A Menstrual Cup Will Change Your Life. Period.

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using a menstrual cup

Just as well I’m not shy, because today I’m going to share some pretty frank details about ‘alternate’ sanitary products.

Once you start reading about menstrual cup benefits, you’ll notice a lot of women declare that they ‘love their cup’, which is kind of weird because whoever claims they love their Libra tampons, right?

Now I’m one of those women.

Switching to a cup has been such a positive experience that I’ll never go back to using tampons again.

And I would totally recommend a cup to any woman. A cup won’t suit everyone (there’s nothing in the world that works for every single person…except oxygen, probably…), but it’s worth giving it a go.

So what the heck is a menstrual cup anyway?

A menstrual cup is used instead of a tampon. It is a reusable silicone cup that sits inside your vagina a collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbs it.

When inserted, a light seal is formed with the wall of your vagina, which means menstrual fluid flows into the cup – no leaks.

When you remove it, you simply tip the contents down the toilet, give it a clean (or a wipe if you’re not at home – but remember you can leave these in for up to 12 hours) and reinsert.

There are lots of menstrual cups on the market. Each brand is a slightly different shape, just like we are, so if you don’t like one brand, it’s a good idea to try another until you get the right fit. I use and like the Mooncup*, and their website is a good place to start if you have questions about how they work.

I also use the Modibodi undies for light days or as a backup for heavy days (they’re great for sweaty gym days too). I’ve used them for about five years now and have found them to be effective and comfortable. Here’s everything you need to know about period underwear.

[See also: Tips for Using a Menstrual Cup.]

What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup?

1. SAVES YOU MONEY

Women can spend a couple of hundred dollars on sanitary products every year.

Compare that to a menstrual cup. Mine cost around $40. And it’s reusable for years.

Scratch sanitary products off the grocery list forever.

2. REDUCES WASTE

“One woman will use 11,000 disposable sanitary products in a lifetime” [source].

Replace thousands of disposable sanitary products with a single reusable cup.

3. POSSIBLY HEALTHIER

It has been claimed that menstrual cups reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, although there have as yet been no clinical trials that confirm this. **Since first writing this article, there have been reports of women getting Toxic Shock Syndrome when using a menstrual cup.

Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina and is mostly associated with tampon use (although there are other causes too). It is believed tampons can increase the risk of getting TSS when they are left in too long (particularly the super absorbent variety) because it is thought the bacteria can grow in the presence of a blood-soaked tampon.

The other way tampons are thought to increase the risk of TSS is by absorbing the natural vaginal fluids as well as blood (particularly on light days), drying out the vagina and sometimes sticking to the vagina wall, causing tiny abrasions when removed (not to mention the fact that it’s uncomfortable). (source).

Tampons can also leave fibres behind when removed. These fibres are often bleached cotton or synthetic (source) and are also thought to increase the risk of TSS, while organic cotton tampons are thought to reduce the risk of TSS.

On the other hand, most menstrual cups are made from natural, medical-grade silicone. It is claimed they don’t absorb or disrupt the natural and essential moisture within the vagina or the natural PH balance or interfere with the vagina’s self-cleaning process.

4. MORE CONVENIENT

A menstrual cup can be worn for up to 8-12 hours (less on heavy flow days), unlike tampons and pads, which have to be changed much more regularly. It can be worn at night while sleeping as well as while swimming or during vigorous physical activity.

You no longer have to carry spare tampons or pads around in your purse or duck off to the loo every couple of hours. And while a cup can be easily emptied in a public toilet, you probably won’t have to.

If you do have to do a change when out and about, simply empty the cup, give it a wipe over or a rinse with bottled water, and reinsert. You can give it a more thorough clean when you get home.

(Although you should always follow the instructions of the brand you have purchased).

No more running out of sanitary products and doing a mad dash to the shops.

No more strings hanging out.

No more leaks.

No more smelly bathroom bins.

5. MORE COMFORTABLE

You know that itchy dryness for days after your period from using tampons? I can’t believe I just wrote that! Anyway, that problem is forever gone. So too is the hot, sticky wetness from using pads.

Once you’ve got the hang of inserting your cup (it can take a little practice), and you’ve trimmed the stem to fit (take the time to do this properly – it’s essential for a comfortable fit), you usually don’t even feel it’s there.

6. NO MORE LEAKS

This has really been the biggest benefit for me.

I suffer from really, really heavy periods every month. At least one day a month, I can’t leave the house – often, I can barely leave the bathroom.

Because a cup can hold a whole lot more than a tampon or pad, I am now free to leave the house again, even on my most heavy days!

This alone has revolutionised my life.

No more mess. No more dashing to the bathroom. No more sleepless nights in awkward positions.

