Can I use a period cup with a heavy or irregular flow?
Lucy MeacherIt's common that a lot of people who menstruate feel that their period flow is too heavy or irregular to use period cups. We understand that it's important for you to be able to trust and rely on your period protection. So - we're here to reassure you. Period cups might actually be a more convenient and hassle-free solution even if you have a heavy or irregular flow.
On average, most people lose between 20-90ml of blood during one period, although some bleed lighter or heavier. However, a heavy flow shouldn't stop you from being able to choose more sustainable options and save money that would have been spent on disposable products! Find some tips and advice below on how to use a period cup even with a heavy or irregular flow.
1. *Just in case* you get caught out with an irregular flow
When you're getting the hang of your period cup, you can practice inserting and removing it whenever you like to master your folds and technique, even when you're not on your period! This means you can insert your cup on a busy day, so you don't have to worry about being caught out unprepared with an irregular flow! However, it's best practice not to wear your period cup for over 10-12 hours, but it's a very reliable option and solution if you're not quite sure exactly when your period will come!
2. Get to know your flow
Just like using tampons and pads with a heavy flow, you'll have to change your period cup more often. When you start using a period cup, take some time to get to know your flow as this will help you with emptying in the future. Each Eleria cup has small volume markings inside, so you can easily track your flow at different stages of your period.
Did you know that you can actually keep your period cup inserted for longer than you can with tampons? Eleria period cups are made from medical grade silicone so are a safer material for your health. Period cups also have a much higher capacity than even a super tampon. However, because the blood is collected, rather than absorbed, it seems like a lot more blood than you are used to! But don't worry, that's why it's a good idea to get to know your flow by emptying your cup little and often when you start using it!
The maximum time you should keep your cup inserted is 10-12 hours, but on a heavier flow it's recommended to change it every 4-6 hours, but this will be slightly different for everyone!
3. Size up on your cup
Our Eleria period cups come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit different people, some are bigger, so can hold more fluid. If you know you have a heavier flow, you might like to size up on your cup to make your period easier to manage. You might like to try our Pink or Purple one. Not sure? Take our Cup Quiz to see which one of our cups could be right for you!