V-Cups Menstrual Cup Review: Is it Right For You?

V-Cups Menstrual Cup Introduction

V-Cups is a newcomer to the menstrual cup world that came onto the scene in 2016. So far, very few people know about this new period cup, but it looks like a good one.

We’re not entirely sure of the history here, but they’ve relaunched their product and it’s now made in the USA. Of course, prices change with time, but for now, it’s a bit cheaper than some of the older, more established cups that are made in North America or Europe (Diva Cup, Lunette, MoonCup). This is the main reason that you might consider the V-Cup.

There are also new colours, and sizes of V-Cups as well.

The V Cup is made from 100% medical grade silicone according to strict manufacturing standards. In terms of design, and sizing, it’s pretty standard when compared to other cups like the Diva Cup. We’ll get into more specifics about this soon so keep on reading!

Buy the V-Cups

Like most other menstrual cups that are new to the scene, Vcups are not available in stores. The best place to get it is on Amazon. You can check it out for yourself here:

 

2 Sizes of V-Cups

There are two sizes of V-Cups. We’ll give the dimensions of each one, and then a few details about them:

Model 1 V Cup (small)

Capacity: 25 ml

Length: 60 mm

Diameter: 42 mm

The small V-Cups is for someone with a light to moderate flow.

At 60 mm, the length of the small V-Cup might make it suitable for someone with an average cervix height. If you have a very low-cervix, you should actually consider a shorter cup (see: low cervix menstrual cups).

The capacity and diameter are similar to the small size of many popular menstrual cup brands, including the Lena Cup.

Model 2 V Cup (large)

Capacity: 30 ml

Length: 70 mm

Diameter: 42 mm

The company says that the large V-Cups is for someone with a moderate to heavy flow. However, at 30 ml, it’s more “average” in terms of capacity. If you have a really heavy period, you’ll want to consider one of these high-capacity menstrual cups instead.

The large V-Cup is comparable to the small Diva Cup, with the only difference being the diameter. The small Diva Cup is 41 mm around the rim. If you’ve given birth vaginally, this period cup is likely to be too small for you.

V Cup Review

https://youtu.be/mQI-gRYv4Bw

VCups Sizing Observations

An interesting thing about the V-Cups is that both the small and large sizes have the same diameter. We know of no other menstrual cup brand that has different models, with basically the same design but doesn’t alter the diameter.

This is because what actually matters the most in terms of fit is the cup diameter. For example, if you’ve given birth vaginally multiple times, you’ll likely need a cup with a diameter of 45 mm+. If you’re a teen, you’ll need something around 40mm or even smaller.

V-Cup: One of the Softest Menstrual Cups

In the world of menstrual cups, one of the major differences between cups apart from size is the firmness. They can range from almost rock-hard (the Keeper Cup made from latex) to so soft that they’re difficult to get to open (many cheap menstrual cups are like this).

Firm menstrual cups are quite easy to insert because they just pop open. However, for a small minority of people, they can feel a bit uncomfortable because they push quite strongly on the vaginal canal walls. Firmer cups can even cause cramps for some people.

Soft cups are a bit more difficult to insert and may require some fiddling around to get them to open fully. However, they’re very comfortable.

What about the V Cup? It’s a very soft menstrual cup that can be a little bit difficult to open. It almost borders on flimsy and has no real firmness to it.

V Cup: Not Great for Beginners

Although you may prefer a very soft menstrual cup if you’re experienced, beginners may find the V Cup difficult to use. The lack of firmness makes it difficult to open (we tried and had a difficult time with it, despite having years of practice using period cups).

Beginners may want to stick with something like the Lena Cup, which most people find very easy to insert with minimal hassle or fuss.

V-Cups Pros

• Made in the USA
• Top-quality, medical grade silicone

Sounds like the right menstrual cup for you? You can check it out for yourself over on Amazon:

V-Cups Cons

• Lack of customer reviews on Amazon
• The large size is actually comparable to other “small” menstrual cups
• Although the product description says it’s suitable for someone with a low cervix, at 60 mm in length, this isn’t really the case.
• The product descriptions says it’s good for someone with a heavy period. At 30 mm capacity, this also isn’t really the case.

V Cups: What’s in the Box

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBcMUjKPZBA&feature=youtu.be

How to Use the V Cup

If you’re a beginner to menstrual cups, you may be wondering about how to use the V-Cup. Although it can seem a bit intimidating, it’s really not as difficult as you might think.

The first thing to keep in mind about using the V Cup is that there’s a learning curve to it. As with any menstrual cup, it takes at least a few cycles to really feel 100% confident with it.

