With global warming and cost of living rising as it is in recent times it's no wonder people want to find more ways to look after themselves and the planet, while at the same time save some money.
As for the environment. Switching to a menstrual cup can save the approximately 16,000 tampons, panty-liners and sanitary pads in your lifetime, which can take between 500-800 years to fully decompose. Most sanitary pads are also 90 percent plastic and tampons are made from the world’s most water intensive crop – cotton. In comparison, silicon is a much greener material which slowly goes back to its original state (sand) as it degrades.
As for you, personally, period cups don't dry out the vagina like tampons and nor do they contain any harmful substances. As a bonus, they're also reusable and they're a cheaper alternative. With that in mind, let us answer some of the most asked questions about period/menstrual cups.
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| Period cups. Want a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative to disposable period products? |
What is a period cup?
It's a small cup made from a safe, flexible plastic which you insert into the vagina. Instead of using a tampon or towel. "It sits just below your cervix and collects any blood or lining you lose for up to 12 hours," she adds. The main difference between a tampon and a period cup is that the cup collects your blood, whereas the tampon absorbs it." - Stephanie Taylor, from pelvic health company Kegel8.
Will the cup leak?
No! Menstrual cups are proven to be just as reliable as tampons in leakage-prevention. Leakage rates were found to be similar between tampons and menstrual cups, and studies found cups to have significantly less leakage than tampons in one other study.
How do you insert a menstrual cup?
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| Fold it in half vertically, so that the opening forms a 'C'. Next, you need to find a comfortable position to insert the cup - you can even squat or raise one leg |
Relax and take things slow. A menstrual cup doesn’t sit as high as a tampon; you should have approximately 1.5cm clear at the base. Check the cup has fully opened by giving the stem a gentle pull – if you feel some resistance then you’re good to go.
Can I use a menstrual cup if I’m a virgin?
Yes. You can start using a menstrual cup from your first period. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but don’t force it. It’s often best to choose a brand which offers smaller sizes.
Can I wear a cup swimming?
Yes. You can wear a period cup for swimming, and for every other form of exercise. You wear a menstrual cup completely internally, so you don’t need to worry. However, if you’ve experienced leaks and haven’t quite mastered the art yet it’s best to resolve this first.
Are period cups better for you than tampons etc?
Compared to tampons the cup is much more natural for a couple of reasons at least.
- Most tampons are treated with chemicals to bleach the cotton.
- Tampons strip your vaginal walls of lining and soak up healthy discharge otherwise needed to keep your body's optimum levels.
A menstrual cup takes the blood and leaves anything else. Using a body-friendly period cup can also reduce your risk of bacterial infections and contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
How do I keep my menstrual cup clean?
Handling your own blood. This is the part the might put a few people off but you might have to get over this mental hurdle. Give it a quick rinse with hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap or cleaner residue as this can cause irritation after insertion. For a more thorough clean you can boil your cup.
How often should a menstrual cup be replaced?
A cup, well looked after can last 10+ years. Saving thousands of pounds.
Can I use a menstrual cup if I have heavy periods?
Yes. Menstrual cups can hold up to 5x more blood than towels and tampons. Some come with measurement lines to tell you whether you’re having a light, medium or heavy flow.
Let's Look At Some Cups
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| OrganiCup The Menstrual Cup - hollandandbarrett.com (£15.58) |
You're already dealing with period cramps, so the last thing you need is for our sanitary products to cause you more discomfort. Women found this cup was the comfiest on tests and was such a great fit that they couldn’t even feel it during the day. It wasn’t the best when it came to leakage protection though, so you might want to wear a reusable pad underneath on heavier days.
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| Mooncup Reusable Menstrual Cup (£20.90) |
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| BeYou Menstrual Cup (£14.99) |
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| Hey Girls Menstrual Cup (£10.40) |
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| Bettercup Menstrual Cup (£20.00) |
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