The Cuppie Guide
Reusable Period Products, Made Simple
Learn how menstrual cups, menstrual discs, period underwear, and reusable pads work — then hear from real women before choosing what fits your body, flow, lifestyle, and budget.
Switching to reusable period products can feel confusing at first. You may be wondering how to insert a cup, how to remove a disc, whether period underwear can be worn alone, how to wash reusable pads, or which product suits your flow.
This guide brings everything into one place — simple explanations, product comparisons, sizing help, cleaning tips, real reviews, and videos from women who have tried the products.
You don't need to figure it out alone.
Explore the Products
Four reusable options, each suited to a different need. Tap any card to jump to its full guide.
Menstrual Cups
Best for longer wear, active days, and cutting monthly purchases.
Worried about insertion? We walk you through every step.
Learn CupsMenstrual Discs
Best for higher capacity, comfort, and an alternative to cups.
Unsure about positioning? We make it clear and simple.
Learn DiscsPeriod Underwear
Best for comfort, backup, school, overnight, and no insertion.
Afraid of leaks? Sized right, they're built to hold.
Learn UnderwearReusable Pads
Best for familiar pad-like use, affordability, and teens.
Put off by washing? The routine is easier than you think.
Learn PadsQuick Comparison
| Product | Inserted? | Best For | Wear Time | Beginner Friendly? | Main Fear Addressed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menstrual Cup | Yes | Long wear, active users | Up to 8–12 hrs by flow | Medium | Insertion / removal |
| Menstrual Disc | Yes | High capacity, comfort | Up to 8–12 hrs by flow | Medium | Positioning / removal |
| Period Underwear | No | Comfort, school, overnight, backup | By absorbency | Very friendly | Leakage / washing |
| Reusable Pads | No | Pad users, teens, affordability | By flow | Very friendly | Washing / drying |
Still unsure? Start with period underwear or reusable pads if you prefer no insertion. Choose a cup or disc if you want longer wear and less bulk.
Choose by Your Situation
Find your starting point based on what matters most to you.
I'm completely new to reusables
Period underwear, reusable pads, or a beginner cup bundle.
Shop Recommended →I want something for school or work
Period underwear, a menstrual cup, or reusable pads.
Shop Recommended →Menstrual Cups
A menstrual cup is a soft, reusable cup worn inside the vagina that collects menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. One cup, cared for well, can last years.
How it works
Common questions
How do I insert it?
Wash your hands, fold the cup (the C-fold or punch-down fold are easiest), relax, and guide it in aiming toward the base of your spine. It sits lower than a tampon. Let it spring open and check the seal by rotating the base.
How do I remove it?
Wash your hands, bear down gently to bring it lower, then pinch the base — not the stem — to release the suction, and ease it out upright. Empty into the toilet, rinse, and reinsert.
Will it get lost?
No. The vaginal canal is a closed space ending at the cervix, so a cup cannot travel anywhere or get lost. It stays where you place it.
Can it leak?
Rarely, once it's sealed correctly. Most leaks come from the cup not fully opening or the wrong size — both easily fixed with a little practice.
How do I clean it?
Rinse during changes, and sterilise by boiling for 5–10 minutes between cycles. A clean pot over a jiko works fine. Store in a breathable cotton pouch.
How do I choose the right size?
Size depends on age, flow, and birth history. Our cup size quiz recommends the right one in a few questions.
Is it safe?
Yes — quality cups are medical-grade silicone: hypoallergenic, non-porous, and BPA- and latex-free. Use clean hands, don't exceed 12 hours, and sterilise between cycles.
Menstrual Discs
A menstrual disc is a reusable product worn internally, positioned higher than a cup at the base of the cervix, designed to collect fluid. It generally holds more than a cup and can be worn during intimacy.
How it works
Common questions
How is a disc different from a cup?
A disc sits higher, at the base of the cervix, and tucks behind the pubic bone rather than sealing by suction. It tends to hold more and can be worn during intimacy.
Is it harder to use?
It's a slightly different technique, not a harder one. Pinch it flat, insert, and tuck the front rim up behind the pubic bone. Most people adjust within a cycle or two.
Is it good for heavy flow?
Yes — discs are known for higher capacity, which makes them a strong choice on heavy days and overnight.
How do I remove it?
Wash your hands, bear down gently, hook a finger under the front rim, and ease it out level to avoid spills. Empty, rinse, and reinsert.
Can beginners use it?
Absolutely. Some beginners actually prefer discs because there's no suction seal to master.
How do I clean it?
Rinse during changes and sterilise by boiling between cycles, the same as a cup. Store dry in a breathable pouch.
Period Underwear
Period underwear looks and feels like normal underwear but has built-in absorbent layers that hold menstrual flow, discharge, or leaks. There's nothing to insert — the easiest reusable to start with.
How it works
Common questions
Can I wear it alone?
Yes. On light-to-moderate days a correctly sized pair works well on its own. On heavy days, pair it with a cup or disc as backup.
Is it only for backup?
