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Beth Sandland

Why I’m a Menstrual Cup Convert: 3 Months Later

05/16/2019 · Home, LIFESTYLE, WELLNESS

Why I'm a Menstrual Cup Convert: 3 Months Later, switching to a Mooncup, Menstrual cup FAQ

 

Three months ago I made the switch from tampons to using a menstrual cup. I was road tripping through New Zealand in a camper van and feeling particularly money and plastic-conscious. I wrote about my initial thoughts as I took my rubbery new pal home and prepared to…well, stuff it up my vagina.

Over three months and three periods on I feel confident in saying that deciding to start using a menstrual cup was definitely one of the better decisions I’ve made regarding my body. A little like when I decided to come off of the pill, something just felt better.

 

Money saved

Around £60 a year (calculated on my usage of around 20 tampons, 5 night time pads and 5 liners a month). Over 10 years that’s a holiday!

 

Plastic conscious

Based on my monthly usage of tampons and pads, that’s an annual saving of:

  • 240 plastic applicators
  • 240 tampons
  • 12 boxes
  • 240 plastic wrappers
  • 60 night time pads + packaging
  • 60 liners + packaging

 

FAQ

How do I keep it clean?

I rinse my cup between every removal/reinsertion and ensure it’s completely clear. Personally I do not use soap and for the last 2 periods the tap water has been un-pottable but this has not been a concern.

At the end of each period I submerge it in a cup of boiling water (from the kettle) and throw in a sterident tablet (the kind you use to sterilise braces) too. I then store it in the cotton pouch it came in until next month.

 

What if I need to empty it in a public bathroom?

In all honesty, this is really unlikely to be necessary unless you’ve got a very heavy flow or haven’t timed it right. Most people are able to just change it in the morning and evening from the comfort of their home (I do it in the shower!). If you do find yourself needing to empty it whilst out out don’t want to rinse it in a communal sink you can either use a water bottle to clean it, or just wipe it out with some loo roll and wash it when you get home.

 

My flow is too heavy for a cup?!

No…it’s not. A cup holds the equivalent of about 4 super tampons. Do the math and work out how regularly you need to empty it. You can always wear a pad too to start with if it makes you feel more secure!

 

Can it get stuck?

No. There’s nowhere for it to go; it is not going to get lost or do a runner. The only time you might find removal difficult or uncomfortable is if you’re tense or you don’t release the suction. Relax, push it down with your muscles and then just pinch the bottom and slowly remove it.

 

I’m worried about getting it up there; it looks too big?!

Let’s be honest…things are designed to go up there. If you’ve used tampons comfortably and are having sex then you’ve really, really got nothing to worry about when it comes to using a menstrual cup. Inserting it might initially feel a bit weird but you’ll quickly get to grips and find the easiest way for you.

If you’ve never used tampons it may be the place to start just to get used to the idea. It all depends on how comfortable you are with touching your own body; I think in itself that process is a positive one to experience!

 

Can I sleep in a menstrual cup?

Yep! No problem at all. You definitely don’t need to vertical for it to work.

 

Can I swim in a menstrual cup?

You can do anything wearing one. As you’ll read below, I spent a week scuba diving and it became my BFF!

 

How long can you leave a menstrual cup in for?

Recommended on most instruction leaflets is 12 hours. You’ll see from my usage I’ve broken this limit several times! That’s because menstrual cups do not have an association with TSS. Make you own call!

Which one should I use?

There are lots of brands! I ended up using a New Zealand one as thats where I was travelling at the time but had I been at home I’d likely have gone for a Moon Cup, which looks the same as what I have. You can even order them off of ASOS (linked here!)

 

Why I'm a Menstrual Cup Convert: 3 Months Later, How to keep a mooncup clean, switching to a menstrual cup

 

Period One

Having practiced in the back of a van after a couple of glasses of red wine, I was both excited and apprehensive for my impending period; my first using a menstrual cup. To start with inserting it felt a bit awkward and it took some time to figure out the easiest fold but generally, I was really relaxed about the whole process which I think helped a lot. I quickly forgot I was even wearing it and by the third day, by which point my flow is usually light, I thought nothing of leaving it in for 16 odd hours as I caught an early morning flight to Bali.

