You don’t have all day, so let’s just cut to the chase…
What is Instead Softcup?
This Softcup is made from a firm ring and a soft film similar in shape to a diaphragm. The ring sits under the pelvic bone on one side and to the side of the cervix on the other.
The Softcup stays in place and collects menstrual fluid.
First things first, please, don’t be confused with the names of the brand. Evofem Inc. is the company, but it was formerly known as Instead Inc. So the Instead Softcup is still the same as we knew the name, only now it is Evofem.
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Contents
Two Styles of Instead Softcups
Instead Softcups 12 Hour Feminine Protection- Disposable
There are two styles of instead Softcups. The first style is the disposable Softcup. With the disposable Softcup, you simply throw it away after every change and insert a new one.
They generally come in boxes of 12, 14 or 24 a box.
Since they can be worn for a longer period of time than tampons or pads a box should get you through one or two periods.
Evofem Reusable Softcup for Up To 1 Cycle
The reusable Softcup is similar to the disposable Softcup. The only difference is the film on the reusable Softcup is slightly thicker than the film of the disposable soft cup. The film is still very soft.
The benefit of using a reusable Softcup is that the reusable Softcup lasts for one cycle so you are throwing it away less often.
You are also able to have sex with the reusable Softcup which you cannot do with other reusable menstrual cups.
The reusable’s must be washed after removal, but they are more eco-friendly and possibly less expensive than using a new disposable each time you change the cup.
The reusable Softcup comes in a two-pack, so it can last for two cycles if the cup is cared for properly.
An In-Depth Look at The Instead Softcup
The instead Softcup works by inserting it so it sits to one side of the cervix and hooks up under the pubic bone.
It stays in place for up to 12 hours collecting menstrual fluid. Once you feel the cup is full, or 12 hours have passed, you remove the cup.
If the cup is disposable you simply throw it away and insert a new cup. If the cup is reusable you wash it off and reinsert it.
Softcups are versatile and can be used while swimming, engaging in sexual intercourse, any type of sports or workouts and just about anything you can think of.
But, then again, a tampon for swimming or other sports does the same thing – you insert it, it collects blood, you throw it away.
But, of course, tampons carry the risk of TSS.
Why is The Instead Softcup So Popular?
The Instead Softcup has been around for quite a while. It was one of the original menstrual cups available. It is popular because it has the distinction of being the only disposable menstrual cup available.
It is also the only menstrual cup you can wear during sex, thanks to the soft film used to collect fluid.
Other reusable menstrual cups are made from firm silicone and would be uncomfortable, or even unsafe if used during sex.
Why Use a Disposable Instead of a Reusable?
It’s true that the vast majority of menstrual cups out there are reusable, but that just is not practical for every woman.
The disposable Softcup gives some of the benefits of a reusable cup such as being able to wear it longer, having nothing show while you are using it, not having to carry a supply of disposable pads or tampons.
The disposable cup offers the convenience of not having to wash the cup and sterilize it every month.
How to Insert, Use and Remove the Instead Softcup
- Wash your hands to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Get into a sitting or squatting position and relax your muscles.
- Fold the rim of the cup so the two sides of the rim are together. Make sure the film is on the bottom.
- Gently insert the cup as far back as you can comfortably place it.
- Now, gently push up on the front edge of the rim so it slides up above the pubic bone. This position is what keeps the Softcup in place.
- The Softcup can’t be worn longer than 12 hours, and if you have a heavy flow it needs to be changed more often.
- Once it is time to remove the cup simply hook two fingers under the front of the ring, while seated over the toilet, of course. Pull-on the ring and gently remove it.
- It may be messy. You can dump the contents in the toilet. If it is reusable, you would wash it at this point. If it is disposable, wrap it in TP and toss it. Do not flush! They may say they are OK for septic, but why take the risk of an embarrassing call to the plumber.
the Instead SoFftcup Compared to Other Menstrual Cups
The Softcup is disposable or semi-disposable in that it is used for only one month.
That makes it a little less eco-friendly than Silicone reusable cups, but they are still far more ‘green’ than disposable tampons and pads because they can be worn for a long time and you don’t change them as often as pads and tampons.
The Softcup is the only cup that you can leave inserted while having sex. With others, you can not.
However, Softcup does not function as a contraceptive and will not prevent pregnancy. It may look like a diaphragm, but it does not function like one.
The Softcup is relatively easy to remove. The rim sits farther forward, behind the pubic bone, so it is easier to find, easier to insert and get into position.
Also, unlike the Diva Cup, which creates suction, the Softcup does not create suction and can be easier to remove.
They may be easier to remove, but since they are so soft, they tend to be messy. With the Diva cup, you can contain the fluid inside the cup while removing it. That is harder to do with the Softcup.
The Softcup, as the name says, is soft. Some women find them more comfortable than reusable cups. The Diva cup is firm and many women say it is too firm and irritates their bladder or makes cramps worse.
For a bigger comparison, read my full menstrual cup comparison.
Final Thoughts on The Instead Softcup
PROS
- You can have sex while the Softcup is inserted.
- It is soft, comfortable and easy to insert and easy to remove.
- Offers the convenience of being disposable.
CONS
- Only lasts one use or one cycle.
- Pricey compared to other cups.
- Prone to leaking.
My Final Rating: 7/10
I give the Softcup a 7 out of 10 simply because it is the only cup that allows women to have sex while keeping the Softcup inserted. Only women whose sex lives are sidelined during their period will be able to truly appreciate how big a deal this is.
The Softcup does have a few flaws, but it also has many adoring (and thankful) fans.
I hope this Instead Softcup review has helped you evaluate all of the pros and cons of the Softcup, and help decide if you’ll go for it!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
