Back then, having a period is a really an ordeal. I really hate being immobile and uncomfortable while using sanitary napkins. I can't sit and sleep properly because I'm afraid it would leak.Then I found out about menstrual cup and this small product changed my periods forever!

What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a type of feminine hygiene product which is made of medical grade silicone  or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), shaped like a bell and is flexible. It is worn inside the vagina during menstruation to catch menstrual fluid (blood).

Why switch to a menstrual cup?

I’ve now been using a menstrual cup since August 2015 and I am never going back! My fondness of mestrual cup has 2 reasons. First, convenience. Second, well being. Sanitary pads and tampons pose a toxic hazard to both our health and the health of our environment.

Chemical residue from tampons can be absorbed through the thin tissues of the vaginal walls. Even chemicals from pads can be absorbed through the skin contact. One big concern is Dioxin. Dioxin is the byproduct of the process from converting wood pulp into a synthetic fiber called Rayon, which is also used for fabric.Tampons are usually made of cotton and rayon. FDA even banned the used of Dioxin in the use of bleaching sanitary items. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, dioxins are known to cause cancer in animals, and probably cause cancer in people. Aside from cancer, people exposed to high levels of dioxins may be at risk for a damaged immune system, increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), reduced fertility and endometriosis (in an animal study with monkeys). (Read: Tampon Safety published by National Center for Health and Research)


Why I love menstrual cup:

1. Affordablity
via GIPHY At first cups usually cost 900-1,500 pesos, if stored and used properly it can last up to 10 years. If you're buying 2 packs of sanitary napkin per month and each pack cost around 50-70 pesos then you are already saving money. You do the math.

2. No leaks & clean sheets

via GIPHY We all despise washing bed sheets with blood stains, right? With menstrual cups, I can go the whole night without leaks and can sleep on whatever position suites me. Unlike pads, I need to sleep on one side just to keep the pads in place and avoid leakage. Despite all the effort I will still wake up with blood stains on the bed.

3. Minimal Changes
via GIPHY A cup holds much more than either a pad or a tampon. Like many women, I empty mine twice during day time and once during night time. Unlike pads, I need to change every 4 hours or less.

4. Less/no cramps
via GIPHY Since using menstrual cups, I've noticed less or sometimes no cramps at all. The cup's design does not block the flow instead catches it. Lot's of cuppers also can attest to this.

5. Environment friendly
via GIPHY
Menstrual cups are reusable up to 10 years if used and stored properly. Imagine how many landfills we can save if many women use Eco friendly hygiene products. In United States alone there are 70 million women on their menstruating age. Every year there are 20 billion pads and tampons are disposed into the nation's toilets, garbage and drains! (Source)

6. No rashes
via GIPHY Pads can create chafing and adults are not immune to diaper rash (or shall we say pad rash?lol). Since there is no wet blood soaked napkin in contact with your skin. No more damp feeling. No more sitting on something weird and squishy.


7. Better yet, no smell
via GIPHY When I emptied my cup, to my surprise menstrual blood does not have smell at all. Because of the cup's suction, menstrual flow is not exposed to air. Therefore, it does not oxidize to cause embarrassing odors. All this time, that icky smell is just blood soaked in napkins and reacting with bacteria that causes bad odor.

8. Suitable for all activities
via GIPHY You can do all activities and it doesn’t slip or leak. Dance, run, hike, bike, and swim comfortably while on your period.

9. No harmful chemicals
via GIPHY Cups are made with medical grade silicone which are usually used as implants. Silicone does not leach and has no safety issues have been reported. It does not leak harmful toxins through skin contact.

10. Easy to use
via GIPHY Cups may be terrifying and weird at first but once you get hang of it your period will be a breeze. When in public, you can empty it, wipe it out and pop it back again for 5 hours or more. Just wipe and wash your hands after. If properly inserted, no need for frequent checking.
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I've become a menstrual cup pusher, urging friends to make the switch. While a cup might not be for everyone, I know I'm never going back to pads. Are you ready to make the switch?