Hey Hey Hey!
So over the past few months, I’ve heard a lot about this new invention in feminine hygiene, The Menstrual Cup (insert “Dun dun dun” dramatic music here.)
When I first heard of it, I was like, “What a strange idea.” and decided right there and then that it wasn’t for me. I later heard about it from a friend, who had tried it and claimed that she would never use Tampons or Sanitary towels again – that’s a pretty bold statement and it made me start considering it. But I still was not sold on the idea. Then I read an article in Cosmopolitan SA and I thought, “Okay, Maybe I’ll give it a try!”
Okay, so let’s talk benefits of the Menstrual Cup (The MPower Cup is the brand I have!):
– It’s made from 100% medical grade silicone
– Can be used, even if you are using a UID or diaphragm
– It holds up to 3x the fluid of the average tampon or sanitary towel.
– Can be worn for up to 12 hours and overnight!
– It’s odourless and invisible! – no strings, no wings, no embarrassing moments.
– It’s reusable and lasts for up to 5 Years! THINK OF THE SAVINGS!
– Can be worn during sports, so it’s great if you live an active lifestyle!
– It’s leakage resistant, no freak accidents!
– Anti-bacterial and non-absorbent.
– No more TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) scares, the menstrual cup does not contribute to any of the infections associated with Tampon Use (cystitis, candida, etc.)
– It’s eco-friendly!
– And if you purchase the MPower Cup- you’re helping local business succeed because it’s made in South Africa!
The average woman pays thousands each year on the purchase of tampons, it’s actually ridiculous! I paid R279 on Takealot.com for my Mpower Cup (if you’re not about that online shopping life, you can purchase it at the Wellness Warehouse for R300) And it’s a once off payment for a product that lasts for 5 Years!
So let me tell you about my experience using the Menstrual Cup.
When I first received it, I opened up it’s packaging to be completely shocked by how big it is! My mind was running with thoughts of, “How the hell am I going to get this up there?” The cup comes in two sizes, light and standard flow, I bought the standard. The Cup comes with a cute little travel bag, that was handmade here in South Africa too!
The thing about this cup is, you are going to get to know yourself REALLY well, so no being shy of getting up close and personal here! So it’s best to try it for the first time in the comfort of your own home!
I folded the silicone cup over twice and inserted it, it took a few tries- I must have been trying to insert it for five or ten minutes! But eventually I got it in. It felt weird at first, different. The little tail of the cup just peaking out, letting you know it’s still there!
After a few minutes I forgot it was in, like honestly – I felt nothing! I was free to go about my day as usual and not have to nervously check myself in the bathroom every half hour.
Getting it out for the first time was a bit of a mission on my side, as you go about your day, the cup moves with your body till it finds a comfortable place for you and your lifestyle. It’s suction action, ensures that it stays in place at all times. So getting it out, I had to look for it a little bit, but i found it. To remove, you just squeeze it and release the suction of the cup and pull it out. It takes practice. But I got the hang of it eventually.
Day two was easier, I inserted and removed it with ease. Feeling like a Menstrual Cup Champion.
Here’s the thing, once you get over the fear-factor of using this cup, it becomes your new best friend. No more surprise periods and realising you don’t have tampons, because your menstrual cup is all you’ll need. A lot of people I’ve tried to speak to about were like, “Isn’t it gross, like seeing your blood?” And I just reply to that with a WTF expression. It’s just blood, fluid your body is releasing. It’s not as bad as you think and it looks more natural than it does in a tampon or a pad.
To clean your cup, you need to leave it in Boiling Water for 10-20 mins between each period. During your period, rinsing it out with water and wiping it with toilet tissue will do the trick. I keep feminine wipes in my bag to use when I’m in public.
At the end of the day, it’s safe to say that I will now be using my Menstrual Cup for ever. My bank balance is so happy to not have to buy tampons every month now!
Don’t give up on it immediately if you don’t feel comfortable using it, try it for the duration of your period, I promise, you’ll love it!
Have you tried the Menstrual Cup? Let me know about your experiences!
Until next time,
Nadine.
Nadine Naturally 