Menstrual Cups: useful
Periods.
That dreaded time of the month when half of the world's population cramps, bloats, and bleeds. Tampons and period diapers (I mean, pads) have been around, and more brands like Thinx are coming out with innovative period underwear. Those subway ads are awesome but for women with heavy flows, they are not going to cut it. I saw an ad for the menstrual cup soon after perusing Thinx's website and figured I should Google it.
I've heard about the Diva Cup but never really considered it. The thought of dealing with a small cup of blood seemed gross and unsanitary... until I actually tried the Lunette Cup last November and now highly recommend it to all my girlfriends. I scoff at click bait headlines proclaiming "game changer" products, but seriously -it will change the way you deal with your period.
How It Works
Menstrual cups are made of silicone. They're usually firm, shaped like a cup, and have suction holes and a tip on the end.
Display of menstrual cups, courtesy of MenstrualCups.
Fold the cup in a U-shape and insert it up your hooha, much like a tampon. It suctions onto the cervix and collects all the menstrual fluids comin' on down. When it's time to empty it, grip the cup's bottom to break the suction and slowly take it out. Empty the stuff into the toilet, rinse the cup off with cold water, and reinsert it. Cups should not left in for more than 12 hours! To clean the cup between periods, boil it for ten minutes with baking soda (I bought a small pot from the dollar store specifically for this).
The Lunette cup, courtesy of Planned Parenthood
The first few tries were interesting. The cup gets slippery at times - a solid grip is needed to keep the cup folded as you insert it. I tried it at home in the bathroom and in the shower for test runs. It's important that you're not rushed and can practice on your own time! The only time that I freaked out was when I couldn't get a grip on the cup bottom...
... but then I remembered that the cervix can be located higher or lower for a variety of reasons. So I bore down (like when you're trying to 💩) and my cervix and cup moved lower. I also ended up trimming the tip a little so it felt more comfortable when my cervix is lower.
After a few periods using the Lunette, I ditched all my tampons and pads. Now I use the cup once my period starts and use a pantiliner to catch any spotting. I don't feel the cup or the movement of fluids, and it's so amazing. AND - no more leaks when I stand up after sitting for awhile! On my heavy days (the first and second day) I change it once every 4-5 hours, but can keep it in for 8-12 hours for the rest of the cycle.
Pros
I know it's hard to believe, but the cup is so much cleaner than tampons and pads. It collects the fluids at the cervix so most of it never makes it down the vaginal canal.
It's cheaper ($25-40 one time purchase) and pays for itself in the long run.
Less waste.
It doesn't leak. You'll get occasional spotting but once it's suctioned on, it stays put for hours. Yoga (even when I was upside down!), kickboxing, bootcamp handstands and burpees, running? It doesn't budge! It's a trooper.
Once you get the hang of removal, rinsing, and insertion, it takes a few seconds. You'll just know when it's suctioned on, and the best angle for easy removal.
You'll never having to figure out how many pads or tampons you'll need to carry around, whether it's a day out, on vacation, etc.
Cons
If you don't have a private restroom at school or work, this can get tricky. Some women use cup wipes or tissue to clean the cup.
On my heavy days when I sleep for 8-10 hours, it leaks sometimes. It may be because I'm horizontal and some fluids sneak through the suction holes? (Placing balled up tissue down there helps. I'll leave you figure out where...)
If you don't relax when you insert it, the cup may not unfold properly and won't suction on. Relax everything before inserting the cup for best results.
Soooo, considering the cup? GET IT!
If you're curious, what do you have to lose besides what you usually spend on a night out? It's worked for so many women already. Of course, do your research. There are plenty of reviews for different brands and even YouTube tutorials. I recommend getting a dark color. And ladies, cut your nails fore using the cup...
Useful links
Products
What I use, the Lunette (Model 2)
What's popular: the Diva Cup.
Also one of my considerations, the LENA Cup.
For those without private restrooms, sanitizing wipes.
Hope you learned a little something and try a menstrual cup! Seriously, do it. My girlfriends have all heard me ramble repeatedly about the cup and I'm more than happy to help. I think I have at least 10 friends using cups now :)
(P.S. If you buy through the links above, I'll get a small percentage - but it doesn't affect your price.)
