Lena Large

Okay, believe the hype, these are seriously life changing. Before I purchased, I read a ton of reviews for many menstrual cups, and decided to purchase the Lena cup (large). I'm not squeamish, and I'm very comfortable with my body, so I was very excited for my first period (WHAT?). The Lena cup made for a very pleasant experience. I typically have an extremely heavy flow on D2 and D3, and I found myself only needing to dump it every 4-6 hours, which is huge! I previously could only use those massive, uncomfortable overnight pads on those days, and would still have leaks. Those pads are terribly uncomfortable, and my flow would not allow for even the Ultra Plus tampons. Needless to say, on D2 and D3 of my period, my lifestyle was diminished because I had to constantly be in granny panties and black sweats around the house, dreading every sneeze, not sleeping soundly out of fear of having a leak in bed. Enter the Lena Cup! This baby has changed the way I think about my period, and I feel like I'm more in tune with my body and my cycle because of it. I'm happy to have less stress during my period, and no odor! All these years (I'm in my mid-30s), I thought that my period caused me to smell, but it's actually because of the pads and tampons that there is an odor. It's disgusting to think that I would sit in my own funk all this time. Thanks to the Lena Cup, I have regained a week back in my month! I no longer have to live as a prisoner to my period. The initiation process is quick, easy, and painless. The company sends numerous marketing emails (maybe too many, but I'm glad they care) explaining the process and what to expect, tips for insertion and removal, etc. I was well-prepared for the process. I had to figure out which insertion method worked best for me (punch fold FTW), but after that, insertion was a breeze. I had ZERO issues with leaks or the product not opening and sealing properly. They really know what they did when they designed this baby. Removal is a bit tougher because it's REALLY vacuum sealed in there, but once I figured out how great my anatomy is at PUSHING something out of it (funny how that works, huh?), it became really easy too! So there's a small learning curve, but it's totally worth it and you'll get the hang of it quickly. I'm seriously never going back to disposable products. Give it a try, you'll see. And if you don't like it, hey, you aren't out that much money. But I will gladly recommend menstrual cups to the masses. One day, if I have a teenage girl, I will be glad to awkwardly explain how to use it. She'll probably be super embarrassed, but whatever. She won't ever have to know the terrible ways of pads and tampons!

I switched to menstrual cups about two years ago when I realized that my then undiagnosed interstitial cystitis bladder pain got unbelievably worse anytime 1) my period came around and 2) I would use a tampon. I first tried the size 1 Lunette cup and the rest is history. I am still convinced that menstrual cups are miracle workers for period related pelvic pain. Seriously. My family and friends all know I use a cup as I advocate for it like a political cause and try to "convert" people to it. Anyway, I kept misplacing my Luna because I never used the storage bag and I eventually lost it a few months ago. My periods were like slow agonizing deaths again so I decided to try the Lena. This time I bought the size 2 for heavy flows. Word of advice for anyone with bladder and pelvic pain that I have learned after literally hours of researching almost every menstrual cup in existence this week: ALWAYS USE THE SMALLEST SIZE AND THE SOFTEST CUP AVAILABLE. Last month when I got my Lena I quit using after the first emptying because it literally hurt that badly to take out. I was genuinely worried I was ripping my cervics out. I decided to try it again this month and the pain is the same, but it doesn't hurt as bad as tampons. So I contacted the company and told them my delima as they have a 100% satisfaction policy, and they have great customer service. I asked them about swapping my Normal size 2 for a Sensitive size 1. I am sure they will allow me the refund, but it's Saturday so I haven't gotten their second email reply yet. The thing about Lena is that they are one of the firmer cups out there and that usually doesn't work with bladder pain. So I ordered a Sckoon Cup which is one of the softest cups, but until then, I am using the Lena. So here are some comparisons I have for the Lena and the Lunette. My Lunette I always felt was a bit too small (size and flow), but I literally never had any pain with it. Ever. They run about $40. They are soft-medium firmness. The Lena is definitely a medium to firm firmness. Although I have a lot of pain when removing the Lena, it could be related to the size jump, but I don't think so. I feel like although the Lena had a large capacity, it feels too wide for a bit after inserted. My Lena has not leaked one bit, but that may also be beucase of its monstrous seal, which may also contribute to my pain factor. The Lena has absolutely no problem popping open once inside and falling in place. If your main problem is heavy flow and leakage and you have no bladder or pelvic pain, I HIGHLY recommend the Lena. But if you have any sort of bladder or pelvic pain, try the Lena Sensitive 1. Trust me.

