10 Ways a Menstrual Cup Will Change Your Life
Image: Lunette Cup
Originally posted March 15, 2018
What's the deal with menstrual cups? If you're reading this, it shows you're ready to learn more. And well-deserving of a life-changing little device.
Ladies, it's time to get intimate... really intimate with your period... and talk about using a menstrual cup! It's been a life-changer for me, my clients, thousands of women, and can be for you, too (if it hasn't been already!)
According to one manufacturer, Freedom Cups,
"a menstrual cup is a small cup made of medical-grade silicone that is inserted much like a tampon and sits at the base of the cervix collecting menstrual fluid. One cup can serve a woman up to 15 years."
15 years! Ladies, that's incredible!
Since making the switch to using a menstrual cup, the way I experience my period has completely changed… for the better.
How I discovered my life-changing menstrual cup:
I had made the switch to organic tampons and pantyliners 4 years ago. I was motivated to make the switch when I read an article about how toxic chemicals and bleaches were being used in tampons (say what?!?). And they can seriously interfere with the delicate balance in the vagina. Organic products were available at specialty shops or online retailers, although the price tags were higher. My vagina was well worth the extra cash, and I could afford it.
A year later I decided to move to Asia... packing only a backpack. The trouble was (besides limited space) was that I’d been told tampons were scarce in Asia and expensive. I had a feeling organic tampons would be out of reach during my time in Asia.
Honestly, I can’t remember exactly where I first heard about menstrual cups, but I remember seeing one at Whole Foods market in the U.S. I took my mom on a shopping trip to Whole Foods to show her the menstrual cup I’d seen. My mom was instrumental in helping me prepare for my move to Asia, and we were brainstorming how to pack 6 months worth of tampons in my backpack. We "um’d" and "ah’d" over it, and both agreed the menstrual cup was worth a try.
My next cycle couldn't come soon enough (imagine that!). I eagerly awaited the start of my cycle while I diligently read the instructions and prepared.
Now, there was certainly a learning curve to get through with my new cup. I had some leakage the first few cycles as I learned the folding techniques and how much I was flowing so I knew when to empty my cup. I used an organic pantyliner as a backup during this time.
Within a couple cycles I had insertion down, and within about 6 cycles I had a schedule down. I knew when I needed to empty my cup throughout each day based on my flow. The instructions are straight-forward and simple.
The thing that's unique is each female's body and flow. For me, I'm about a medium flow the first day, heavy the second, heavy slowing to medium the third, then light for the fourth and fifth days, and very light day six.
Also, our female anatomy is unique, so insertion may be deeper or more shallow for some, and different folding techniques may work better depending on your body. There are also different cup sizes that can fit differently. Either way, ladies, you're covered!
What I can say for all females who decide to use a menstrual cup is this:
You can...
Save money
Help the environment
Use a safer and healthier product for your body (toxic chemicals and TSS are real and scary!)
Feel more comfortable than wearing tampons and pads
Get to know your period better
Understand your female anatomy better
Worry less about leaks and accidents
Pack lighter
Feel and smell fresher
Join a global community of women using menstrual cups
I've experimented with 3 different brands of menstrual cups and my personal favorites are Lunette, Nixit, and Freedom Cup.
Ready to take it to the next level and deeply understand your menstrual cycle and how to properly care for your hormonal self? Your next step is my on-demand course, ‘Flow.” Get all the details here.