Can you see why I love my cup?

On the heaviest days, I still have to empty it more frequently. If you don’t suffer from heavy periods, then this probably won’t be an issue for you.

So, after all those benefits, are there any drawbacks?

Well, if you’re squeamish about seeing your own blood, it might take a little getting used to. I’m not squeamish, but I was a little grossed out the first time I used my cup. But you get over the gross factor pretty quick. I actually find it a lot less messy than tampons and pads. And you become quite intimate with the workings of your body.

While the cup is not for everyone (we’re all different – not everything works for everyone), it’s worth giving a try to see.

Have I convinced you to give a menstrual cup a try? Or are you already a seasoned user? If you want to find out more, check out the Mooncup* website.

mooncup

*This is an affiliate link. That means I receive a small commission if you decide to purchase a cup. I use this brand myself and love it, so I’m confident about recommending it.

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15 Comments

  1. I also use a Lunette, same same. I love it mostly, except, occasionally I misplace it (how, I wonder) and it leaks, though usually only in the bathroom if I’m there, and not removed it, and am straining (TMI? sorry!). The other issues is that I don’t port it around in my handbag at the ready. So if I am caught without it, I do use a tampon (if the need is that great) or just… wait til I get home. The only time I’ve bought tampons since… well probably a year ago, was overseas when I was caught unawares, and didn’t have the lunette with me. And I’m still on that pack of 20 or so now, so really I have made back the cost of the lunette in unused/unbought tampons.

    I can’t believe my mother thinks it’s weird though?! And my BF doesn’t want to know (thus why I didn’t blog about it)

    1. Melissa Goodwin says:

      I think this is the kind of topic where there’s no such thing as TMI lol. I have the same experience.

      My husband does not want to know about it either.

  2. I use mine all the time too! I have a Meluna. It is amazing. My BF calls it my ‘hippy plug’. I found it took a few cycles to get in the swing of the right positioning but now I don’t even think about it. It makes my life so much easier!! I’m a total convert.

    1. Melissa Goodwin says:

      Ha, love it: hippy plug. They’re so good though, I don’t think they’ll be hippy forever.

  3. Thanks for sharing this. I’ve never heard of menstrual cups – brilliant to think there is a way to avoid all the pads and tampons filling up landfill.

    1. Melissa Goodwin says:

      No worries Di. They’re great!

  4. Ok TMI question now……

    I have endometriosis as well as IBS so bathroom trips can be messy and painful and I’m often either constipated or the opposite, or both at the same time. My question is if you’re constipated and pushing, can the cup get dislodged? Also can you feel it at all?

    Thanks ladies :)

    1. Melissa Goodwin says:

      Hi, sorry to hear that.

      Ok, so yes, the cup can get dislodged if straining. Just remove it first if you feel you need to.

      No, you can’t feel it (or you shouldn’t be able to). If you can, it’s probably because the stem needs trimming a bit more, which is an easy fix.

      Hope this helps.

  5. SlinkyBlackCat says:

    Hi, I have just ordered one- hope all goes well and I love it too! Great site by the way- I have only just discovered it. It’s everything I’ve been looking for, and more, to live simply and enviro-friendly. Thankyou!! Tess

    1. Melissa Goodwin says:

      Hope it goes well too. Still loving mine :) Thanks Tess.

  6. I have a lunette now. Wish I’d had it ten years ago! I can’t understand why they’re not the default, really.

    For those of you who don’t want to buy online, there’s a great store locator for all menstrual cup brands in australia at mcups.com.au

    1. Melissa Goodwin says:

      I think they’re not default because they’re not disposable (companies can make a lot more money from products they have to sell every month). From what I’ve read, they’ve been around as long as tampons!

      Thanks for sharing the store locator – great resource!

  7. Great blog! I have recently started a business here in Australia, Sustainable Menstruation Australia. Good on you for speaking about this really important topic! You will probably find my last two blog posts of interest, taking about the taboo and shame associated with menstrual talk. http://www.sustainablemenstruationaustralia.com.au/blog

    I also sell two brands of cup, Mooncup aren’t yet approved for sale here in Australia (though I have one).

    Keep up the great work!

  8. Ditoza Cardoso says:

    I wish I knew this when I was younger. I am now 66. It would have been so so good.

  9. Hey Melissa, would you mind recommending a reliable link where it explains how to get them out? I got a cup a few months back and was told yes you will never go back. I tend to have a medium to heavy flow so when I used it I really struggled getting it out and have read you shouldnt pull the stem, but should break the seal first. Well I couldn’t figure out how to break the seal elegantly and it ended up such a mess and I was not impressed.
    In the process of minnimising waste atm which has led me to perhaps retry.