Introducing Menstrual Cups and How They Solve The Problem

Are you thinking of switching to menstrual cups? Read on to know more about this product.

@sharonjeffgeorge

The reusable period cup comes as a solution to the enormous heap of environmental problems that disposable sanitary pads and tampons are causing today.

When was this product introduced?

It was introduced in the year 1930. But the US started manufacturing it in the year 1987. Menstrual cups have commercially been in the market for more than 30+ years now. But I heard about them only last year (2019) because of the rave they were creating globally on all social media platforms. Thank God for social media as an awareness platform!

Who are the target audience?

It is ideal for all menstruating mothers and daughters. They come in different sizes and flow levels.

What is it made of?

Menstrual cups are made of high quality-grade silicone or latex rubber material that collects the blood and can be kept inside the body for 10-12 hours. This product collects blood unlike absorbing it like pads or tampons.

Where do you put the menstrual cup?

The period cup is folded and then put inside the vagina at a horizontal 45 degree angle. I know the thought of shoving a silicone cup (way up your vajayjay) sounds terrifying. 20 year old me would have said, ‘No, thank you!’.

But now that I’m in my early 30’s, if I could say anything to my younger self. I would tell her to at least try it first before judging. They are not like tampons that could give you a toxic shock syndrome if kept in the body for more than 4-5 hours. Menstrual cups are safe to keep inside the body for 10+ hours. So, try it and stop imagining the worst.

How long does it last (product shelf life)?

The brand that I use, if maintained properly says can last for 10 years. So, my next purchase will be in the year 2029. How cool is that? I can already see myself saving a ton of money in the future and the planet. As I don't have to purchase them every month unlike those chemical-filled plastic, disposable sanitary pads and tampons.

Now let’s go through some of the product specifications.

Folding the cup

The cup that I use has two holes. They are there for a reason to provide painless suction so it is easier when removing the cup.

You have to fold the cup into half and slide it horizontally. Then you'll have to push the folded cup slightly more upwards and pass through the pubic bone.

The pubic bone acts like a dead-end wall at the entrance of your vagina. Don't worry, relax and push through the wall and only then release the fold.

You may hear a pop sound, once it opens properly. You have to put your finger in to rotate and check for any dent around the edges just to make sure your cup is sealed well.

Sounds messy, yucky even? Really? Why are you scorning your body or feeling embarrassed even? It's your body. Be bold to love each and every part especially down there. Don't be ashamed, break the norms and make healthy choices.

To avoid leakage it is advised to have panty liners in place during those first few months until you get used to the product. After you get used to the whole process you can even go commando on your periods. Unbelievable, isn’t? So, I urge you to try it first to believe it is possible.

Online you can also find different types of folds. I tried the punch down and the half folds. After several try-outs, I prefer the half fold. I also make sure the suction holes are clean and pushed inward first when I do the half fold. See below images.

Cleaning the cup

My gynecologist recommends sterilizing it after every use, rather than what the company says after every cycle. This is to disinfect and keep the germs at bay – boil every time you change the cup.

Dispose the blood into the commode first and wash the cup in the sink with a feminine wash or antiseptic liquid like Dettol. Next boil and sterilize it in water for 10 mins then remove and leave it in the pouch that it came in to air dry.

Use a clean brush or a needle to wash the suction holes properly. As they tend to hold some residue in them even after sterilizing.

Removing the cup

Before buying I researched quite a bit online. I went with the cup that had a long stem, so that it would be easier to remove.

You have to pull the stem slowly and then pinch the base of the cup.

Initially, there will be some bloodshed on the bathroom floor. But once you get used to the slowly and carefully pinching the cup base to break the suction it will be cake walk thereafter.

Trust me, I’ve been there, seen it, done it.

Inserting the cup

To be frank, I struggled the most here. But I never gave up. I tried different folds and positions from squatting on the floor, sitting on the commode to standing with one leg on the closed commode.

Now putting them inside can be a tricky business. This video shows you a trick to knack the inserting part quickly. First, you have to fold the cup then without leaving your thumb and index finger (as shown in the video) insert the cup way up at a horizontal angel. Remember to not let go of your grip but to let it pop open by slowly releasing the fold.

It took me more than 5 months to understand how to put a cup in properly. 5 months, yes that's just me I'm a slow learner but a persistent one. I never gave up or went back to using pads not even once. There were mishaps, blood stains here and there (that's when pantyliner came to rescue) but I was patient through and through.

You on the other hand, might take a week or a day to figure it out. The key is to be comfortable with your body, relax and be patient with yourself.

Watching numerous YouTube videos and actually trying different ways is how I finally figured it out. Now, I’m comfortable with the sitting on the commode posture. Because I relax in this position better.

This is very important – Relaxing and calming yourself when inserting the cup. If you get tensed, nervous, anxious your muscles down there will close. So relax, I know it is easier said than done.

But take a few deep breaths, make room for mistakes to happen, try again. Get the suction in place, rotate the cup, check the edges and corners to be round as the cup without any dent. When you slightly pull the stem, it shouldn't move or slide easily for that’s when you know you have rightly sealed the deal.

The whole process may take 5 or 25 mins or more to insert it properly the first 3-4 times. Take your time. As it all boils down to this one thing getting comfortable with exploring your body in and out.

Note: You should use the cup only when you're on your periods and not practice beforehand. Because it may feel uncomfortable, less flexible and non lubricant.

My Final Verdict

After using period cups for a year now, I am extremely happy to report that this product makes me feel way ahead of its time. It's a life-changing, comfortable, eco-friendly as well as long-lasting product. I am never going back to sanitary pads that are filled with all sorts of harmful chemicals, plastic and is even non-degradable.

I suggest you buy two menstrual cups because when one is in use, other one is being sterilized and ready. I change them only twice once in the morning and later in the night before going to sleep.

Once you try the cup, you will even forget you are on your periods. Now you can imagine going to that water park or beach without having to change frequently or cancel or re-schedule any plans because you're on your periods.

Sanitary pads would have an odor after coming in contact with air but this product doesn’t. A period cup once removed doesn't have any smell and the blood consistency is thick red.

Pads makes us believe that we are bleeding to death for 5 long days. But after using the cup my menstrual cycle lasts only for 3 days (shorter cycle 👌).

I even noticed my cramping is less. Before I would have severe cramps every alternate months especially on day one. I remember running home from office on day one because the cramps were intolerable. Now, total game changer, I relax on day one of my periods, sipping green tea and going about like it's just another normal day.

So, please give period cups a chance to change and brake the barriers around menstruation that has been passed on to us from generation to generation. Be the change. Love your body even during periods and bust the myths around menstruation. Let's have some period positive conversations. It's 2020 for crying out loud not hush hush stone age.

Try one today! If you are still not convinced then how about another sustainable alternatives - reusable cloth sanitary pads and organic cotton period panties. They too are great for the body, budget, and our environment. Start with them and then gradually at your own pace switch to menstrual cups.

For more useful information regarding period cups do check out this website - Put a Cup In It.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or if you have tried a menstrual cup before. Also, don't forget to like and share it with your family.

If you enjoyed this, you might want to check out my other posts.

Keywords: personal wellness, menstrual cups, menstruation, mothers and daughters, period cup, silicone menstrual cup, cleaning the period cup, inserting the period cup