What Are Moon Cups?! And Why You Should Give Them a Go
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Always been irked by the idea of menstrual cups even the name doesn't make them sound appealing, let's go with moon cups for the rest of this piece it's much easier. Here's your no strings attached guide to making the switch.
Firstly, I want to preface this by saying that it took me a while to get used to the idea of a moon cup, let alone start using one but now there's no stopping me! No tampons found in odd places, no awkward strings, no excuses! I am a total convert and so too are my colleagues, roommates and friends! I want to help break down the stigma around using them so we can all just go with the flow!
Why Do It?
It will save you dosh, one cup will last you at least 10 years so stop spending your hard earned cash every month on a coupla napkins. In her lifetime the average woman will use 10,000 tampons not only is the cost mind blowing but the impact on the environment.
From start to finish moon cups are environmentally friendly they are plastic free and slash your personal waste.
Stop the timer, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a major concern for tampon users. Moon cups buy you an extra 5 hours as you can empty them every 12. Tampons can potentially make tiny cuts in your vaginal wall which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
A moon cup holds up to 5 times more liquid than a tampon so don't stress about overflow. Yes, there will be blood (let's not be naive though you see it anyway).
Ever wondered what your trusty tamp is made of? Ingredients include nasty chemicals and often bleached rayon. Yep, that's right you are putting bleach up there! Pad lovers don't think you're off the hook the same goes for you minus the extra intrusion. Moon cups are made from an all natural, chemical and dye free plastic.
RELATED: Meet the founders of Lunette who are changing women's periods around Australia
How To
So becoming a menstrual master is the first step on your way to success. Experts recommend giving it three cycles before you throw in the towel.
- For beginners fold your cup into a C shape, all female anatomy is different so you'll work out what kind of origami is right for you in the future but for now, a C shape will have to do.
- Similar to tampons go gently tilting your pelvis. Your cup will sit lower than a tampon but make sure the spout is submerged. Release and make sure your cup has unfolded with a lil bit of suction.
- Don't stress if you don't get it on your first time. Remember learning how to use tampons? That wasn't a one try wonder.
The Exit Plan
- With clean hands grab the base of the cup. Gently pull to release suction and empty.
- If you don't have access to a tap (i.e you're in a cubicle) use a bit of toilet paper to wipe then you are all good to go.
The pros recommend starting off at night before venturing out into day to day life. Good luck ladies!
At Banish we recommend Lunette menstrual cups, grab their starter pack or dive right in with a moon cup today.