
Goodbye Pads & Tampons, Hello Menstrual Cup
Women seem to have been dealt the short end of the stick when it comes to bodily changes and functions. Not only do we go through puberty earlier than boys. We are also burdened with the task of growing and birthing a child, menopause and of course our periods. As we get older we all become accustomed to our monthlies. But just because getting your period comes with the territory. It doesn’t mean that we need to suffer every month while ruining our best loved trousers and pants. So I recently made the switch to the Mooncup® menstrual cup and finally said goodbye to the dreaded pads and tampons. Here’s why
It Helps The Environment & Your Pockets
The Mooncup® menstrual cup is made from soft medical-grade silicone which is claimed to last as long as 5 – 10 years when looked after properly. Compare that to regular pads and tampons that not only can be used once but are often covered in plastic materials that cannot be recycled. Imagine the amount of pad and tampon waste we must be producing in the world. There is going to come a point where the earth cannot hide it anymore! Yuck!
The environmental factors alone were enough to intrigue me however the savings I made was a deal breaker. A Mooncup costs approximately £20 for a cup that can last up to 5 years, even 10 with good maintenance according to some websites. As I have endometriosis and suffer from intensely heavy periods. I easily spent between £15 to £20 per month on menstrual products. According to the Huffington Post the average woman in the UK spends approximately £13 on pads and tampons each month. And that does not include the extra cost of new underwear or trousers due to spillages.
It’s Great For both Light & Heavy Flows
I always had the dilemma of having to change from tampons to pads when my period was approaching the end. Which was a bummer as the pads would cause chaffing and just feel very unpleasant. However with the Mooncup it doesn’t matter how heavy you are. It holds 3 times more than a regular tampon and can be left in for 4-8 hours. So on my heaviest days when i usually had a few leakages I feel safe for longer and I rarely have any accidents. And on my lightest days I could carry on with my day with no discomfort at all.
They are super comfortable
There are times when I forget that I am wearing one or that I am even on my period. Something that never happened when I was using tampons and pads. The medical grade silicone is very soft and flexible making it really easy to fit to your body and doesn’t smell at all. At first I will admit I found it hard to wrap my head around. I had to cut the stem a few times to adjust it to my body and had to practise inserting it multiple times. However by the second month I had it down pat and never looked back. The only downside is that it can get messy when you are emptying the cup especially if you are in a public toilet. My advice is to carry some wipes to wipe the cup clean before reinserting and wash your hands thoroughly.
Useful Info
The cup comes in two sizes which are determined by your child bearing history and your age both of which can affect your pelvic floor tone. The size has nothing to do with your menstrual flow. Before the first use and after you have used the Mooncup you must sterilize it by boiling it in hot water for 5-7 minutes or by using a sterilizing agent.
The Mooncup® menstrual cup has really made my life a lot easier and I have found that I have suffered from a lot less cramps since using it. I truly recommend it to anyone who wants to feel more themselves when on their period. You can buy the cup at Boots or by clicking the links below. Visit their website for more info www.mooncup.co.uk
Hopefully you will join me by ditching the tampons and embracing the Mooncup!
This post contains a Press Sample
Mummysmad
I have been using these for years now, i used to suffer with thrush alot with pads and tampons. You need to ensure u get the right size or they can be quite uncomfortable, but if you do they are perfect.
Kylie Abreu
Yea your right, you need to insert it right and have the right size. But for me it has been a game changer!
Fiona
Ooh intriguing, I’d never thought of using one of these cups. Might tempt me to try it
Kylie Abreu
Once you get used to using it you will never go back!
Christine
Interesting! I’ve never seen or heard of this. Sounds like a game changer for sure!
Hailee
I’ve always wanted to try a mental cup! I haven’t just because my Periods are irregular and I never know when it will come or how long it will last or if I’ll bleed enough for a cup
Kylie Abreu
Honestly in that case the cup is perfect for you. You can keep it in your handbag at all times for when it comes. You don’t need a heavy flow to use it. It is a cup that fits your body so the rate of flow doesn’t affect it. I would definitely try it if I were you. I never know when my period is due and it has been handy having it in my bag when it does arrive
Bella at Dear Mummy Blog
Ooooo. I don’t know, my mummy is very heavy and unpredictable. She might give it a go after reading this.
Kylie Abreu
Mine are too and that is exactly the reason why the cup is better than regular tampons and pads
Rosie (@greenrosielife)
I am really pleased to see menstrual cups for sale in mainstream supermarkets here in France. The sooner they become mainstream, the better!
Kylie Abreu
I totally agree. I imagine you can get them in bio coop or naturalia?
Rosie (@greenrosielife)
I don’t know Naturalia (my nearest ones appear to be either Rennes or Paris which are a long way away) but I do go in our local bio coop so I will check the next time I am in there.
Kylie Abreu
Oh ok. Where are you in France? I used to live in Paris and loved naturalia and biocoop. I am in Scotland now and actually miss those stores. If all else fails you can buy them online x
leila2808
Interesting! I’ve never heard of these cups! Def gonna check these out.
theexecutivemom
This is sooo interesting! I’ve never heard of this product. Thank you. I will look into it for sure!
Kylie Abreu
Glad I could help. I highly recommend it
Melisa from Crushing Motherhood
Great advice and tips!
packthepjs
I’ve read a lot about these lately. If I’m honest, I’ve not considered one before as they look really fiddly. Yet most people say they really aren’t … so I’m considering giving one a go!
Kylie Abreu
It can be a little messy when emptying, and takes practise to learn how to insert it properly but once you figure it out you get used to it.
Brittany McCabe
I have been wanting to try one. You boil to sanitize when you buy it, but do you have to boil it at the end of each period to clean it? Do you use a designated pot just for that? Otherwise, seems a bit unhygienic to use a cooking pot. I would love to know, because I do want to try one! Thanks for the review.
Kylie Abreu
Yes you boil it first before using. The hot water kills any germs or bacteria and you boil it after use. I clean it thoroughly first when I have finished in the sink and then boil it to sterilise it. So it is already clean when I put it in the pot. I then put the pot in the dishwasher afterwards. You can have a designated pot if you wanted or use sterilising tablets like Milton. I highly recommend these. They are so convenient for me
outandaboutmummy
I’m never tried a cup! Maybe I’ll have a look into it.
Rosy Ⓥ (@LynSire)
I’ve known about the menstrual cups for years but never brave enough to try it. I guess I should give it a go next time I visit my local Whole Foods and buy one!
marciemcheung
I’ve been so intrigued by menstrual cups! I’m so worried about the mess, though. Wipes are a good suggestion!
Lifestyle Hunter
Thank you very much for the useful info! I think I should start using the menstrual cup! great way to help the environment!
Maya
What a great idea! Cheap and easier, I’m sold!
Christie Moeller
This is so interesting! I hadn’t even heard of these before!
Lexi
I’ve been wanting to try these! My periods have been miserable post partum, I thought that you couldn’t with a heavy flow. I’m definitely going to try them now!
Kylie Abreu
Aw you definitely should! They are great for heavy flows!
Ruth Skelley (The Rolling Twenties)
Wow! I have never thought of a menstrual cup, but I think I will consider one! I have very heavy periods! A really eye opening post. You are a great writer! 😊xxx
kindofanxious
I have really wanted to try a menstrual cup for months now! This post has absolutely convinced me to get one!
Kylie Abreu
Aw I am so glad it has! Let me k is how it goes! I honestly think you will never go back !
gemmaslittleworld
Ive always wanted to give one of these a go! Im scared thought with my PCOS that i may get too heavy for one!