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Periods. Something that’s somehow still taboo, though it really shouldn’t be. Many people bleed, whether from a grazed knee from a fall or a person on their regular monthly cycle. Yes, we bleed, get over it! However it’s spoken about between you and friends/ family, I’ve noticed more and more nowadays the conversation of a sustainable period.
We’ve covered how to have a more eco ‘time of the month’ on this blog previously. It’s something I’m more and more conscious of with every cycle. However, one area, one very grey area, in my menstrual cycle is the Menstrual Cup. Something I just CAN NOT bring myself to use. I’ve tried. I’ve looked them up, read into them, and even watch YouTube reviews on the ease of use (to try to psych myself up to buy one). Have I bought a Menstrual Cup yet? no. Does it freak me out and give me insane sustainable period guilt? yes, it bloody does.
Now if you’re reading this and thinking ‘what the hell is the woman talking about, a ‘menstrual cup?” well, let me tell ‘ya. It’s a silicone cup which is inserted into the vagina and catches your period blood. After several hours, you can remove said cup, sanitise and reinsert, allowing you to have a period without the need for wasteful pads and tampons. It is a one-time purchase, making it cost-effective after using it a few times. The design is excellent, and I’ve heard from many women who rave about them.
Have I bought a Menstrual Cup yet? no. Does it freak me out and give me insane sustainable period guilt? yes, it bloody does.
Popular brands include Mooncup, TOTM and Saalt, retailing for around £20. Meaning they aren’t a completely accessible option, more an investment for those who can afford it.
The environmental benefits of a menstrual cup are fantastic as they eliminate plastic from your cycle, with one cup lasting around 10 years. With the only cons being from personal opinions, like myself, many people have difficult periods and thus cannot have faith in changing routine. Periods are such a personal aspect of a person’s life and therefore having faith in this little cup can be a big ask. I for one am lucky to not have any trouble with mine, for me, I struggle with the thought of using one.
Ridiculous, I know. I’m a 25-year-old woman who has used tampons since forever. But, the thought of this silicone cup being manoeuvred up there, sends a shiver down my spine. It’s something I cannot get my head around. So, I’d like to take this time to send a formal apologise the Period Gods, to Greta Thunberg and every environmental campaigner. Sorry, I don’t want to use a menstrual cup. I may change my mind one day, and I do a heck of a lot of other things to eliminate plastic. Just this is something I can’t do.
Satire aside, if you’re thinking, ‘what I don’t want to either, but what can I do for a more sustainable period?’ Well, again, let me tell ‘ya. There’s period pants (something I DO use!), organic cotton tampons and so much more. I suggest you have a read of my previous post by guest contributor Kate Richards, Waste Sucks. Period. Lots of useful information is covered in there!
This is such a great post! I really didn’t feel okay with the idea of a menstrual cup, but did feel guilty. Now I’m using washable cotton menstrual pads and I love them!
Thanks! I feel lots of us are in the same boat, a menstrual cup just isn’t something I want to try, but there are definitely other ways to be sustainable – I use washable period pads too! They do me great and don’t produce waste 🙂
I love this! I’ve seen so many people talk about menstrual cups and a couple of my friends have recommended it to me too but I feel absolutely terrified by the idea of it. I’d love to get some period pants soon when I have the money to! Thank you so much for sharing this x
Thank you! Yeah exactly, I see so many people rave about them too, and fully can understand the appeal but personally I just can’t bring myself to try one – never say never though haha!
I totally relate to this! I have endo and honestly my period is far too painful to go through the effort of using a menstrul cup. I use organic pads which is as far as I can go at the moment. I think it’s more than fair enough and you are doing lots of other eco things, like raising awareness with your blog!
Ah that must be terrible to cope with, exactly it’s so important to do what works for you, because Periods are such a personal thing to deal with! Aw thank you so much! xx