Two words: LIFE. CHANGING.
It happened a few weeks ago, just before Christmas. I can’t believe the difference it made.
No more emergency trips to the bathroom. No more anxiety about “not having one.” No more tedious potty breaks out of my day to change it.
I was covered.
Two more words:
Menstrual Cup.
If you’re squeamish about anything period related, I apologize. I admit, after three kids and numerous medical staff prodding at every area of my “girl-parts,” there’s a lack of modesty when it comes to this topic. My poor husband can’t even muster up the word “cycle.” He avoids any and all conversation about this natural womanly occurrence. But, I am just too excited about this truly life-changing cup! I just HAD to share it with someone! And who better than a community of fellow mommas!
Normally, I dread that time of the month. It’s a terrible waiting game. I have a bathroom cupboard full of products, because who knows what all I’ll need. Tampons. Pantyliners. Maybe a pad or two for nighttime. And not to mention you better have multiple varieties, because it might be a heavy-flow, light-flow, or regular-flow kind of day. After a day or two’s use, they made me itchy and sore. In a public bathroom, others heard you unwrapping the crinkly packaging and then you had to find a trashcan if there wasn’t one in the stall. Ugh! To say I hated it would be an understatement.
Now, for the first time in my life, I was actually looking forward to Aunt Flow riding into town on her crimson pony.
Yes, this time would be different. After stumbling across an article about menstrual cups and reading their rave reviews, I decided to give it a shot. Ironically, the same week I ordered mine, a fellow ICMB writer was telling us how amazing they were. And she couldn’t have been more correct!
Seriously gals. This thing. Oh how I wish I could afford to buy one for every single woman. I will never go back to other menstrual products. EVER!
This little medical-grade silicone cup folds right up for insertion and then suctions into place to prevent leakage. Super easy. It is reusable and with proper care, it can last up to 10 years. It collects the fluid in a cup-shaped reservoir as opposed to absorbing it, which is the cause of irritation from pads/tampons (which dry out your skin.) And the best part: you empty it once in the morning, and once before bed – no more multiple trips to the bathroom. It is so much more convenient and hygienic. And it’s comfortable too. I totally forget I’m wearing it. Another bonus, there is no “waste” to dispose of, so it’s environmentally friendly as well! Clean up is a breeze too: rinse in hot water when you empty it. Then after your cycle is over, just boil it for 5 minutes and it’s ready for use the next month.
Ahh, for real. I can not possibly put into one blog post, how much I LOVE this thing. No more costly trips to the store to buy products. No more shelves full of a variety of these products. No more excusing yourself from daily activities to change those products. No more sudden paralysis when you’re out and about and realize you don’t have one of those products. No more leakage. Whether it’s a super light day or you feel like you’re bleeding to death, seriously, this thing holds it all. It is safe to wear through the night. No risk of TSS. No waste in the landfill. One cup does it all. I’m actually kind of mad at myself that I didn’t discover this gem years ago!
Of course, there are different sizes and firmness, depending on your circumstances and preferences. I ordered mine based on the fact that I have had three children, but all were cesarean, so I chose the smaller Mooncup UK (and it came with this cute little carrying bag to keep it clean.) Some are shorter, some are longer, some are wider. They have multiple color options and they usually all come with a stem to aid in removal, but after reading many reviews, I went ahead and clipped mine (for comfort), and I don’t regret it for a second.
I encourage you to do some research into which one would be the best fit for you. Ladies, it is truly one of the BEST investments I’ve made, hands down!
Do you have any experience with menstrual cups? Curious? Let’s chat!
I just read this & am interested in more info. What company did you go with? Now that you have used it for a few years do you still like using it? Have you had any bad experiences using it? I have loved using cloth pads, but they are needing to be replaced. Does NewPi still sell these?
emymEmy -Not this author, but have some experience. I have used my menstrual cup for about two years; I forget where I got it – I know it was online. And, I think it is the Diva Cup brand. I believe Baby Time in Cedar Rapids carries some brands…
No bad experiences other than I still prefer my mama cloth. Inserting the cup can be a bit strange, so I usually just don’t use it. I rarely used tampons for the same reason. I am SO HAPPY I switched to cloths and the cup, though. I feel 100% better than I ever did before – no cramping, lighter flow, less days. I feel much more confident in the things in and touching my body now.
emymEmy -Not this author, but have some experience. I have used my menstrual cup for about two years; I forget where I got it – I know it was online. And, I think it is the Diva Cup brand. I believe Baby Time in Cedar Rapids carries some brands…
No bad experiences other than I still prefer my mama cloth. Inserting the cup can be a bit strange, so I usually just don’t use it. I rarely used tampons for the same reason. I am SO HAPPY I switched to cloths and the cup, though. I feel 100% better than I ever did before – no cramping, lighter flow, less days. I feel much more confident in the things in and touching my body now.