What if we told you you could make your period disappear? Painless and spot free – without having to change your sanitary napkin after every two hours? Sounds too good to be true right? Well are here to tell you that it is absolutely and entirely possible!

More than half the population of Earth has had periods for more than half of their life. An average woman uses 11,000 disposable period products in their lifetime.

Now consider the amount of waste created each month by disposable period products. Consider the chemicals they often contain, and that we put inside our bodies. Consider the young girls who stay away from school because they are ashamed of their periods.

You may raise a sceptical eyebrow or two when we say that a more sustainable (and affordable) future lies in the use of menstrual cups but we are here to chase your concerns away!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs9roWRnJhS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

WHAT IS IT?

It is a small, soft, pliable, sterilized, and easy to clean silicone or rubber cup designed to catch your blood instead of absorbing it. Menstrual cups are also durable and can last for approximately 10 years.

HOW TO USE IT?

Step 1 – Wash your hands First, wash your hands with a mild, un-perfumed soap and water. Step 2 – Flatten your cup Flatten your menstrual cup between your thumb and your other fingers to prepare for the folding process. Step 3 – Fold your cup

Once your menstrual cup is flattened, fold it in half with your other hand so that the rim makes a “C”. Hold the cup firmly with the hand you are the most comfortable with. The folded part should face toward the inside of your hand.

Step 4 – Prepare to insert

Guide your folded cup rim first with the rounded end of the “U” shape facing you toward your vagina. You can insert the cup while sitting, standing or squatting; spreading your legs will facilitate insertion.

Step 5 – Rotate your cup

Lightly pinch the base of the cup (not the stem) and gently try to give it one full rotation in either direction. Doing so helps to avoid leaks by ensuring that the cup has opened fully. The cup should rotate easily when properly open.

Congratulations! You can now wear your cup for up to 12 hours without worrying about leakage or changing anything.

Wash the menstrual cup carefully in warm water and soap to clean it sufficiently before reinsertion. Use mild soap for washing (intimate soap is ideal).

WHERE TO GET IT?

There are many websites and pharmacies where menstrual cups are available. We recommend https://www.instagram.com/p/BlkSvHTFrpK/

DOES IT HURT?

Not more than the regret of not buying something you liked and having it go out of stock ;)

On a serious note: If you do it correctly and carefully, it shouldn’t. Virgins may have some discomfort at first, but unless there is a medical condition, the discomfort should go away.

Have we tempted you to give menstrual cups a try for a better, cleaner future? Let us know in the comments below!

Image credits: Recircle