Všetko o menštruačnom kalíšku

Menstrual cups are a great alternative to not creating unnecessary waste during menstruation, they are comfortable and safe to use, they are cleaner, cheaper and last for years.

I have been postponing writing of this article for a long time. It was never the right time — at first I thought that I should wait until I had more experience with it, then came other topics I wanted to write more about, other projects and so. But then interest in reducing waste and finding alternatives to disposable products is still growing; and as menstrual cups become more talked about, we will be talking about them today.

If you are hearing about the menstrual cup for the first time — the cup is a hygienic product that can be used during menstruation. It’s most often made of soft medical silicone, but you will also find latex or thermoplastic cups on the market. It’s funnel-shaped and works on the principle of collecting blood (unlike pads or tampons, which soak up blood), and thanks to that it can be used repeatedly for several years. It has a few holes around the perimeter to release the suction and many cups also have a short stem for easier removal.

I first came across the cups about five years ago, when I became more interested in sustainability. I had a lot of questions in my head at the beginning, but the more I read about it, the more I wanted to try it. About three years ago, at my local drugstore, I came across Lunette cups, about which I had heard only praise, and I didn’t hesitate any longer. And if you’re still not decided — give it a chance. It will change your life.

Using the cup is simple — after insertion you can have it for 6-12 hours (depending on the intensity of bleeding), then just pour out the blood, wash the cup and insert it again; so you can use it throughout your whole period. Inserting requires a little practice, but don’t worry about it. There are several ways to fold and insert it, you only need to find what suits you best. When properly inserted, a suction is created, so you don’t have to worry about overflowing or an unpleasant odor (which is caused by the blood coming into contact with the air).

During menstruation, it’s enough to rinse it thoroughly with a sufficient amount of water or clean it with mild soap. After menstruation, it must be cleaned in boiling water to thoroughly cleanse and sterilize — and you can use it again in a month. I boil it before starting the next cycle as well, although more for a better feeling, to be sure that it is 100% clean.

You will find a number of brands on the market, and each produces slightly different cups — the difference is in material, shape, size and so on. You can find tables on the Internet comparing different cups, but this is a very individual thing. The same shape won’t fit everyone. It’s a little easier with size — most sizes are divided according to whether the woman gave vaginal birth or not. I read a few such comparisons before the purchase, but as I mentioned, I came across Lunette cups by accident and it fits me like a glove, I like the size, I don’t feel it at all during my period and it doesn’t overflow.

Compared to pads and tampons, the cup has several advantages:

1. It doesn’t create waste. The only waste will be the box in which you buy it for the first time. Then there are no more plastic packaging or plastic applicators. By using it all the time, you no longer have to use any disposable products and can throw away the rubbish bin in the toilet. And did you know that a woman consumes up to 10,000 pads or tampons during her lifetime?
2. It will last a long time. If cared for properly, it can last up to ten years.
3. It’s comfortable. The choice of the shape and size that suits you and the correct insertion depend on it, but you won’t feel it at all during use, it doesn’t hurt anywhere, you don’t feel that you have something “big” and “foreign” in you. You’ll forget that you are menstruating at all.
4. It will replace all hygiene products. You will no longer need pads, larger extended pads for the night, tampons or any other stuff. You can use the cup from the beginning of your period until the end.
5. You can’t “run out”. Every woman with a period has experienced quite a few situations when she was out somewhere and only later found out that she didn’t have a spare pad with her, or she finished a package at home before she could buy another one. You don’t have to worry about this with a cup.
6. It’s cleaner. Although it seems terribly disgusting, I consider the use of a cup to be much cleaner than the use of pads, as you only come into contact with blood for those few seconds before you pour out and clean the cup.
7. It’s cheaper. The average price of a cup is around 20 € (500 CZK), which is less than the price of pads for a few months. And the cup will last you for years and years.
8. It’s safe and healthy. When using tampons, there is a risk of toxic shock and the pads can cause unpleasant rashes from constantly rubbing the surface on the skin.
9. You can use it for any activity. For sports, during the night, in summer and in winter, when bathing and swimming, anywhere and anytime.

I’m so happy with it that I highly recommend it and I don’t want to return to the classic pads and tampons.

When I started using it three years ago, I had great respect for it. It seemed huge to me, and the thought that something like that should be in me for almost a whole week scared me. But after the first period I was excited about it — I was very surprised by how comfortable it was and that during the day I didn’t have to worry about it at all. With heavier menstruation, I have to empty it more often, even every five to six hours, but the last few days are enough to empty it in the morning and then in the evening. As for the cycle, I’m inserting it for the first time the day before my period is due to avoid any surprise.

If you’re still deciding whether to buy a cup or not, or you’ve already bought one and don’t know how to start using it, some tips may help:

• Do your research. Although if you have no experience, it’s hard to guess which shape will suit you best, but it’s nice to read a little about the brands and go through a few reviews.
• Give it time. Inserting requires practice, so I recommend “training” this before you get your period. Take the time to find out the easiest way to put it in, how to take it out, whether you know when it’s properly open and won’t overflow. You will save so much nerves and stress.
• Toilets for the disabled. Sometimes you just can’t avoid emptying your cup away from home. But it’s not as bad as it seems, and even in public toilets it can be done. I have a tip from Lily to empty it in toilets for the disabled, where you also have a sink, but in the three years I’ve been using it, I haven’t had to use it once. But it is good to know about this possibility.
• Don’t be afraid to ask. The community of people who use the cup is already quite large today, and you certainly have a friend or cousin who has already tried it and to whom you can turn to. You can also message me at berenica@simplyberenica.com at any time and I will be happy to answer any question.