Beyond that, here are a few steps you can follow for using your new V Cup:

• Be sure to wash your V Cup well with soap (or menstrual cup wash) and water well before using. Also wash your hands before handling a menstrual cup.
• Fold the V Cup (more details about menstrual cup folds).
• Insert the V-Cup into your vagina, pointing it back and down towards your tailbone. It should pop open pretty easily.
• It it doesn’t open easily, you can twist it, or jiggle it around until it does. Or, take it out and try a different menstrual cup fold.
• You can wear the cup until it’s full (it will start to leak), or for 12 hours. This is the maximum time due to the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
• Empty the cup and clean it well. Then you can reinsert it.
• At the end of your period, you can boil the cup for 5 minutes in a pot of water on the stove to sterilize it.

My V-Cups is Leaking! Help!

Okay, so you just got your brand new menstrual cup. You read the included instructions, watched a few YouTube videos and asked your experienced friend for advice.

You put the V-Cup in, and all seems good. Except that it leaks. This can be frustrating, but here are a few tips for dealing with this.

There’s a Learning Curve to Menstrual Cups

First of all, please remember that it takes most people at least a few cycles to really feel confident with using a menstrual cup. You will experience some frustration with inserting or removing it. And it will leak.

Just put on a pad to catch the leaks and don’t give up. The vast majority of people do eventually figure it out and it works for them.

How to Stop your V-Cup from Leaking

Menstrual Cup Leaking Tips

Beyond that, here are a few things you can try if your V-Cups is leaking.

• Point your V-Cup back and down towards your tailbone, not up towards the sky. Remember, you want the cup to be under your cervix and this will help you to do that.
• Try another fold because your cup might be leaking because it didn’t fully open inside of you. There are lots of them, so just try something else.
• You can try jiggling, or twisting the cup if it’s not fully open. Or, run a finger around the rim. This works for many people.

Failing that, you may want to try a firmer menstrual cup because these ones will just pop open very easily once inside of you.

You may also try a bigger, or smaller menstrual cup. A cup that’s too small will never seal to your vaginal canal walls and will leak. A cup that’s too big will always have folds in it, and will also not seal properly.

V-Cups Menstrual Cup Care and Cleaning

The company gives the following tips for keeping your V-Cup in tip-top shape. It only makes sense to take care of your cup. By making it last as long as possible, you get the maximum ecological, and financial benefits.

• Do not use harsh chemicals or substances
• You can clean your cup during your period with a mild soap and water. You could also use a specially designed menstrual cup cleanser. Do this every time you remove your cup, and be sure to wash off the soap well.
• If you need to use some lubricant to assist with inserting your V-Cup, DO NOT use a silicone based one. This will damage your cup. We actually recommend just using water for this.
• Many people boil their cup for 5-7 minutes to sterilize it. The company says that you do this at your own risk, however. If you do this, be sure to keep on eye on things and DO NOT let the pot boil dry as this will ruin your cup.
• Store your V-Cups in the cloth bag that it came in between periods. Never store a menstrual cup in an airtight container because this encourages bacteria growth.

The V-Cups company does make a menstrual cup cleanser. You can use this in place of soap and water, both during your period and after your period. Check out their menstrual cup cleaner on Amazon:

 

Compare Menstrual Cup Cleansers

What’s the Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome with the V-Cup?

A common question that people have is what’s the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome when using a menstrual cup, and is that risk higher, or lower than with a tampon.

Let’s talk numbers. To date, there’s been one reported case of TSS from a menstrual cup (the Diva Cup).

Every year, there are hundreds of cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome from tampons. Of course, there are far more tampons users than menstrual cup ones so this must be taken into account.

However, it’s clear that the overall risk of TSS from either of these products is very low. This is especially true if you change your tampon every few hours (8 hours is the absolute max), or clean your menstrual cup well every 12 hours (every 8 hours is better).

That said, the risk from a menstrual cup such as the V Cup does appear to be lower than with tampons.

Learn more here: TSS Warning Signs and Quiz.

Can I Use the V Cup Overnight?

You’re probably used to hearing warnings about using tampons for longer than 8 hours because of the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. What about menstrual cups, including the V Cup? How long can you wear them for?

In general, most companies that make period cups recommend taking your cup out every 12 hours to empty and clean it. This is also done to reduce your risk of TSS.

Of course, on the day or your heaviest flow, you may have to do it sooner than this because the cup will start to overflow once it’s reached its maximum capacity. You’ll notice some leaking at this point. To prevent this, empty your V Cup every 6-8 hours on heavy flow days.

Because you can use a menstrual cup for 8 hours, you can certainly use it at night. Empty it before you go to bed, and reinsert it. Then, sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, and then worry about your period. Kind of amazing, right?

Can I Have Sex While Wearing the V-Cups?

A common question that people have about menstrual cups is whether or not they can use a menstrual cup while having sex. It’s a great question, with an easy answer: no!

