A significant portion of the world’s population is menstruating as you read this. For most of those experiencing menstruation, the easiest way to avoid a bloody mess is by using disposable tampons and sanitary pads. Unfortunately, these feminine hygiene products can pose a real danger to your health. I know it can be hard hearing that something so convenient is actually unhealthy for you, but thankfully, there are still convenient and appealing alternatives. Take the menstrual cup, for example (like OrganiCup): one of the best replacements to conventional period products, ticking all the right boxes concerning your overall health, the health of your vagina, and the health of our environment ?

​​​​​​​​​​​​The problem with tampons and pads

From the plastics used, to the absorbing agents, odor neutralizers, fragrant ingredients, synthetic fibers – oh, and don’t forget the bleaching – tampons and sanitary pads are just no good for you! They are just bundles of toxins that you’re putting inside or on your genitalia.

Up until recently, little was known about how these products affected vaginal health. But science has spoken¹: “Mucous membranes in the vagina and vulva rapidly absorb chemicals without metabolizing them.” This means that those nasty chemical agents and ingredients are getting sucked right into your body via your most fertile baby-making area (if you’re into that kind of thing). Furthermore, “Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) remains one of the best-known health impacts of a feminine hygiene product.”

This, of course, is all the risks you’re already taking before even considering that these products get tossed into a landfill (yes, even your period has an environmental impact) – not to mention the cost on your monthly budget, the occasional vaginal irritation they cause, and how those tampon strings are always ruining everyone’s bikini line aesthetic.

Top 5 reasons you (and your vagina) will love a menstrual cup

1. Menstrual cups are made from medical grade, antibacterial and hypoallergenic silicone. They are bleach-free, dye-free, perfume-free… completely chemical-free. So there’s nothing in them that will be absorbed by or cause irritation to your vaginal walls.
2. They reduce your carbon footprint! Because they are reusable, each month you are reducing the massive amounts of tampons and pads (which are also individually wrapped in plastic) that are being tossed into a landfill.
3. They offer up to 12 hours of protection*, which is essentially a whole day’s or night’s worth of protection (*depending on how heavy your flow is).
4. Another practical benefit is how much you’ll save. The cost of sanitary products add up, even more so if you are buying the fancy organic cotton kind. But with a menstrual cup, you only need to make a single purchase and you’ll be set for a decade – provided it’s looked after with proper care ♥
5. Once it’s in, you can’t feel it! And you won’t even have the feeling it’s filling up. (Just remember to empty it!)
   
   Bonus: a lucky additional point to reiterate is that they have no dangling string, making them bikini-friendly 😉
   
   

Menstrual Cup Q&A

If you think a chemical-free alternative – that offers 12-hour protection (day or night) and is a minimal-waste product – that’s easy on the wallet is worth it, you might want to consider a menstrual cup. It can be a slightly overwhelming change at first, but you can continue to read this article if you’d like to get a little more acquainted with them; I’ll be answering some of the most pressing questions about the product revolutionizing the feminine hygiene industry —

“What does a menstrual cup do exactly?”

It is inserted by folding the cup and situated inside the vagina where it feels most comfortable, which will be slightly lower than a tampon. The bell shape of the cup collects blood rather than absorbing it, which means you won’t need to empty it as often as you would need to change a tampon (or a pad).

“Sounds messy… what about spillage?”

You are handling a small cup blood, so your fingers might get dirty,  but it doesn’t have to be messy. It’s easy enough to hold your menstrual cup upright during removal, and it’s easy to tip the contents out into the toilet. If you’re worried about creating a mess: removing, emptying, cleaning and re-inserting while showering is the best option.

“How do I clean a menstrual cup in a public bathroom?”

In public bathrooms, you don’t always have easy access to wash it out. You can either take a bottle of water in with you to rinse it off, or after tipping the contents out into the toilet, you can simply wipe off the excess blood with toilet paper or a tissue and then re-insert. This is the best way to handle it until you find yourself in the comfort of your own bathroom again, where you can wash it out more thoroughly. As with using a tampon, always wash your hands before inserting or removing your menstrual cup.

“Regarding pain: on a scale from using nothing to giving birth, what kind of feeling should I expect?”

Initially, it’s a bit of learning process on how to insert it in the way that’s best for you, but once it’s in correctly, you shouldn’t feel anything there. It might take up to 2 cycles to get the hang of it, but once you got it and it’s working for you, you’ll easily forget it’s there! This means it’s great for doing sports, swimming, or just getting a good night’s sleep.

Oh, and important to note: among the many menstrual cups on the market, all of them generally have two sizes – one for women who have not given birth vaginally (i.e. OrganiCup “Size A”), and one for those who have (i.e. OrganiCup “Size B”). Find your size and give it a try! After all they are healthier, easier and greener ? You can watch our YouTube video below for a quick visual tutorial on using your menstrual cup! And in the meantime, be sure to keep your vagina happy & healthy by using an organic intimate wash – we recommend the Bio-Match Balance Moisturizing Wash from Good Clean Love ♥

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Sources:
1. A Question for Women’s Health: Chemicals in Feminine Hygiene Products and Personal Lubricants