Initially I was concerned it wasn’t in properly but consoled myself with the notion that if I’d placed it wrong I’d soon find out, whether because it would be uncomfortable or leak. Thankfully, neither happened and I quickly got used to working out where it was supposed to sit; a little lower than you’d put a tampon but high enough that you can’t feel it.

I found removing it a breeze. I think often people imagine some sort of Dexter-esque massacre scene across the bathroom floor. Where possible, I just took it out in the shower. I didn’t spill it, but it wouldn’t have mattered either way. In a (probably quite grotesque) way I found seeing how full it was quite interesting; in that first week I felt I learned a lot about my period. Changes in flow and texture that you may not normally see or notice became great indicators of where I was in my cycle.

Perhaps the best part of all was towards the end, those couple of transition days that are too light for a tampon but will absolutely ruin your favourite undies. Unlike an ultra-drying tampon, a cup is not causing your body any harm so I had no issue with leaving it in a little after my period had seemingly ended to catch the grotty aftermath.

The entire process was a lot easier than I expected. Yes, it’s intimate but it didn’t ever once feel icky or uncomfortable. I survived my first period and – miraculously – not a single pair of knickers were harmed in the process!

 

Period Two

After a smooth-sailing first cycle, I didn’t have any fears for period numero two. In fact, I felt a lot more attuned to my body and – with the help of the Clue app – actually realised I was due on and popped it in in anticipation which made me feel like a bit of a vagina ninja. I trimmed off the stem – something I’d been a little apprehensive of doing the first time round – which made it even more comfortable.

I spent this week scuba diving in Indonesia and if that isn’t testimony to the power of the cup then I don’t know what is! With 12 hours or so at the dive centre a day – often rolling later into sundowners – and a couple of hours submerged under the ocean, I didn’t once even think about my period. I popped my cup in in the shower in the morning and it didn’t cross my mind until at least 16 hours later when I emptied it (in the shower again) before bed.

I know using tampons would’ve made that week so much more stressful. I’d have had to do the math and work out how long I’d had one in, to scuttle off to change it in the tiny little loos, to worry that the string was hanging out my bikini like a demented rodent tail.

Basically by the end of this week I was ready to buy cups for every woman I know.

 

Period Three

By this point I felt like a menstrual cup expert. Ironically, this is the only time I had a very minor mishap when I wore it for about 17 hours on day one when my flow was a little too heavy to cope with that duration. It was my own fault; I had a mammoth lie in. In reality, there was no carnage just a few skids in my pyjama bottoms that told me I’d been a bit over-zealous.

Beyond that, I have nothing to report. I’m happy, my vagina is happy, the planet is happy, my wallet is happy and I honestly could not see myself using another product again.

 

Like this post? Pin ‘Why I’m a Menstrual Cup Convert’ to Pinterest!

Why I'm a Menstrual Cup Convert: 3 Months Later

 

You may also enjoy reading my initial thoughts in ‘Why I’ve Decided to Give a Menstrual Cup a Go‘

Posted In: Home, LIFESTYLE, WELLNESS

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Comments

  1. Lucy says

    05/18/2019 at 17:33

    I’m so intregued by the menstrual cup, I’ve wanted to give one a go for a while now. I’m so conscious about the amount of plastic I use when using tampons, its so bad for the environment. Perhaps I’ll have a look into getting one!

    Lucy | Forever September

    Reply
  2. Chloe says

    05/20/2019 at 03:42

    I’m currently travelling around New Zealand and I’ve decided to give one of these ago after hearing you rave about it! I’m so nervous but you’ve definitely answered many of my questions so I’m actually a little excited too! Amazingly detailed and informative post as always Beth! Xx

    Reply
  3. Faye says

    05/24/2019 at 07:15

    This post was so helpful – thank you! I’m definitely going to get one now.

