Menstrual cups, also known as moon cups or diva cups, are a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to tampons or sanitary pads. First patented in the early 1930s, they didn’t become more mainstream until the beginning of the 21st century but they still fly under the radar as a feminine hygiene product.
So let’s have a quick look at the petite and discreet moon cup.
Made from medical grade silicone or latex, they are bell shaped to catch the fluids with a stem at the end to help with insertion and removable. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time depending on how heavy your flow is.
Inserting them can take a little getting used to and can be a case of practice makes perfect but once you have mastered the knack moon cups are less likely to leak than tampons or pads. Women who have used tampons in the past do find it easier to use cups as the theory is very similar.
To insert the cup:
- Fold the cup in half by pushing on edge of the rim toward the opposite edge. This is also called the C pinch.
- With the rim facing upwards, place the cup inside your vagina a few centimeters below your cervix. Some women find using a small amount of water based lubricant on the menstrual cup can help make the insertion easier.
- Once in place, rotate the moon cup gently which allows the cup to open covering the opening of the cervix and creating a seal. This is what shall keep the cup in place and prevent leaks.
- Once the cup is in place it should feel comfortable and undetectable. If it feels uncomfortable or if it leaks it may not be inserted properly and you will have to try again.
Removing your moon cup is just as easy.
- Tug on the stem of your cup until you can get your index finger and thumb on the base.
- Pinch the base, this breaks the seal and allows the cup to slip out easily.
- Once the cup is removed, it can be cleaned, thoroughly dried and then reinserted, which is one of the many benefits of using menstrual cups.
There are many positive aspects to using a moon cup.
- They can be easy on the purse: Menstrual cups can cost up to 35 euro but with proper care can last years. Women in Ireland can spend up to 132 euro per annum on products for their period. Period poverty is an issue where women can’t always afford tampons or pads every month and having a reusable option can help to combat this problem.
- They are eco-friendly: Due to them being reusable they cut down on wastage including the packaging the pads and tampons come in.
- They can be worn for longer: Moon cups hold more liquid than are absorbed by tampons or pads so they can be worn for longer without having to think about changing them.
- Petite and Discreet: They can stay in your handbag while not in use which means you will always have it to hand and never be caught short again.
- They are safer: They are made from medical grade silicone, meaning once they are cleaned properly they don’t house bacteria. Also unlike pads or tampons, which absorb fluids, the cup merely collects it which greatly greatly reduces the chances of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a bacterial infection that is rare but can be very serious.
Menstrual cups aren’t for every woman. Some women might not be comfortable with them, some might be allergic to the material, for some women the price might be too high to spend all at once but it’s about women being informed of all their options and choosing what makes them feel more comfortable and secure during their period.