? Absolutely! Autodumping doesn’t mean your disc is leaking, it’s just adjusting with your body’s movements. Many users appreciate it as a way to avoid overflow on heavier days. As long as your disc only self-empties when using the restroom,...

Maximizing Comfort: How Long to Wear Your Period Cup Safely

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If you’re new to the world of reusable period products, you might be wondering: How long can I actually wear a period cup ? The short answer? Up to 12 hours. Yep, you read that right—an entire half-day of leak-free, worry-free period protection. But how and why is this possible? The Science Behind the 12-Hour Wear Time Most menstrual cups and menstrual discs are designed to be worn safely for up to 12 hours because most brands are made from 100% medical-grade silicone, which is non-porous and resistant to bacteria. This means it won’t absorb your flow or create a breeding ground for germs, unlike some disposable products. The 12-hour window also helps reduce the risk of infections. Learn: Is a disposable menstrual disc or reusable menstrual disc right for you? How Flow and Sizing Affect Your Wear Time  There are a couple factors that go into how long you personally may be able to wear your period cup or disc for; sizing and flow. If you have a smaller cup and heavier flow, you m...

What reusable period care essentials should you keep in your car?

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We’ve all been there—your period arrives unexpectedly, and you're unprepared. Whether you've recently switched to a period cup or menstrual disc , or want to ditch tampons for good, keeping a menstrual essentials kit in your car ensures you’re always ready. Backup Cup or Disc : Keep a spare menstrual cup or disc in your car for emergencies. Having an extra one stored in your glove box can save you when you least expect it. These reusable products are ideal for long wear, offering up to 12 hours of protection. Cleaning & Care Basics : With a travel kit, you can easily rinse and clean your cup or disc in public bathrooms. Just fill a squirt bottle with water, and you’re good to go. Personal cleansing wipes are also handy for quick, gentle cleaning of your cup or personal area, and they’re biodegradable and flushable. Leakproof Panties : Period underwear are a lifesaver when you need a fresh, dry pair. With their super-thin, absorbent gusset, you can stay dry and comfortabl...