On switching from pads and tampons
I've never used a tampon. Ever.
I switched to cups in 2010, at the age of 20. It was no big deal, actually. I soon found out that many of my friends were still using pads (I somehow assumed that everyone else uses tampons). I also found out that it's absolutely not uncommon to switch directly from pads to cups.
In fact, tampon users have to unlearn some habits when switching. Specifically, cups don't need to be inserted as deep as possible, and they're generally a little more hands-on. You can't really just shove them "up the black hole", which is why all the attempts to create a cup with an applicator haven't had much/any success. Honestly, cuppers generally agree that applicator is not needed for cups. It's likely to do more harm than good. (This doesn't mean that those who use applicator tampons can't use cups)
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The bottom line is that everyone's journey is unique. Apart from being able to insert 1-2 fingers into your vagina, there are no requirements for using cups. There's no need for a "transitional" method, like applicator-free tampons or Instead SoftCups. Nowadays new users are increasingly likely to get a cheap cup from e-Bay before making a more significant investment - if you do that, be sure to choose by the dimensions anyway, and bear in mind that they can have a lower quality, be too soft etc. Consider trying out a relatively cheap cup like the Fleurcup, Meluna, CupLee or Yuuki instead.
Just remember that you can always go back. In the beginning most cuppers use cloth or disposable pads for backup, and going through the learning curve may take a few cycles. Start by reinserting the cup as often as you'd change absorbent products, and soon you'll see how long you can go without emptying. Allow yourself to alternate cups with disposables or cloth pads if needed.
I switched to cups in 2010, at the age of 20. It was no big deal, actually. I soon found out that many of my friends were still using pads (I somehow assumed that everyone else uses tampons). I also found out that it's absolutely not uncommon to switch directly from pads to cups.
In fact, tampon users have to unlearn some habits when switching. Specifically, cups don't need to be inserted as deep as possible, and they're generally a little more hands-on. You can't really just shove them "up the black hole", which is why all the attempts to create a cup with an applicator haven't had much/any success. Honestly, cuppers generally agree that applicator is not needed for cups. It's likely to do more harm than good. (This doesn't mean that those who use applicator tampons can't use cups)
( Collapse )
The bottom line is that everyone's journey is unique. Apart from being able to insert 1-2 fingers into your vagina, there are no requirements for using cups. There's no need for a "transitional" method, like applicator-free tampons or Instead SoftCups. Nowadays new users are increasingly likely to get a cheap cup from e-Bay before making a more significant investment - if you do that, be sure to choose by the dimensions anyway, and bear in mind that they can have a lower quality, be too soft etc. Consider trying out a relatively cheap cup like the Fleurcup, Meluna, CupLee or Yuuki instead.
Just remember that you can always go back. In the beginning most cuppers use cloth or disposable pads for backup, and going through the learning curve may take a few cycles. Start by reinserting the cup as often as you'd change absorbent products, and soon you'll see how long you can go without emptying. Allow yourself to alternate cups with disposables or cloth pads if needed.