You can’t use the V Cup Menstrual Cup, or other traditional kind of menstrual cup because there just isn’t space up there for everything. Even if you did try, you, as well as your partner would likely find it extremely uncomfortable.

If you want to get it on during your period, consider using Instead Soft Cups/ Flex Menstrual Discs. Unlike the V-Cup, they are flat, flexible discs that sit right up under your cervix (the V-Cups sits low in the vaginal canal).

The big negatives to Flex discs is that they’re disposable, so you lose out on all the eco-friendly benefits of reusable menstrual cups.

We generally recommend a cup like the V-Cups for everyday use during your period. Then, keep a box of Soft Cups in your bathroom cupboard too.

https://youtu.be/XLN5mVhcirw

Can the V-Cups Get Stuck?

Some people who’ve never used menstrual cups before feel nervous that the V-Cups might get stuck up there. Don’t worry, this is impossible. The cervix is a very small hole through something as large as a menstrual cup can’t get through.

You may find it difficult to get the V-Cups out, however. This is particularly true in the morning because during the night, menstrual cups often migrate up the vaginal canal.

If this is the case for you, relax, put on a pad to catch the overflow, and then try again in an hour or two.

You should generally grab the base when you’re removing your menstrual cup. Squeeze in with two fingers to break the suction seal and then pull it out. If you can’t reach the base of the V-Cups, you could pull down gently on the stem until you can get to the case.

If you can’t reach the stem, push down with the muscles in your pelvis, and you should find that this works.

Can the V-Cups Menstrual Cup Get Lost?

A common question that beginners to menstrual cups have is whether or not it can get lost. We have some good news for you!

A menstrual cup will never be “lost” in your body. Let’s talk anatomy.

The cervix is what separates your uterus (where a baby would grow) and your vagina (where you insert the V-Cups, or a tampon).

Except during childbirth, the cervix is really only a very small hole. It’s big enough to allow menstrual fluid to pass through but nothing as big as a menstrual cup will fit through there.

Even a mini tampon is far too big to pass through your cervix into your uterus. So fear not menstrual cup users! Your V-Cups Menstrual Cup will never be “lost” inside your body.

Is the V-Cup Compatible with an IUD?

In general, menstrual cups and IUDs are compatible. But, the most important piece of advice we can give you here is to consult with a medical professional first. Everyone is different, and a doctor will be able to give you the best advice.

Here are a few tips for using the V-Cups with an IUD:

• Be gentle! This will go a long way towards preventing any problems.
• Break the suction seal before removing your cup. Do this by squeezing the base of the cup with two fingers. DO NOT pull out the cup with the stem only.
• Make sure you get the correct length of cup. There should be room between your cervix and the cup. At 60 mm in length, the small V-Cups might make a good choice if you want to use an IUD.
• You can get your doctor to trim the strings as short as possible so they don’t get in the way.
• Check the strings periodically to make sure they haven’t moved around.

Can I Use the Bathroom While the V Cups is in?

One of the most common questions people have is whether or not they can use a menstrual cup while going to the bathroom. The good news is that you can! Let’s talk anatomy for a minute

You have three holes “down there.”

Anus: Where poop comes from

Urethra: Where pee comes out of

Vagina: Where you insert your V Cup or tampon

In theory, neither peeing or pooping should interfere with your V Cup. However, some people have the experience that it takes a long time to pee while using a menstrual cup.

This can happen because some larger/firmer cups push quite strongly on the walls of your vaginal canal. This can in turn restrict the urethra a little bit because it’s quite close to the vagina.

As long as this isn’t uncomfortable for you, it’s not a big deal, although it does take a bit of getting used to. If if does cause some discomfort, then consider switching to a softer or smaller menstrual cup.

Find one here with the Menstrual Cup Quiz.

The Takeaway on the V-Cups Menstrual Cup

If you’re looking for an affordable menstrual cup that is made in the USA from top-quality, medical grade silicone then the V-Cups menstrual cup may be a good option for you. It’s a bit cheaper than some of the more popular period cup brands like the Diva Cup.

The product was relaunched in 2016, and there are very few reviews online yet, so you are taking a bit of a chance with this one however. For our money, we’d probably stick with something like the Anigan EvaCup or Lena Cup. They are both made in the USA, are similarly priced to the V-Cups, but have thousands of positive reviews.

In terms of sizing, both cups are actually on the smaller end of menstrual cups, and probably best for someone with a light-medium period and medium-high cervix, who hasn’t given birth vaginally.

The V-Cups is not really available in stores. You can find it easily on Amazon. Shipping is free with Amazon prime, so check out the V-Cups today:

V Cup: Have your Say!

What are your thoughts about the V Cup? Leave a comment below and let us know if it’s a winner, or if you’re considering another menstrual cup brand.