Make The Switch – Menstrual Cups

Reusable period cups are becoming more and more popular as we start to become more aware of the effect we are having on the planet, period poverty and the consequences of other sanitary products. Not everyone knows exactly what reusable menstrual cups are or why we should be making the switch, so in this blog we are going to run through just what they are and why they are the better option for your go to sanitary product.

 menstrual cup

What is a reusable menstrual cup?

So what exactly is a reusable menstrual cup…? A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid.

How do you use a menstrual cup?

The first step is to find out what size cup it is you will need. A doctor or gynaecologist can help with this if you are really unsure. Most menstrual cups come in a smaller size and a larger one. A few aspects to consider when choosing your size include:

  • Age
  • Cervix size
  • Flow
  • Cup capacity

Once you have established what size cup it is that you need, you need to prepare before you insert the cup. Always ensure that you sterilise a new cup. Hot soapy water and a Ph friendly soap will do.

You may find it easier to wet the rim with water or water based lubricant for the first time inserting. Once it comes to popping your cup in the process is actually quite simple:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly
  2. Tightly fold the cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up
  3. Insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. (Note that period cups sit much lower in the vagina than a tampon).
  4. Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. It will spring open to create an airtight seal that stops leaks.

 Just note when the cup is inserted you shouldn’t be able to feel it if inserted correctly. You should also be able to go about your day without it falling out (don’t worry though it takes practice).

how to use a menstrual cup

Reasons you should switch to menstrual cups

So why should you make the switch? There are too many reasons! We will list just a few of the big ones below for you:

Long lasting period care - Menstrual cups are said to last up to 10 years (with the proper care of course!)

Save money – Who doesn’t like saving some money, the cost of tampons and sanitary towels adds up over time, a onetime purchase of a menstrual cup could save you hundreds.

Longer protection – Tampons offer 8 hours protection whereas a cup could give you up to 12 hours period protection.

Suffer less leaks – Once the suction is formed the liquid should pool directly into the cup, unlike a tampon if it shifts or becomes over saturated.

Decrease chances of TSS – Toxic shock syndrome is a bacteria spurred illness that can kill you if your tampon has even a slightly higher absorbency than your actual flow, you risk shredding. Tiny bits of cotton can cause small cuts in your vaginal walls—a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria causing TSS.

 

Better for the planet- Tampons and sanitary towels are filling up landfills everywhere, the difference with the menstrual cups is that they are completely eco friendly.

They aren’t that scary – Yes that’s right there not as scary as you think! Once you get the hang of them they are just as easy as tampons but so much better for you and the planet!

 reusable period protection

Shop reusable menstrual cups:

So you want to make the switch but wonder where you can get your hands on one, well luckily for you we the answer… US! We provide the CupIT Menstrual Kit which contains not one but two cups in different sizes to suit your needs. They are made from 100% medical grade silicone, soft, easy and safe to use.

All the CupIT packaging is 100% eco-friendly and bio degradable right down to the cotton bags your cups come in –how amazing is that! It doesn’t end there either, with every CupIT Kit purchased we donate one to someone in need, tackling period poverty whenever we can. So if that’s not enough to convince you to make the switch I don’t know what will! Shop our fantastic CupIT Menstrual Kit here: CupIT Menstrual Kit – SecretWhispers™

If you enjoyed this blog and would like to find out more specifically about the CupIT check out this blog: Everything You Need To Know About The Menstrual CupIT 

References: Becca Grimm, Buzfeed contributor 

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