    Reply

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I am a multi-award winning blogger, photographer and writer from London. I’ve travelled to over 38 countries, lived out of a backpack for a year and love to scuba dive! This site is a destination for all things travel, lifestyle and my successful online book club.

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2. Educated by Tara Westover: a memoir that reads a little like a fiction depicting Tara’s life growing up in a strict Mormon family in Idaho with a survivalist father who is battling undiagnosed mental illness. They don’t believe in formal education or medicine and any form of governance is the work of the Illuminati. Covers some heavy themes (tw: abuse) and is extremely interesting and engaging.
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Photographer: @victoriasomersethowphotography
Dress: ASOS
Box fresh kicks ready to explore [from the bedroom Box fresh kicks ready to explore [from the bedroom to the kitchen, to the loo...aaand repeat]...at least they’ll stay clean 🥴☕️
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Type into browser: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/ewjdwzcbq2x (junior size 🤑 if under a UK 5.5)
AD: Pregnancy has given me a lot of time to reflec AD: Pregnancy has given me a lot of time to reflect on my relationship with alcohol over the last year. 🍸 I flitted between giving it up when pregnant or for fertility purposes, then using it as an emotional crutch in loss which made me more anxious and restless. This time - now 6 months pregnant - I haven’t had a drink since August and have been really pleasantly surprised by how little I’ve missed it, even over the festive season. I’m not into vilifying booze; I enjoy a couple of drinks and even the feeling of lowered inhibitions and being tipsy. But I know that even post-pregnancy and the other-side of the hazy newborn/breastfeeding days, I’ll try and maintain a far more positive relationship with alcohol which for me, looks like indulging lightly and occasionally.
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Having access to brilliant alcohol-free alternatives makes this significantly easier. My favourite gin distillers, Salcombe Gin, are behind the @NewLondonLight; a 0% spirit that doesn’t compromise on taste. So whether you’re pregnant, doing Dry January or simply attempting to live lighter, you can still enjoy a Sunday evening tipple. How do you feel about the alcohol free movement?
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Get 20% off with code ‘NLL20Beth’ 🍊 #NewLondonLight #LiveLightNLL #NLL
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Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens: totally captivating, unusual and enchanting. I literally devoured this one!
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Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams: as well as being laugh out loud funny, Queenie is also an education. A must read on what it’s like to be a young black woman growing up in London. Also tackles mental health really well!
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The Flatshare, Beth O’Leary: I recommend this to anyone who just really needs a hug from a genuinely enjoyable book. It’s warm and lovely but offers depth well beyond your usual chick lit too.
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Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi: this novel is such a triumph! Spanning over 300 years from pre-colonial Ghana to present day USA, each chapter follows a new character in the lineage of two sisters. One sold to slavery, the other married to an English coloniser. It’s sweepingly powerful and incredibly well written. I could’ve read an entire book on each character!
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A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman: Ove was the very first book I read in 2020 and it stuck with me throughout the year. At its most basic, it’s the story of a cantankerous old man. Delve a little deeper and it’s funny, heartbreaking and incredibly heartwarming. I just love Ove!
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Hit the ‘save’ button to come back to this list when you’re in need of a good read! What were your books of the year? 📚
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PS. If more reading, less scrolling is one of your 2021 goals too then don’t forget you can come and join us at @bethsbookclub_ 😎
2 0 2 1: the year of you 🕊🤍
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Happy new year saucepots! We had an ultra rock n’ roll night (read our books in bed then watched the midnight fireworks - that was a nice surprise! - on a phone before falling promptly to sleep...) and today is all about a long walk, a longer bath, books and tea. And obviously starting a new diary because isn’t fresh stationary the best thing about a new year?!
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Are you setting New Years’ resolutions? I prefer a bit of reflection and mindset shifting. This year it’s all about setting firm positive boundaries, protecting my energy and saying no to things/people that don’t serve that. I like the new year, not for the ‘new me’ noise but rather as a chance to let go and embrace a fresh beginning again. ⚡️☕️