This is a total game changer and has transformed my period experience from nuisance to unnoticeable. I heard about menstrual cups years ago but was at first skeptical of their effectiveness and honestly grossed out. But after using the Lena cup for my first cycle last month you will never again be able to convince me that tampons and pads are more sanitary than this product. I did a few hours of research to find what I thought would be the best menstrual cup for me. I chose Lena because I read many reviews saying that it was the most leak-proof cup and that it was comfortable. I chose the large because I was post-birth, but I think you're supposed to choose based on your flow. The large fits me well and is fine for my medium flow period. I had no problems whatsoever using the Lena cup. I watched a couple of YouTube videos and read the instructional booklet to get a good sense of how to use it and troubleshoot any issues. I use the '7' fold and it pops open easily. I have had zero leaks after using it for only one cycle. The only issue that I was easily able to navigate was removing it. This could potentially be scary for a new user. The cup tends to migrate up my vagina as I go about my day walking and sitting, etc. When I went to remove it found that I could barely touch the pull tab. However, as I had read, there is no where for the cup to go! The key is to relax your pelvic floor and you can bear down a little bit and the cup will become much more available for removal. As I am sure is the case for all menstrual cups, it takes some dexterity and finagling to remove the cup. I found that I had to use two hands most of the time. I'm right-handed, so I would use my left to pull down on the tab and my right to grasp the bottom of the cup. All in all, I LOVE my Lena cup. I am never ever ever going back to tampons and pads. It is so convenient, sanitary, and COMFORTABLE! I don't feel it at all when it's in. I know everyone's anatomy is different, so I encourage you to get to know your body, the height of your cervix during menstruation, etc. Do a little research or maybe just order both sizes to try. And don't give up if you don't get the hang of it during your first cycle. I had no issues from day one, but my understanding is that it might take a few cycles to really be an expert at using it. It is worth the effort, so keep trying! I believe it is my obligation to tell all my girlfriends and family about menstrual cups. And I have recommended the Lena cup to them. This is a total life changer and every woman deserves to know about it and give it a try if they want. The number one question I get when I tell people about this is "does it spill?" The answer is "no". Could you potentially drop it at some point...yes. It does get slippery. But if you take your time, are careful and mindful, I promise you there will be no problem. I plan on introducing it to my daughter when she's of age. She's only 3 now but this is how much I love this product. Note: I'm not getting rewarded in any way for this review.

I wish I had known about this or that it was available when I was younger. Knowing I spent 30 years putting bleached cotton and other hazardous materials in or near my vagina is infuriating. Just one use of this product and I experienced a world of difference. No mess in the bathroom, no smell, no harm to My Cat and best of all the period was 'different' without putting all that dioxin, bleach and viscose rayon into the walls of my cervix my body kept it's own moisture. The tampons soak up more than just blood. The materials in tampons suck the natural lubrication and water out of your cervical walls. I recovered quickly from my period and so did my body because it didn't have to go through the stage of putting water back and getting the 'juices' flowing again. I can't say enough about The Cup. I have only tried LENA. If LENA is not for you, try another until you get what fits you right or what works for you but for the sake of your health and your cervix DUMP those toxic materials now. A cup would be perfect for a young woman using chemical contraceptives. Light periods would do fine with the cup for 12 hours. However, I'm an older woman who has given birth and I do not use contraceptives; therefore, my periods are horrendous. I can soak a super plus tampon and an over night pad in 45-75 minutes on my heaviest days. Which puts me getting up 4 times at night. Blood loss and lack of sleep would make me one tired lady. The first week I had LENA I started my period. I was nervous because I just couldn't see myself putting anything up there without a 'syringe' I never understood how women used OB. Cleaning blood out from my fingernails every time I inserted didn't seem like fun. I watched all the videos and folded and unfolded the cup as shown. I was so nervous I put lube on it the first time and it popped right out of my hand! I quickly learned without the chemicals sucking my own moisture away it glides in easily without any trouble. The videos repeatedly say, "Relax your pelvic floor" you can't be all nervous and tight when you try to put this in. If you are relaxed it glides in easily and seems to 'suck right up there.' Happily, you can pee, you can even pooh if you eat a good diet. If you sit in the toilet for 30 minutes pushing it's best to remove LENA. I lift heavy weights 3 times a week and LENA stayed in place without leaking. The days the period became heavy I had to change LENA every 3-4 hours. I paid attention to my body and I could feel LENA 'slip down' a bit when it became full. At night I only had to wake up once. I had some leakage during two nights. The second night I put an organic bamboo washcloth in my underwear to catch the leak. I'm an extremely light sleeper so I can feel it as soon as it leaks out. I have since purchase reusable products for these nights from a dealer who sells organic non toxic overnight pads and panty liners. You could easily make your own. I also have a box of Medline Exam Gloves - they are unnecessary but I like them, I also keep a Sitz bottle by the toilet to rinse before I put LENA back in it's place. Squirting the lukewarm water to remove any remaining blood drops helps to keep stains off my panties because I don't have to use liners with LENA. Every woman is different so figure out what's best for you. I decided to switch because the brand I have been loyal to for decades must have started moving their production overseas. The last 9 months the tampons I purchased looked the same but quality control was HORRIBLE. Tampons would not have a string or would be loaded in backwards or the string would be wrapped around the tampon. It was a nightmare. During the nighttime I would open the tampon and have to stick the end of the syringe to my mouth and suck in to feel if the string was there, if not I would place it to the side and open another. (I do not turn on the lights or I'd never get back to sleep) Too many times I would be squatting on the floor with a gloved hand up My Cat as far as I could trying to get a grasp on a tampon that didn't have a string. It wasn't just one box either. Or the same store. I started thinking if it was this bad, what else have they done to my beloved brand by shipping the production overseas? Harsher, cheaper chemicals? I was done. That's how I came to purchase LENA. NO MORE COMMIES KILLING US WITH TOXINS OUR GOVERNMENT ALLOWS THEM TO DUMP ON OUR SHORES! The only two organs in the human body that are self cleaning are the eyeball and the vagina. Would you place a tampon on your eyeball for 4 hours? For that matter STOP using any chemicals on the pink parts of your vagina. The mucus membranes clean themselves. If you think you stink cleaning it only makes it worse in the long run. It's like people who over wash their hair have to wash it everyday or it's greasy. Stop miss treating your Lady Parts!

