The Mooncup is a reusable menstrual cup made of medical grade silicone. It is two inches long and comes in two different sizes, based on pelvic floor tone pre- and post-childbirth. It is used internally and collects your menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it like tampons/towels do. This means it can absorb a greater amount of fluid. You only need to buy one Mooncup, making it a more economical and eco-friendly choice.
How To Use The Mooncup Menstrual Cup
The Mooncup is a foldable cup with a stem at the end for easier insertion, so don’t be put off by the size of the product if you have seen it in the shops. You fold it flat to insert and you can use water or a water-based lubricant such as Yes to help, if your blood flow is light (oil-based will weaken the silicone). As with tampons, it may take a couple of attempts until it feels natural and comfortable to use.
It is worn lower in the vagina than a tampon, to collect the menstrual blood rather than blocking its flow, and this can help ease period pains. The entire cup should be worn internally, and you can trim the plastic stem so that it is snug to the body and comfortable to wear. The stem is there to accommodate different lengths of vagina.
Once inside the vagina it will seal itself to prevent any leakage. It is recommended that you change it every four hours to eight hours.
To remove it, relax the pelvic muscles (squatting can help as it makes the vaginal canal shorter) and gently pull the stem to release the seal so you can empty the cup. You can also measure your blood flow, which is useful for any gynaecological appointments, and if you are perimenopausal. Rinse the cup with water or a tissue and reinsert.
Pros And Cons Of Menstrual Cups
The Mooncup is made from medical grade silicone so is latex-free, hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain any colours or toxins. It won’t irritate or dry out the vaginal tissues, as non-organic sanitary protection does. It is good for sensitive skin and women who suffer from recurrent cystitis or thrush. Other benefits include:
- It is designed to collect three times as much blood (and clots) as a super-absorbent tampon, making it suitable for women with heavy periods and endometriosis.
- You buy one cup, which will last rather than purchasing disposable products each month.
- According to statistics, one woman uses 11,000+ disposable tampons/pads in her reproductive years – an average of 22 for each period. Most sanitary protection is flushed down the toilet, causing blocked drains and is transferred to the sea. Marine animals can't distinguish between prey and sanitary protection, and often swallow them leading to death. Non-disposable towels do not bio-degrade.
- Non-organic sanitary protection is made from cotton, which contains pesticides, which are absorbed by the body.
- Tampons absorb 65% of blood and strips 35% natural moisture from the vagina, which is required for lubrication during intercourse and to keep the vaginal pH balanced and healthy.
You might feel a little embarrassed about using the Mooncup in public toilets. The best thing to do is to take a small bottle of water into the toilet with you and use this to rinse the cup before reinsertion. You can use tissues or wipes if you don't have any water.
The Mooncup is not recommended for women who suffer from Toxic Shock Syndrome, a serious bacterial infection. Speak to your GP or gynaecologist prior to use if you have recently had a coil fitted, and it is advisable to wait one period before use.
Where To Buy The Mooncup Menstrual Cup
The Mooncup is available from Boots pharmacy, online via the website, and around the country at various health fairs, exhibitions and festivals. The company has won awards for ethical business practice and takes an active role in health promotion, regularly giving talks to women.
Latex versions of the menstrual cup have been around since the 1930s but they didn’t catch on because they were not deemed to be disposable or convenient enough. Mooncup’s founder and MD Su Hardy saw the potential of the product during her travels and imported a latex version to the UK in 2000. She then focused on designing a non-latex product.
Source:
Mooncup has further information on menstruation, statistics, common gynaecological health issues, and an advice line run by practice nurses.
The Ethical Company Organisation Good Shopping Guide.
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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