I’ve been trying to live a greener life, so in that spirit, I figured it was time to give up all the tampons and sanitary pads I was throwing away every month and try out one of the reusable menstrual cups that are on the market. While the DivaCup is quite popular among Americans, I chose the Mooncup, because it is manufactured in Europe.
The Mooncup is made of medical grade silicone and is inserted into the vagina like a tampon. It then collects the menstrual flow in its 1 ounce (30mL) cup, which is about a third of the entire typical menstrual flow. You should be able to get by with emptying it every 5 to 8 hours, as it holds quite a bit more than a tampon would. When dumping out the cup, you can clean it with mild soap and water, or if it’s not convenient, just rinse it with water or wipe it clean with some toilet paper. It should be more thoroughly cleaned though in between periods.
The first time I tried the Mooncup, it took me a couple tries before I got it in place properly, but that was really the only time I had problems with placement. It was uncomfortable at first, but you are supposed to trim the stem gradually until you get the right fit. I cut half off, then ended up cutting off the whole stem. During the first few days, I was aware of it, similar to how it feels when a tampon has moved out of the proper position and is sitting low in the vagina. With regards to mess, I don’t think it made any more of a mess than using a tampon, especially if you are not flushing the tampon (which you really shouldn’t do), but are wrapping it and disposing it in the trash.
I knew I had a heavy flow, the website says most women have a flow between 2–4 ounces, so I figured I’d be at the upper end of the chart. Well, whoa Nelly, I learned a lot about my period in my week-long trial. I learned that I’m off the chart there. During my heavy flow, I wasn’t able to go all night without leakage. During the day I was having to empty the cup every 2–3 hours. Instead of being completely horrified by this (which you may be right now, too much information?), I found it kind of empowering. I’m a science/biology geek, so getting this in touch with my body was pretty fascinating. Then again, I can see that if you’re the squeamish sort, this might be a hard product to get used to using.
I will never use a tampon again. I’ll still probably need a couple pads every month as backup on my heavy days, but outside of those days, I wasn’t using any backup at all, and it was wonderful. I highly recommend this product to every menstruating woman. Not only is it less hassle than dealing with pads and tampons, it’s better for the environment. A couple of other pluses: you can go to a nude sauna during your period without worrying about about the tampon string showing, and if you have pets in the house, you don’t have to worry about them going through the trash and tearing up your used sanitary pads.
The Mooncup can be ordered in Europe for 20 Pounds (or 25 Euro) from Mooncup.co.uk, and in the US for $22.90 from Amazon.com
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Awesome. I’m glad you found one manufactured over here. Once things return, I would love to try it. After the pregnancy and postpartum time, I feel like I have contributed a huge pile of sanitary pads to the world!
I am also a HUGE Mooncup Fan and I sell it in South Africa. I have been using mine for over 5 years. I love it and wouldn’t use anything else now. Glad you found it and I hope you’re introducing all your friends to the Mooncup way
I think every woman should use menstrual cups- any brand! I, personally, have always used Diva, I love it. I also love that the company is owned by a mom and daughter- and they are Canadian, not American! But… viva la choices, right?! And no more wasteful, expensive tampons and pads; that’s the most important part!
I was in disbelief that such a device existed when I first read the post. I’m intrigued by the concept and curious to try…. gotta get over the feeling that this will be a bit messy. I just got my period at 10 months… It was awesome to have a 19 month break from that! LOL Will have to investigate. I don’t know anyone else who has used this — but, I wouldn’t expect that to come up in conversation.
I know a couple people who use menstrual cups and everyone I know who’s tried them loves them. I wouldn’t want to go back to tampons again. This is much less drying of the vaginal canal, as instead of absorbing it’s collecting, and there’s no risk of toxic shock syndrome for the same reason. It’s better for the environment, and cheaper in the long run.
It’s not messy at all on my light and medium days. It can get a little messy on heavy days, but it’s just some blood on your fingers and that washes off. I’ve never had a mess get on my clothes or anything. Really, it’s no messier than using o.b. tampons.
Also, when it’s inserted, I don’t notice it at all anymore. The only annoying thing is that the silicone has discolored a little, but I can live with that.
Good day
I’m South African citizen , where can i buy this product or what is Gillian contact details
Well I had never heard of these before! I am 49 and was not aware that anything like this was available – getting a bit late now for me but I might give it a try. Sounds better than tampons and pads which are a complete nuisance really.
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