The 2 Unique Features of the Flex Cup Make It a Total Game Changer When It Comes to Periods

The two unique features of the Flex Cup are:

These two features work together to make removal the easiest I've ever experienced when using a menstrual cup, similar to how easy tampon removal is. The loop-style tab is easy to hold without your fingers slipping off when you're pulling down. And since the tab is attached to the top rim of the cup, as you pull down, it pulls the cup away from your vaginal wall, which breaks the suction seal. So the cup just slides out without feeling any intense pulling pressure and without the fear that all of a sudden the cup will just pop out of you and spill everywhere (been there!). These two features make this menstrual cup my favorite!

The Flex Cup is made of 100-percent medical-grade silicone, and it's the most pliable silicone I've ever felt. It's super soft and flexible (as the name suggests), so it easily folded in half and stayed that way during insertion. I didn't have to think about the Flex Cup all day since it can be worn for up to 12 hours, and the most important thing is that it didn't leak! I also like that it's black, which means it won't stain. If you've never used a menstrual cup before, Flex Cup has a video on insertion and removal.

When I inserted the Flex Cup for the first time, I noticed that it didn't go up very high, and the tab was hanging close to my vaginal opening. But the cup stayed put no matter what I did. I was able to walk, hike, run, use my rower for an hour, and do yoga, and I didn't notice it shift or bother me one bit! I used the Slim Fit size, since my flow is pretty light, but if you have a heavier flow, the Full Fit would probably be best.

What makes the Flex Cup better than any of the other cups I've tried (and I've tried at least five others) is the tab on the bottom that's attached to the top rim of the cup. So when you pull on the tab, it pulls the rim away from your vaginal wall, breaking the suction seal. I was able to pull it out gently without feeling any intense sucking pressure, and I only had to pull on the tab — I didn't have to stick my finger up inside my vagina to break the seal.

Since the suction seal was released, I was able to slowly slide the cup out in an upright position, and the liquid stayed safely inside until I could dump it out in the toilet. This was huge, as I've had many messy accidents using other cups. I also loved that since the silicone is so flexible, it didn't hurt or feel uncomfortable during removal, which I've noticed with other cups.

When I got my Flex Cup ($35), I had to boil it in water for a few minutes to sterilize it. During my cycle, I just rinsed it with hot water, and sterilized it at the end of my cycle in boiling water again, so it's ready for my next cycle. With Flex Cup being so easy and comfortable to use, I'm actually looking forward to my period!