I Ditched the Usual Pads for Menstrual Cup This Month: An Attempt to Sustainable Menstruation

Since my menarche (first menstruation), I’ve always used menstrual pads with the exception of using tampons whenever I go for a swim. And yes! Let it be known and noted that girls can swim even when they’re on their monthly period. It stops flowing! On an average, I use 13 pads every cycle. This is with combination of regular winged pads, overnight winged pads, etc. Panty liners for spots after the regular flow are not included in this stat. In a year, that would be 156 pads. And in the duration since my uterine lining started shedding that would estimate to 2496 pads used, wrapped in scratch papers, and contributed to PH's menstrual waste.

I first discovered a new dimension of "red-days" care when I saw an advertisement for Diva Cup three years ago. I thought, "Hmmn. Why not, coconut?" This, to me, was a brilliant idea because it’s reusable, compact, and economical. In short, practical. Well kinda hoping that it's easy to use as well. Since then, I tried my best to look for one to check if this could be something that’s worth using. After years of searching, I finally found one in BeautyMNL.

I bought Anytime Menstrual Cup in size 1, which retails at PHP 700, and here's the nitty-gritty of my experience in using one. It's explicit, so here's a warning as far as warning goes. STOP READING if you're squeamish and find period talk uncomfortable.

Still reading? Ok then, let's get down to it.

First off, inserting the cup takes time. I had a hard time and tried several folds just to insert it. I think I spent around 5 mins in this process. Patience was tested, curses were said, and buyer's remorse was felt. But I have done it and so the story continues.

As it is, there are several folds I have researched prior to using. The most common are the C-Fold and Punchdown Fold. Here's a visual for a better idea.

I find that the Punchdown fold is the easiest way to insert the cup. But you may try other folds and choose what's suitable for you. Once inserted, the cup locks into place. You know it's there but you can barely feel it. To determine if you have successfully inserted the cup, pull the stem a little bit. There should be a resistance when you pull it. If you haven't tried using tampons then it might take some time for you to get used to the feeling.

There are also a lot of tutorial videos in YouTube with regards to menstrual cup usage. They are graphic but very helpful.

In the first and second day of my cycle, which are the heaviest, I drained the cup every 3 hours. According to my research, you can use the cup up to 12 hours. Of course, the changing depends on how much blood you discharge. But one sign to know that the cup is full is when you see blood spots in your underwear or when you urinate. It means there's an overflow and it's time for another trip to the loo. To avoid stains, you might need to use panty liners. This is actually a tad inconvenient because you use the cup to avoid having to use pads after all.

Draining the cup was a challenge. There's the manual aspect of pulling the cup, I learned that contracting your lower ab muscles to push it helps, and then there's the environment element to consider.

Because it was my first time to use, I was a mess. There was BLOOD all over the floor dude! When you inserted it, you created a vacuum of sorts in your vaginal cavity. Hence, pulling it out won't be easy. So, you cannot just drain it in a public restroom setting. It is much better to find one where you'll have an access to bidet, running water, and toilet paper.

And to be honest, I finished my cycle without ever learning how to properly extract the cup. Though one could be more inquisitive and consider other factors in this difficulty of taking out the cup. For instance, maybe I've inserted the cup way up in my cavity or I'm not in a comfortable position while pulling it out. So I guess, practice makes perfect.

To sanitize the cup, wash it water and an antibacterial, pH friendly liquid soap. If there's none, you can use a sanitizing wet wipes. After your menstrual cycle, boil it in water for 3-5 minutes. The cup is made from medical grade silicone so it's heat resistant. And in fairness, the cup does not smell after.

In comparison, I found that the cup holds more blood than pads and tampons which in turn make it cost effective. Although there was a leak, it is lesser compared to the other two alternatives. Unlike tampons, menstrual cup also pose lesser threat in acquiring TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome. TSS happens when bacteria gets into your bloodstream and produces toxin. As such, tampon fibers scratch the vaginal wall creating an opening for bacteria to enter. Moreover, I also did not experience rashes or irritation when I used the menstrual cup dissimilar with sanitary napkins.

All things considered, there are challenges in using the product but there are also benefits. Familiarization is key. I may not fully commit myself in using only the cup at the moment. But I will definitely use lesser disposable products now that I've found a sustainable alternative. I encourage you to try one!

Stay Curious,

Sai D.

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