Menstrual Cups: You Want Me To Put That Where?! And Everything You Need To Know!

Today I want to talk about something a little different from my normal self-love, fitness and mouthgasam topics. But to my credit it is still in the wellness arena. This is going to be an informational post on a feminine product: a menstrual cup.

Disclaimer: if you are squeamish when it comes to period talk then this might not be the post for you. But, if you are curious about WTF it is and how it works and why anyone would ever use them then you’ve come to the right place. So please, let’s continue.

WTF is a Menstrual Cup?

It’s a reusable option for managing your period every month. It’s shaped like a bell and usually has a piece attached so that you can remove it more easily.

Unlike tampons or pads which absorb your flow, menstrual cups catch it and hold it until you empty it out.

How Does a Menstrual Cup Work?

Once inserted, the menstrual cup makes a seal which is how it doesn’t leak. It then just sits there, doing it’s thing, collecting your flow, while you’re doing your thing. For a more detailed how-to let’s go through the motions of how you would actually use it:

Step 1. Fold the cup and insert it into your vagina

Step 2. Feel it “pop” open and go on with your flawless self until it’s time to empty and then you move on to…

Step 3. Insert your finger into your vagina and find the stem. Gentle pull until you can feel the end of the cup. Pinch the end and remove the cup in an upright position.

Step 4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap

Step 5. Back to Step 1

Now I know- this can seem a bit gory. But let’s talk for just a second about some of the magic of periods. Grab your latte and hear me out. Periods. are. sacred. Women are able to create life. Let me repeat that: Women are able to create life. And your period is a reminder of that possibility- not only to create life but to create in general.

Native Americans created these things called “Moon Lodges” as a place for women to gather and connect when they had their periods because guess what- WE ARE MORE SENSITIVE DURING THAT TIME. Our awareness is heightened. Our intuitions are dialed in. We are basically these badass, omniscient creatures at this point. Pretty cool stuff right? For 1 week out of the month we’re like a real-life Storm with those mind reading superpowers.

Which is exactly why society has painted this ugly picture of what being a woman is. The picture that periods are shameful. That PMS causes women to act “crazy.” Women are so powerful- and that power is heightened during this time. Which is why you hear about women spending time in solitude. And that is also why you intuitively feel like you want to be alone (think Netflix and a pizza or time with your bestie). The problem with today is that we have been conditioned that this alone time is some sort of punishment for having our period. For being a woman. Society has taken this powerful experience and made us feel bad about our very being.

It’s some bullshit. And it’s yet another reason why I am SO so big on self love- specifically among women.

So once you come to terms with the concept that your period is just another amazing thing about being a woman- it’s no big deal that you are getting to know that part of you a little more intimately every month. So please- don’t let the fact that society has told you that your period is this shameful, dirty thing deter you from, well anything but specifically from trying the feminine hygiene product that works for you.

Whew! Okay- now that we’ve got that covered…

Why Would I Use a Menstrual Cup?

Allow me to share my personal story of why I started using one. As I became more aware of the foods that I was putting into my body as far as processed, GMO, organic vs. non-organic goes I had a moment where it dawned on me that: Cotton is one of THE biggest GMO crops. And our skin is our largest organ. And for about 1 week out of every month, I was taking this cotton filled with toxins and pesticides and who knows what else IN my body and just leaving it there for my body to absorb whatever may be on it or in it.

Yea. I was pretty disturbed. That very day I picked up some organic tampons and started doing more research. Here’s some of what I learned:

Tampon companies don’t disclose what’s in their product. If you look at the ingredients it will say things like “cotton” and “polyester” which doesn’t really tell me much. I can make a poisoned pie and say that there are things like “sugar” and “flour” in it. When it comes to the manmade fibers often times they can shed inside of us and upon removal can causing small cuts, which can become infected and play a host to bacteria. (Bustle.com) And bacteria is one of the things that make us more prone to TSS.

Granted, now there have been several PR campaigns focusing on the “safety” of tampons.

I’m going to take another sidebar here and point out a fact that you may or may have not considered: When companies want you to buy their product they will skew the results in their favor. Like when they want you to buy their miracle drug and they talk about the success rate among test groups and leave out the fact that they crafted that test group to sway in their favor. Or when they order the halt of some research altogether. They’ve got the research funding dollars so they pretty much have these researchers by the balls when it comes to what they want them to report on. Think about that next time a company tries to tell you about the product’s success rate.

Now, I’m not a doctor nor a scientist or anything but women are having hormonal imbalances, fertility problems and just really difficult periods. Women have been having their periods since the dawn of time. So what are we doing that is making it such a bitch? I’m not saying tampons are the cause of all of these concerns. But I am saying what if they are? So if I can do a simple thing to remove that possibility then I’m going to.

Aside from that, I learned that in a woman’s lifetime she will probably use about 14,000 tampons. Factor in applicators, liners, packaging that equals about 250-300 pounds of waste from our periods. (The Daily Beast) Our trash doesn’t just disappear. It goes right back into the Earth to just sit there. And it’s becoming a real problem.

Here’s a nifty calculator to more accurately determine just how much waste you personally will produce until menopause. Intimina Period Product Waste Calculator

And then there’s the money factor. If I’m paying $7 for a box of tampons every month that’s $84 every year. The average American woman has her period for about 38 years (SFSU.edu) so that’s $1,773.33 on tampons/pads. Versus the $40 I’m going to spend on a cup. Maybe $80 if I need to get another one.