No — it's a full standalone option, and also doubles as dependable backup. Both uses are valid.
How many pairs do I need?
A practical starting point is 3 to 7 pairs, depending on flow length and drying time. In cooler, rainy weather, a few extra help you rotate.
How do I wash it?
Rinse cold, wash cold on a gentle cycle, skip bleach and fabric softener, and air-dry. Never iron.
Will it smell?
No, when washed after each use. The inner layer wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping things fresh.
How do I choose the right size?
Match your UK or US dress size, or measure your waist and hips. Our size guide does the matching for you.
Is it good for school or overnight?
Excellent for both — discreet for school, and overnight is one of its best uses since you're lying still.
Reusable Pads
Reusable pads work like regular sanitary pads but are washable and reused for years. They snap onto your underwear — familiar, beginner-friendly, and great for teens.
How it works
Common questions
Are they hygienic?
Yes, when rinsed and washed after use. The soft fabric stays against the skin like cloth, and proper washing keeps everything fresh.
How do I wash them?
Rinse or soak in cold water after use, then hand or machine wash cold. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, and air-dry — sunshine helps.
How long do they take to dry?
A few hours in the sun, longer in cool or rainy weather. Owning a few extra lets you rotate while some dry.
Are they good for teens?
Very — they're familiar like disposable pads, with nothing to insert, which makes them ideal for first periods.
Are they good for heavy flow?
Yes, with the right absorbency. Longer overnight pads handle heavier days and night-time.
How many do I need?
A practical kit mixes regular daytime pads with longer overnight pads, with enough pieces to rotate while some dry.
Come Learn from Other Women
Sometimes the best way to understand a new period product is to hear from women who've already tried it. Watch real experiences, first-time reactions, tips, and honest reviews from Cuppie customers and creators.
Use the filters above to find the videos most useful to you.
What Cuppie Customers Say
“I was scared of leaking at school, but the underwear gave me confidence.”
“I thought cups would be difficult, but after a few tries it became easy.”
“The disc holds so much more on my heavy days. No more midnight changes.”
“Reusable pads were the easy switch for my daughter's first period.”
Reviews shown are illustrative placeholders — replace with verified customer reviews.
Beginner FAQ
Which reusable period product is best for beginners?
Period underwear and reusable pads are the easiest starting points — nothing to insert. Cups and discs suit those wanting longer wear and less bulk.
Which option is best if I don't want insertion?
Period underwear or reusable pads. Both are worn externally and need no insertion at all.
Can period underwear replace pads?
Yes. A correctly sized pair works as a full standalone on light-to-moderate days, and as backup on heavy days.
What is better, a menstrual cup or a menstrual disc?
Neither is better overall. A cup seals by suction in the canal; a disc sits higher and holds more. Heavy flow and intimacy lean toward a disc; familiarity and a snug seal lean toward a cup.
How do I clean reusable period products?
Cups and discs: rinse during changes, boil to sterilise between cycles. Underwear and pads: rinse cold, wash cold, air-dry. No bleach or fabric softener.
Are reusable period products hygienic?
Yes, with proper washing. Medical-grade silicone is non-porous, and fabrics washed after each use stay fresh.
How many products do I need to start?
One cup or disc is enough on its own. For underwear or pads, 3 to 7 pieces lets you rotate while some dry.
What should I use for heavy flow?
A larger cup or a disc for capacity, with high-absorbency underwear or pads as backup.
Can teenagers use reusable pads or period underwear?
Yes — both are ideal for teens and first periods, since there's nothing to insert.
Can I sleep with reusable period products?
Yes. Period underwear is excellent overnight, and a cup or disc can be worn up to 12 hours, covering a full night's sleep.
How do I choose my size?
Use our size guides — the cup quiz for cups, and the underwear size guide for period underwear.
What if I buy the wrong product?
Reach out on WhatsApp and we'll help you find the right fit. Choosing by your situation above is a good first step.
Starter Bundles
Ready-made combinations that take the guesswork out of starting.
Beginner Comfort Bundle
Period underwear + reusable pads
Best for those who don't want insertion.
Cup Starter Bundle
Menstrual cup + pouch + cleaning guide
Best for those ready to try cups.
Heavy Flow Bundle
Disc or cup + underwear or pad backup
Best for heavy flow and overnight confidence.
Teen / School Bundle
Reusable pads + period underwear
Best for school, first periods, and simple care.
Ready to Choose Your Period Product?
Whether you want something insertable or not, beginner-friendly, affordable, comfortable, or built for heavy flow, Cuppie helps you compare your options and choose with confidence.
Reusable Menstrual Products in Kenya
Since 2019, Cuppie has been Kenya's trusted home for reusable menstrual products — menstrual cups, menstrual discs, period underwear, reusable pads, accessories, starter bundles, and the practical education to use them with confidence. Browse by product, find your size with our guides, and order with M-PESA. We deliver same-day and next-day in Nairobi and 1 to 3 working days countrywide, always in plain, discreet packaging, with friendly support before and after every purchase.
