Zero Waste Review: Menstrual Cups
Yes, this post is for those able to handle a story about periods. I'm not going to get (too) graphic, but there will be terms like 'vagina' strewn throughout so you have been warned. Be gone squeamish readers!
So, moving on. I bought a menstrual cup before my last period started. I used said menstrual cup. And it changed my freakin' world.
Oh my gosh how did I not change to a cup earlier?! Well probably because they've always been seen as a bit kooky. A bit hippy. In fact, the first time I found out about them was at Uni (my Uni was known for being quite the hippy hang out) when I saw an ad for one on the back of a toilet door. I remember being like- that is so disgusting who would ever do that etc etc. everything that is probably running through your head right now if you are a non-user.
But then the zero waste movement came along and I realised how much monthly waste I create by conforming to the standard way of dealing with a period. I thought about it a bit longer and also realised how much I hate all sanitary items. Pads and panty liners are messy and gross and make you feel like you're wearing a nappy. Tampons have always made me uncomfortable. On my heaviest day, which is surely the day you want to be wearing a tampon, I tend to be so uncomfortable with one in that I don't use it. So back to the gross nappy pads.
Not to mention the leakage. I've never worn a tampon overnight as I am particularly paranoid about toxic shock syndrome. Therefore the ability to keep my period in a designated area in my underwear is really dependent on how my vagina decides it wants to deal with it that night.
So I'd heard that these cups are a great solution. But I didn't know where to start. In the Facebook Zero Waste groups, some people had linked to a certain YouTube clip. I didn't know what to expect, but it certainly was not Precious Stars. Let me tell you- this girl, who was 16 at the time of making the clip, has the most wonderful relationship with her woman parts and talks about it so comfortably, I was completely awe-struck. The comments below suggested I was not the only one who wasn't as familiar with my vagina as I should be. I am twice her age and I did not know how high or low my cervix sat. Well, thanks to Bree of Precious Stars, now I do.
This is one of the few questions you should be able to answer before purchasing a cup. Different brands make different types and most will have different sizes and lengths of stem. They also differ in strength. After watching Bree's video I went to her site and looked through the options. I was still apprehensive about which one would suit me best so I emailed and asked. I got a reply very quickly and was pointed in the direction of a Lena cup as they have "a firm base so should be good for your strong muscles but the rim is a little softer and comfortable [for first time users]".
Using the cup.
Let's not beat around the bush (actual lol), it does take a bit to get used to. If you are not one to go poking around that area, you're going to become well acquainted real quick. I followed all the instructions, but as there are several 'folds' to help get it in place, it takes some experimenting. Also, I noticed the first day had much more resistance. I imagine that it is one of those things that your body just gets used to. It got easier to insert with more use and I became familiar with knowing whether it was sitting properly or not.
It is definitely trickier to get out. The first couple of times, you are going to a) have a mini panic because you think it's lost to your womb forever, b) contort yourself into a position that circus performers would be proud of (so make sure you are in a comfortable place) and c) get a surprise from the suction release and associated noises (insert blush face here. Again, comfortable place is recommended). As I seem to have quite a 'high' cervix, I really had to relax and use my pelvic muscles to push so that I could get a grapple hold of the base. This isn't a time to be shy.
It probably sounds messy but I don't think it compares to regular sanitary products. It goes straight in the toilet, it doesn't leave much at all on/in the cup as the silicon doesn't absorb any, and you give it a quick rinse and pop it back in. (Please wash hands before any of this!!) I would give it a wash in the shower every morning too.
You can leave it in for up to 12 hours at a time. I mean, that in itself is enough to make me love it. You don't have to think about toxic shock, once you get the hang of it, leaks are minimal (I didn't leak after day two) and it barely feels like anything is there. I actually can't sing it's praises highly enough. AND no more waste! These silicon angels last for years!
Alternatives.
For those who just simply can't stand the thought of a cup, it's ok! There are other ZW options. Reusable (washable) pads and absorbent undies are now a thing! I am tempted to get a pair of the undies as a back up or when I feel like my va-jay needs a bit of freedom.
Do you have a menstrual cup? Do you love it? Comment away!
Please note: I was not paid by Lena or Precious Stars to promote them. This is simply the way I went about getting my first cup. I bought mine from Precious Stars for £23.99 + shipping.