I highly, highly, recommend this product for women everywhere of every age. I've used this for 2 cycles and truly believe that this is the best investment that I have made this year. I did a decent amount of research and comparison shopping before I chose a cup and landed on LENA based on design, reviews, and price. I am in my late 20's, have not had children, and my flow tends to start on the heavier side and quickly taper off to light by day 3. Still I decided on the large model cup. First impressions - Honestly, going to use this for the first time is daunting. However, it is not as scary as it seems! Also, the little bag that it comes with for storage is so pretty! Design - The silicone is soft and pliable making it comfortable to wear. The tip on the bottom is closed, so you don't have to worry about cleaning it which was a major deciding factor for me. It's discreet! No more crinkling of paper nonsense that let's everyone in the bathroom know what I'm doing. Ease of use - I read a bunch of reviews and tips to prepare myself for this process. The easiest method of insertion (aka the only one I tried) is the "U fold". Fold the cup in half once, lubricate the top to make insertion easier (tiny bit of water), and insert using the same method as a tampon (keeping the bottom of the "U" shape down works best). Use your finger push the cup up to a comfortable position and to feel around the sides and make sure the cup has opened. This has never been an issue for me (yet!). I read somewhere to do a couple deep squats to make sure it's in a comfortable position. I've tried this and am undecided on how much that works but to each her own. To remove, push your pelvic floor muscles like you're gonna poo (ha poo), pinch the bottom of your cup (if you have nails you will probably pinch yourself as well), pull the cup downward, and dump it into the toilet. Just be careful not to drop it in the toilet. (Been there. Pubic toilet. Super gross.) Easy right? It's simpler than it sounds. Seriously, the hardest part of insertion and removal is keeping your lady bits relaxed. If you begin to stress, your body will tense up and make the process tougher. If you're having trouble getting it into position, take a breath a try again. It may take a couple tries to find a method that works best but don't give up. And no, it will not get stuck up there. You don't need to put the cup in deep, in fact mine rides comfortably low. Cleaning - It only takes a quick rinse which is really easy when you're in the shower, at home, or in a generally private bathroom. Otherwise, another reviewer on here suggests wetting a paper towel and bringing it into a public toilet with you to clean it. This works great! (Unless you drop the cup in the toilet and need to run out to wash it with a ton of soap and super hot water in the sink.) At the end of your cycle, boil it in a pot of water for like 10 minutes, let it air dry, and then pack it away in it's pretty fabric bag until next month :) Comfort & Convenience - I think the first day that I used this cup I felt it and it was a little weird. I'm on cycle #2 using this and I sometimes forget it's there. It's super comfortable. It honestly feels more comfortable than tampons and I can put this in the day that I anticipate my period starting before any blood appears and have peace of mind. I don't have to worry about avoiding a string while I try to pee. And I don't have to have that "how many tampons do I have left?" worry if I'm wearing the cup. Just rinse and reuse. Leaks - On my heaviest days I have had a couple of leaks. Usually while I'm at work or sleeping. No big deal, I just wear a panty liner. I may invest in period panties as well just in case. Otherwise, on my medium days I am leak free only needing to empty it once at work. And on light days I can go the whole day. To put it simply, on a scale of white pants to black pants, I'm definitely going to wear black pants, especially those first couple days. But I'm probably wearing black pants the rest of the days too because of my ladylike tendency to spill things on myself. Price - Let's be real. For the price of this cup ($24.90) I can get about a 6 month supply of tampons (maybe). This cup will last for quite a while, it's reusable, and it's eco-friendly. This is such a money saver. Still on the fence? Do your research. But my best advice is that this is worth a shot. You'll be keeping gross chemicals out of your body, reducing your tampon foootprint, and avoiding the tampon tax.