A Better Period with Zero Waste
Whether you care about sustainability or not, there are many benefits to switching from tampons and pads to a menstrual cup. If you’ve never heard of a menstrual cup, don’t despair - though they have been around for a little while, I hardly come across a woman talking about it. I hope this post will answer some of your questions about switching to a cup.
A menstrual cup is a small (usually cylindrical) cup-like tool that you insert into your vagina during your period. It’s meant to be used as an alternative to pads and tampons with the added benefit that it is reusable. If you’re cringing, I completely understand, but hear me out. The cup is made from medical grade silicone which is antibacterial and allegedly antimicrobial. It works by collecting your blood rather than absorbing it. It can be worn for up to 12 hours but realistically, you don’t want to go for more than 6 hours without emptying it.
If inserted properly, you can look forward to:
no leaks
no odour
zero discomfort
less radiating cramps (those cramps that start in your abdomen and radiate all the way out to your legs)
less or no mess
There are several designs and versions of menstrual cups on the market now that they have been around for a while. Talk to your gynaecologist and do a little research and read the reviews online before you buy as most cups are meant to last for a year. Choose a cup that will fit you comfortably because it will be yours for a while. A good fit means that you can barely feel the cup if at all. If it is uncomfortable, and you have inserted it properly, following the instructions, then it may mean the design of that particular cup is not for you and you should try another shape out.
Inserting and removing the cup is surprisingly not a messy job. At the beginning of my period, I sanitize the cup in boiling water and then I insert right after I have a shower. I’ve read that some women find it helpful to use a little oil as a lubricant, I personally don’t like the idea of using any kind of lubricant, but that’s up to you. Once inserted properly, the cup attaches to you by way of suction so that you can wear just your underwear without any liner because nothing gets out! Each cup comes with their own instructions, but most involve folding it and sliding up, with a slight turn to ensure a snug fit.
Removing the cup is easier than it sounds but I completely understand the anxiety that some persons may feel. The cup is typically inserted higher than a tampon and you may panic about it being lost. However, rest assured that based on your anatomy, the cup cannot get lost inside you. If the cup you choose has suction, pulling on the little tail will produce some resistance which is not great if you’re already anxious. Instead, I prefer to use the tail as a little ‘safety rope’ and I slide my finger against it until I feel the bottom of the cup. Then I pinch the bottom and lean it towards my tailbone then slide it out. Doing it this way, keeps the cup upright with all the liquid safely inside. Then I just empty it into the toilet bowl, give it a quick wipe or wash and re-insert.
Here are my tips for using the Cup:
Always wash your hands thoroughly before you insert or remove your cup;
Keep your nails filed so you don’t accidentally cut yourself;
Pay attention to whether or not your cup is filling up because the heaviness of your flow can vary from period to period. A heavier cup usually slides down with the weight. So if your cup is all of a sudden lower, it may be time to change it;
Always always always sanitize your cup before and after each period, If you don’t want to bring your cup into the kitchen at all, you can consider using a steamer like this.
After emptying, making sure the tiny air holes near the lip of your cup are clear or you won’t get good suction and you may leak;
Get used to your cup before you attempt to have sex while it’s in (some cups say you can have sex);
Don’t wash your cup with irritants like soaps with dyes and perfumes and heavy chemicals.
Never lube your cup. If you must use lube, just do so at the entrance to your vagina and please consult your gynaecologist.
If you don’t have access to a bathroom where the sink is close to the toilet, use wipes to clean your cup or consider getting two and swapping them out. Please only use flushable, safe-for-the-environment wipes like these here.
The Menstrual Cup I use is the Diva Cup but I will be trying out the Intimina Zigy Cup soon to compare.
If you have any questions, please feel free to message me on Instagram or leave me a comment here. Have you tried a menstrual cup yet? I personally enjoy the no mess, no stress and zero waste benefits of a cup and as designs improve, I look forward to more women joining me for a Zero Waste Period.
Please note some of the links in this post are Affiliate Links. This means that I may earn a commission from sales of the items if you buy when you click on the link. This does not mean that the product costs more. I have not been paid to speak about these products and this is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Thank you!
