Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Instead Softcup – a Better Form of Feminine Protection

Using the Instead Softcup instead of tampons or maxi pads isn’t for everyone. But for those who already are comfortable using a diaphragm or willing to give it a try, the Instead Softcup may surprise.

The Instead Cup is similar to a diaphragm with the “cup” part being looser for collecting the menstrual flow. What makes Instead so appealing, and different from other forms of feminine products, is its ability to hold twice as much fluid as a tampon and to be worn all day or all night. That’s right, all day long, up to 12 hours.

I’ve been using the Instead Softcup for years and swear by it. At first, thoughts of Toxic Shock Syndrome filled my mind. But according to the makers of Instead, the Instead Softcup does not promote the growth of the type of bacteria that causes Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Inserting the cup is as easy as using a tampon. With freshly washed hands, simply fold and slip it in. Once in place, it’s unnoticeable. It truly does last all day. When using the restroom, it is not unusual to have a little fluid leak out into the toilet. This is caused by the “bearing down” of the muscles, pushing the rim slightly forward. Once done voiding, the rim moves back in place and the leaking stops. At first, this alarmed me and I wore maxi-pads “just in case”. But as I grew more accustomed to using Instead, my confidence in the product grew. I’ve never had an embarrassing leak with the Softcup.

Removing the Instead Softcup is a different story though and not for the squeamish. First, hands must be washed before inserting a finger and hooking the front rim. Once the rim is hooked, pull the cup forward, holding it horizontal and level to the floor, and out. Use slow steady pressure. Hands get bloody and the cup tends to drip all over. Dump the contents, wrap the cup in toilet paper and discard. When at a public restroom, having bloody hands can be embarrassing. I usually take a few damp paper towels or baby wipes in the stall with me to do a preliminary hand cleaning.

The Instead Softcup also allows for sexual intercourse while menstruating but I can’t vouch for that. Theoretically, clean, comfortable sex is possible with a fresh Softcup in place but I haven’t gone there.

Another use for the Instead Softcup is the stuff of a modern day wives tale. Go to any TTC (trying to conceive) message board and find dozens of threads about the Instead cup and conception. The theory goes that inserting an Instead Softcup after intercourse will hold the sperm up against the cervix and prevent the sperm from dripping out. Some even use the Instead cup as a poor man’s artificial insemination tool with the man ejaculating into the cup before the woman slips it in. The makers of Instead are vague about its use in this manner, they claim not to have studied it for use as an aid to conception but they don’t discourage it either.

This product isn’t for everyone but for those who are able to deal with a slight mess twice a day rather than having to change a pad or tampon every couple of hours, it is liberating.