FAQ About Menstrual Cups

 How Do You Clean It?

Simple. Just rinse with warm water and mild soap every time you empty it.

Another option is to use a vinegar and water rinse. Mix 1 part vinegar to 9 parts warm water and rinse it that way.

And you can also boil it after each cycle before putting it away until next month. If you do boil your cup make sure that you don’t melt it- while keeping it in mind it may not last as long as advertised by the company. I’ve honestly never boiled mine and all systems have safely been go. BUT I really don’t have a lot of sensitivities so that could be a part of it.

Does It Smell?

Does It Leak?

1. I wasn’t folding it right before inserting it. So I went to the trusty Google and found folding methods for menstrual cups. (I do a variation of the “Punch Down Fold.” I start with an open cup and push the rim about a quarter of the way down the opposite side. Then fold in half. The author of the linked article suggests pushing the rim to the bottom of the cup- which seems like it would be more difficult to pop open.)
2. I had to learn when I needed to empty it- which is going to vary from person to person (and also period to period). For me, when I get my period I can usually leave it for most of the day and empty it before bed. Days 2 and 3 I empty it about every 4 hours. Then on days 4-6 I go the 12 hours before emptying it.

Can You Feel It?

No. The only feeling is when it “pops” open. But that’s a gentle sensation.

Some note that the stem is too long for them in which case I suggest inserting it deeper or trimming the stem a little bit (because you still need that thing to help get it out).

Can I get TSS From a Menstrual Cup?

There has been 1 reported case. Granted they are not as popular as tampons but that’s not the only reason this is so rare. According to Wikipedia:

TSS caused by menstrual cup use appears to be very rare to virtually nonexistent. probable reason for this is that menstrual cups are not absorbent, do not irritate the vaginal mucosal tissue, and so do not change the vaginal flora in any measurable amount. Conversely, vaginal dryness and abrasions may occur if the tampon used is more absorbent than needed for the menstrual flow, and normal liquid that should line the vaginal wall is also absorbed. Research has shown that the cup has no impact on the vaginal flora, which means there is no effect on the presence of S. aureus, the bacterium that can cause TSS.

Can I have Sex While Using a Menstrual Cup?

No. If you and your boo thang are going to get it on during this time then by all means have at it. But don’t clutter up your cervix in hopes of making less of a mess. Make sure the pathway is clear and just put a towel down or hop in the shower.

(If you are looking for something to wear while on your period to help with messy sex then make sure you checkout the alternatives below for a solution!)

Will a Menstrual Cup Protect Me From STDs?

No. We all know at this point there are so many gross things floating around. The only protection is not fooling around because yo- did you know you can even get some diseases through fluid exchange that happens from wet clothing? Yea. You Calvin Klien’s are NOT a magical barrier against anything, honey. So make sure you are asking for paperwork before you let those juices get flowing and even then that you are wrapping/covering it all up appropriately. And remember even then that isn’t a 100% sure promise for safety.

Does a Menstrual Cup Act As a Form of Birth Control?

No. I don’t even know why someone would ask that but, just in case, it doesn’t do double duty as a diaphragm or anything else.

Can I Use a Menstrual Cup With An IUD?

Yes. Your IUD should be inserted high enough that the low insertion of your menstrual cup won’t interfere with it. Just make sure you give your IDU 2 menstrual cycles to settle in before using a menstrual cup. (Intima)

Can You Workout With It?

Absolutely!

How Long Does It Last?

Potentially up to 10 years. So depending on your age you may just need to buy 1 for the rest of your period life and be good.

How Do I Know Which Is Right For Me?

You only have a couple of options in terms of your variables.

1. Do you want silicon or rubber?
2. And what size?

The size recommendations can be found on the website for each company and are based on things like how heavy your period is, whether or not you have kids, etc. Check out the sizing info for the company you decide to go with.

Where Can I Buy a Menstrual Cup?

You have several options now. The one that I use is a The Keeper Cup. It’s rubber and I’ve had it for about 5-6 years now. They also have a silicon version (as most companies do). But now some of them come in cool colors and have features specific to them so take the time to make a couple of clicks before committing.

• The Keeper and Moon Cups
• Lunette
• The Diva Cup
  • Which can usually be found in health food stores and drugstores
• Intima
  • They also have pelvic floor strengthening products and sex toys)
• Eva Cup

If you’re thinking, “Eehhhhh- IDK if this is for me but now I’m concerned about my current feminine hygiene choices. Help!” then I’ve got you.

What are some other feminine hygiene alternatives?

Relax. You have several options that suggest they are safer than your typical drugstore products.

Monthly Subscription Companies

• TOTM
• Lola
  • Also offers lubes, condoms and more
• Sustain
  • Customizable kits for periods and sex
• The Honey Pot
  • Plant based feminine hygiene! Including wipes, products specifically for new moms and more!

And then some options that you can find in your local drugstore, health food store or online

• Softcup
  • A disposable menstrual cup
• A Sea Sponge
  • You read that right. But hey- you can supposedly have mess free sex with these! (I haven’t personally tried it- yet)

post – use imagery from yoni empire or something