Reviewing this is a little difficult because I experienced some frustrations, but a lot of those frustrations were user error as a first-time cup user. First, the good: the material and shape are great, and I like the color selection. I ended up trimming the stem, but I liked that it started out longer since I wasn't sure what would work for me.
By far the best part is that when I had things all figured out, I really didn't feel like I was on my period aside from some achiness. I felt clean, tidy, confident. It was great.
Now for the frustrating parts, which I'm sharing, so other people will not duplicate them. Arguably, some of this is a little TMI.
Getting this cup to seal was difficult. The instructions show you should fold it where the crease is at the front (shorter section). That makes sense, but it didn't work for me. I found that having the crease in the back (longer section) gave it a much higher likelihood of creating a seal, although I still had to poke around a bit to make sure it had worked. I never really heard or felt a pop sound as is often described. Also, insertion this way is a little trickier, so lubricant can be helpful.
Figuring out how to handle the cup, how to keep it clean without creating a mess in the bathroom, was also tricky! I suggest pulling out a lot of toilet paper first, and doing an initial clean up with that before washing it, and your hands, thoroughly. Try to handle the cup with just one hand as much as possible. I'm really not sure how all this would work in a public restroom to be honest.
Now for the really depressing part that is just straightforward user error. I had noticed it moved around whenever I used the restroom, and that it settled relatively low--I couldn't get it higher--but I figured as long as I was careful it would be all right. Well, it popped out while I was using the restroom after all--so I wasn't careful enough--right into the toilet, and I need you to understand there was no retrieving it as things were. I had to flush it away, which really left me in a funk. The only good thing I can say about this situation is that it didn't clog the toilet. I hope it sails away to a better place.
Anyway, I bought another one since when it worked, it was great, but let this little story of horrors demonstrate that if you're going to do more than urinate, just take it out. It's not worth the risk of losing it like this.