As far as NYE outfits go, I’m not mad about this As far as NYE outfits go, I’m not mad about this one...🐻🥂 I hope you’re all well and excited to bid farewell to 2020. I know the clock striking midnight doesn’t fundamentally change anything but I’m hopeful that we can look forward with more optimism. I always find the turn of the year really emotionally complex. I’m not even going to attempt to unpack this last one other than to rejoice that even amongst the lowest of lows there have been highs. My beloved Nan won’t see the new year, which is hard to contemplate. I also married my best friend. This time last year I was miserable on the sofa, a day after surgery for our first miscarriage and wishing I could press pause on life. Tonight I’m still on the sofa, but full and at peace rather than empty and grieving, looking forward. For us, 2021 will see the birth of our little cub so it’s one that I’m welcoming with open arms. So much can change in a year and I hope you can seek comfort in that. However you’re feeling tonight, I’ll raise my alco-free bubbles to you because you did it: you made it through one of the toughest years in history. Brighter days are coming ☀️💓
24 weeks on the 24th December. 🌈🤍
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This day exactly a year ago we felt like the world had been pulled out from under our feet after learning that our first baby wasn’t destined to grow and come home with us. I grieved that loss deeply but I never regretted it because of all that it brought us too: weeks of joy, the realisation that we were ready for a family, a greater understanding of motherhood and of life - that it simply isn’t something you can plan. And now, new life.
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Now I sit here, 6 months pregnant with a child wriggling inside me that I can’t fathom being without. It’s so very complex because without the losses we experienced, this baby that we already love wildly and unconditionally simply wouldn’t exist. I don’t believe that ‘everything happens for a reason’ is any consolation but I do think our losses are a vital part of our story as much as this healthy pregnancy is, so in a confusing, incoherent way, I’m thankful for them.
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24 weeks is a huge milestone because in terms of gestation it’s known as the ‘viability’ mark. Our baby is officially a registrable human being and a ‘miscarriage’ is no longer a medical possibility. This is a day I’ve been really looking forward to! Thank you for continuing to hope with us, and know that we’re holding on to it extra tight for anyone struggling for whatever reason.
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Keep cooking away in there little one, growing you is the greatest joy. 🌱🤍
(Ad) GIVEAWAY! WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK FOR TWO 😍 (Ad) GIVEAWAY! WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK FOR TWO 😍🧖🏼‍♀️
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Start 2021 with something special to look forward to. Who couldn’t use some pampering and R&R after the year we’ve had?! The Spa at Carden is a brand new £10 million ultra luxe indoor and outdoor spa nestled in the award-winning Carden Park Hotel’s extensive grounds, just outside of Chester.
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THE PRIZE: a lucky winner will win a one night spa break for two including a spa day, a 50 minute treatment each, a double or twin room and a full English or continental breakfast! Valid for all of 2021 subject to availability.
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TO ENTER:
• Follow me @bethsandland and @thespaatcarden 
• Tag a friend below!
• Unlimited entries (tag in separate comments)
• Share to stories for a bonus entry!
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INFO: Closes 22/12/20. Winner announced 23rd December by  me on *THIS ACCOUNT* - please do not engage with any fake/scam accounts claiming to know the winner! This giveaway is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Instagram. This post is unpaid but marked as ‘ad’ due to the commercial nature of giveaways.
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GOOD LUCK 🥰🎄
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(AD) I had a very productive day of Elf duties as (AD) I had a very productive day of Elf duties as we finished off the Christmas shopping to add to the bits we’ve ordered online! Now to pour a Faileys (faux Baileys...) and get wrapping up with Home Alone on in the background...
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If you haven’t finished your shopping yet then checkout @mandmdirect - the home of designer brands with up to 75% off! I did some of my Christmas shopping there and picked this cosy outfit up for myself too. The jumper dress was £8.99, the coat less than half price at £29.99 and the hat £5.99 (all non maternity)! You can also find Uggs on there with some huge savings...See my stories for some brilliant gift ideas for tricky recipients, with delivery guaranteed in time for Christmas 🎅🏼🎄
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Have you finished your shopping yet? Do you enjoy it or find it a chore? I love thinking about what to get each person, but it can definitely get overwhelming!
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