Recently I found a new menstrual cup product on the market that is uniquely designed. While most menstrual cups work with suction, must be fully popped open, and are prone to spillage if tipped, the FemmyCycle creators have managed to design a product that avoids all of these issues. When I read that the FDA announced that is now accepted, safe, and available for sale in the U.S. I had to jump on it.
The entire structure of the cup is different than anything else I've seen. What makes the FemmyCycle most unique from other cups, such as the Lunette or the DivaCup, is that it has a flip-down top that prevents spillage. This means that during removal if you tip the cup you don't have to worry about dripping the contents on yourself, the floor, or anywhere other than the toilet bowl.
Because of the flip-down lid top design, the cup does not develop a strong suction that other cups utilize either. The design of the cup (much like a bulb with a u-shaped hook on the end to help retrieve it). This means that if the cup does not fully pop open to create a vacuum suction seal the opening remains circular and will still prevent leakage. With my Lunette I absolutely must have the entire cup fully opened or it will leak onto my clothes.
The cup is still comfortable, despite it's odd shape. The material is pretty thin so it moves well with my body. Also, even though there is no suction to hold the cup in, the shape helps it maintain it's position for my regular wear-time (10-ish hours on a regular day).
The only downside I see with this cup is that a woman must flip the lid outward to be able to fully empty to contents. This can be a little intimidating to some. For example, when using my Lunette, I remove the cup and pour it into the toilet bowl without ever looking into it; however, with the FemmyCycle you have to slid your finger down in or near the contents of the cup before being able to empty it.
It was also noted on the Femmycycle website that this cup is not designed to withstand years of usage. Many other cup brands often recommend a usage rate of between 5 and 10 years. Femmycycle notes that this cup should be replaced once a year since the material is thinner and, thus, less durable. Apparently it doesn't really resist tears like other brands. Just as a side note, the FemmyCycle runs about as much as any other menstrual cup even though it doesn't tend to last as long.
Overall, I think I prefer my Lunette better than the FemmyCycle. While you don't need to worry about suction or spillage with the FemmyCycle, I can avoid looking into a cup of my menstrual fluid (and putting my finger into it to flip up a lid before emptying the fluid). This means I can pull my cup out and empty it directly into the toilet.
I'd still totally recommend any woman considering this Femmycycle to give the cup a try. It might just be what you're looking for, and it might be what ends up helping you find the right cup for you. While it really just wasn't my thing, it has some great pluses to it and I see it as a positive menstrual experience.
If anyone else has tried this new Femmycycle cup I would strongly encourage you to comment and let me know. I'm interested in what other experiences are and how others feel about having to put their finger into the cup to flip the rim out.
