Well hello to you my reader chums! Something I've tried to do recently is to implement a more eco-friendly lifestyle in my day to day life by investing in reusable products and doing my bit for the environment. One of the ways to do this was utilise the organic and eco-friendly period products out there like the Organicup.
I've heard a lot about menstrual cups and been wanting to try one for so long but always been really worried about the idea of it and what it entails. However, I thought I would take the leap and give it a go as I've heard so many positive things, and wanted to see what the hype was about. My best friend and I did it together to give each other the confidence in doing so - and I'm so glad we did.
Using it for the first time
It's safe to say that I was a little overwhelmed when I first attempted to use the menstrual cup. I've never been one for tampons and always used pads so doing that jump was kind of intimidating, to say the least.
First things first, I had to sterilise the cup which I did for 3-5 minutes in boiling water and also bought myself some lube (as it's recommended for your first try.) I read the instructions far too many times before I even attempted to use it and learnt that there were two different folds, the C fold, and the punch-down fold. Find more info about this on their website. I tried to use the punch-down fold as it makes the top of the cup smaller for insertion.
It took a few attempts to essentially put it in place but after failing a couple of times, I was able to secure it. I found the lube and relaxing really did help insertion become a lot easier.
It took multiple times to get used to the idea of inserting the cup and I just want to put it out there, I did not get it straight away - so don't be disheartened if you don't either. Once I got over the motion of putting it in and taking it out, I felt more comfortable with the whole process. They do say it takes around 3 cycles until you're fully comfortable with the process - and I can see why. It's only on the second cycle that I fully got used to it and felt comfortable going out and about with it in - and placed it correctly that there were no leaks.
Comfort and wear throughout the day
On the first day, I trialled it, initially, I couldn't help but notice it was there if that makes sense. However, once I was distracted, I didn't feel a thing and paid no attention whatsoever which I can really appreciate.
It did leak the first few times I used it as I didn't insert it correctly and allowed for the air bubbles to have a gap which gives it room to leak - if that makes sense.
It's not like pads or tampons where you need to be aware to check and change them as I had the security knowing it would last for up to 12 hours in the day. On heavier flow days, I did take it out once or twice just to double-check if it needs emptying or not, and for the most part, it was usually half full or a quarter of the way. It was easier to clean; I could either pour it out and rinse it in the sink or use the Organiwipes you can purchase with the cup.
When I felt comfortable with it in and secured it correctly, I didn't have to worry and I had the ease of getting on with my day.
Views compared to pads/tampons
Genuinely, I already prefer it to disposable pads or tampons for so many different reasons. Firstly, it's environmentally friendly and I'm able to reuse to for years and that means I'll save so much in the long run with the costs of sanitary products.
I love that it has a 12-hour leeway as I'm able to go out about my day and not even think about my period like I would using other products - and I can appreciate that it's all organically made so I'm not putting any chemicals in my body.
Although the process of inserting it and cleaning it is a little longer than using pads/tampons, all the other positives outweigh that completely. I think now I'm getting confident with it, I've been converted to the cup way of life.
Overall thoughts
It took a few attempts to essentially put it in place but after failing a couple of times, I was able to secure it. I found the lube and relaxing really did help insertion become a lot easier.
It took multiple times to get used to the idea of inserting the cup and I just want to put it out there, I did not get it straight away - so don't be disheartened if you don't either. Once I got over the motion of putting it in and taking it out, I felt more comfortable with the whole process. They do say it takes around 3 cycles until you're fully comfortable with the process - and I can see why. It's only on the second cycle that I fully got used to it and felt comfortable going out and about with it in - and placed it correctly that there were no leaks.
Comfort and wear throughout the day
On the first day, I trialled it, initially, I couldn't help but notice it was there if that makes sense. However, once I was distracted, I didn't feel a thing and paid no attention whatsoever which I can really appreciate.
It did leak the first few times I used it as I didn't insert it correctly and allowed for the air bubbles to have a gap which gives it room to leak - if that makes sense.
It's not like pads or tampons where you need to be aware to check and change them as I had the security knowing it would last for up to 12 hours in the day. On heavier flow days, I did take it out once or twice just to double-check if it needs emptying or not, and for the most part, it was usually half full or a quarter of the way. It was easier to clean; I could either pour it out and rinse it in the sink or use the Organiwipes you can purchase with the cup.
When I felt comfortable with it in and secured it correctly, I didn't have to worry and I had the ease of getting on with my day.
Views compared to pads/tampons
Genuinely, I already prefer it to disposable pads or tampons for so many different reasons. Firstly, it's environmentally friendly and I'm able to reuse to for years and that means I'll save so much in the long run with the costs of sanitary products.
I love that it has a 12-hour leeway as I'm able to go out about my day and not even think about my period like I would using other products - and I can appreciate that it's all organically made so I'm not putting any chemicals in my body.
Although the process of inserting it and cleaning it is a little longer than using pads/tampons, all the other positives outweigh that completely. I think now I'm getting confident with it, I've been converted to the cup way of life.
Overall thoughts
Overall, I'm impressed with the menstrual cup and after getting over the initial worries and figuring out how to use it, I really like it. I like how it's sustainable, how long it can be left in for, and how it can literally last for years.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you used a menstrual cup?
Thank you for reading <3
I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you used a menstrual cup?
Thank you for reading <3
I've heard some reviews on menstrual cups but haven't used them because I thought it would be like using a tampon (I'm not too fond of them). After reading this, I do want to give it a try now. Just curious but it doesn't have that period smell when you use it, right?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, it's so much better than a tampon as I never liked tampons either! No, it's made out of organic materials so doesn't smell of anything - and you sterilise it before you use it too x
DeleteI've heard about these before, but I've never looked into it properly before. It's good to know you prefer them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts xx
ReplyDeleteHannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
I would recommend giving it a go as I never thought I would like the cup either xx
DeleteI've seen a lot of reviews on menstrual cups but the thought of using one terrifies me. I've never been one for tampons either so I don't know how I'd feel about using this.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I was exactly the same and had a few mini breakdowns when first trying to use it. But once I got over the fear, I fell in love with using a menstrual cup and don't know why I didn't try it sooner!
DeleteTo be honest I am very scared to use this.
ReplyDeleteI was really scared first initially but through jumping in at the deep end and giving it a go, I loved it and much preferred it over pads or tampons xx
Delete