It’s That Time of Month, Again.
Whenever I know my period is near, I always dread the coming days. There have been times when I’ve canceled plans just to lie in bed because of the unbearable pain of my period cramps. And if I did go out, I’d be burdened with awkwardly adjusting my pad in public because it would keep moving. I was also always so nervous about leaking through my pants and scared to even check if I did. This whole ordeal always left me feeling uneasy, especially being away from the comfort of home and surrounded by strangers. I know every woman reading this can relate to some type of #PeriodProblems.
Disposable Period Products: Convenient, but Not So Earth-Friendly
Aside from the average #PeriodProblems, did you know that some pads are also harmful to our environment? Disposable period products like tampons, pads, and panty liners can take 500-800 years to decompose. Most of them end up in landfills and further breakdown into microplastics that can pollute oceans and rivers. With that on our conscious, how do we protect the environment when our bodies bleed every month?
Discovering Menstrual Cups
Last year, while scrolling through Instagram, I saw a campaign called #EndPeriodStigma promoted by @comfortcupph. I was intrigued. So, I browsed their feed and saw that they were selling menstrual cups. I was really hooked on their idea of ending period stigma because it’s hard to open up about the female body when you live in such a conservative country. Prior to this post and learning about menstrual cups, I didn’t really have anyone I could openly talk to about vaginas or periods because it’s a tabooed topic where I live.
Menstrual cups were really intimidating for a first timer like me. I had a few questions in mind, like, can they really last up to 5-10 years? How do you use and insert it? How do you clean and sanitize it? Will it get stuck inside my vagina? I needed to learn—a lot. So, I started to do my own research. I read reviews, testimonials, and came across a lot of positive experiences. I also joined a Facebook group where menstrual cup users and curious enthusiasts like me were welcomed. All my questions were answered when I discovered the group. Seeing women empower other women and talk so openly about their bodies inspired me to get one. I said to myself, there’s no harm in trying.
My First Experience with a Menstrual Cup: From Insertion to Removal
One thing I discovered right away—menstrual cups force you to discover what’s really going on inside your vagina. The first time I safely insert my cup, it took around 30 minutes. I know most first-time users can relate to this because it’s a new experience, a new feeling, and for some women like me, it can be their first time really exploring their vagina. It really takes practice to master inserting the cup and it took me several tries before I was able to get it in there just right. I started at 30 minutes, but soon enough, I was able to cut it down to five.
At first, I thought inserting the cup was the hardest part, but boy was I wrong—the removal was just as intimidating. To remove it, I squatted over the toilet, found the end of the cup’s stem, and started to pull it. It really felt like the menstrual cup was holding on to the insides of my vagina. It felt like it didn’t want to leave me—and it just kept suctioning. Of course, I started to panic, but I couldn’t ask for help because that would be so uncomfortable. So, I tried to remain calm and patiently lowered the stem until I could hold on to the grip rings. Thankfully, I was finally able to pull it out. Not going to lie, seeing my blood in the cup for the first time was satisfying.
You might be wondering—what does a menstrual cup feel like when it’s inside? Believe me when I say that I didn’t feel anything at all. It felt like nothing was inside me. I really didn’t feel a difference. More than anything, it felt freeing. Nothing like the sticky, wet, and uneasy feeling of using pads. The best part about it? I can move around and even exercise without thinking about my period. I can even swim or go to the beach without worrying about leaving red stains in the water. It also felt more hygienic because menstrual cups don’t leave any foul odors or create moisture that can lead to bacteria—leaving a well-balanced and happy vagina!
The Stigma Associated with Menstrual Cups in The Philippines
Despite the many advantages of menstrual cups, a lot of women are still reluctant to adopt them. There’s a stigma around them and a lot of misinformation that using one impacts virginity or causes injury. Some women are so close-minded that they even shame or laugh at other women for using menstrual cups. However, here’s the thing you should take away from reading this—there’s absolutely no reason to shame women for using menstrual cups. Sure, menstrual cups are not for everyone. Some women find it uncomfortable to insert and remove the cup, and that’s totally okay. At the end of the day, we all bleed differently, and everyone manages their period in a way that’s best for them.
Switching to Menstrual Cups: Best Decision Ever
Menstrual cups have empowered me to explore and understand my body better. Using one will help you welcome your period instead of dreading it every month. I’m confident enough to say that using a menstrual cup helped me overcome all my period frustrations. And on top of all that, menstrual cups are also a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to tampons and sanitary pads. Think of it as you saving mother earth in your own little way. I can honestly say that discovering menstrual cups has been one of my greatest self-investments. So, for anyone who may be considering—try it for yourself! As I said earlier, there’s no harm in trying. Just do some research first and find the perfect cup for you. Enjoy the process that comes with making the switch—and remember, no regrets, it’s just blood! PERIOD.