https://www.blossomcup.com/pages/instructions
I'm not going to lie, originally I thought the menstrual cup was a disgusting idea, but not anymore. I now sing it's praises! I can't believe I didn't use it sooner! But there are some things to discuss when considering switching to the cup.
You will be getting verrrrry familiar with yourself. It takes a little work and practice to learn how to insert and remove the cup. Once you get the hand of it is easy, but at first you will feel like you're trying to give yourself your own Pap exam. I encourage you to relax and don't worry. For those of you who are uncomfortable with your own bodies, think of this as a chance to change that. There is no shame in your body and in understanding how your body works. It's also OK to touch yourself, which you will have to do a lot of in the beginning. To use the cup you fold it and insert it and then may need to wiggle, pull, and adjust it and may need to reach inside to feel the cup to make sure it has completely unfolded. After a few times of using the cup it will be as familiar and easy as using tampons, but way better.
You can wear it a long period of time safely. You can wear it up to 12 hours!!! Oh YEAH!!! I recently had an all day hiking trip planned and started the night before, but with my Blossom Cup I was able to hike all day with no worries or accidents.
It isn't as messy as you think it will be, but a little. This was my biggest worry, but when you remove it you tilt it away from you into the toilet and most of the time it is a very easy, neat process with no mess on you. I find the messiest part is getting it to the sink to rinse out. I just place it in a little toilet paper to transport it, wash and re-insert. If in a public restroom, this is a little trickier, but can be pulled off.
Environmentally better. Think about it; every menstruating woman times the number of pads and tampons she uses for her lifetime!!!! All of that goes in the landfill. You're reusable cup is something you can do for the environment.
Cons: It can sometimes be hard to get the suction holes clean and t takes a little more work to clean. I also find that I am sometimes aware of the stem when I walk, but I know that it can be trimmed, but haven't tried it. Lastly, occasionally I feel like I don't completely empty my bladder when I urinate, but it's my understanding that that is a placement issue and I have only had it happen a few times. The website addresses this.
Bottom line? I'm sold, even with an issue or two here or there I find the cup to be very freeing, much easier to use than tampons (never that too dry ripping sensation! Y'all know what I mean) and better for the environment.
This girl isn't going back! Keeping the cup!
I haven't tried other cups, but did a lot of research and the feedback was that the Blossom was one of the more comfortable cups. Remember that wellness is whole body, don't overlook this area of your wellness. Include stretching, drinking plenty of water, eating well, and mindfulness as part of your menstrual cycle.