A what?
A Mooncup! A convenient, safe and eco-friendly cup that collects your menstrual fluid easily and effectively. Sound intriguing? Or perhaps a little bit eew?! If you’re already thinking this is not for me, I urge you to read on (unless of course you are a man, you’re more than welcome to go no further!).
I have to confess, I was a little bit nervous about using a Mooncup when I first heard about it many years ago, but I can honestly say, hand on my heart, it has been one of the best purchases I have made. It may be awkward at first and take a few goes to insert it properly and fit it comfortably (it is no weirder or any more awkward than it was putting a tampon in for the very first time) and if you’re struggling they have a great customer advice centre.
Benefits of the Mooncup over conventional sanitary products…
Safer and Healthier
The Mooncup simply collects your menstrual fluid as opposed to absorbing it like tampons and pads; therefore, preventing dryness, irritation or disruption of your body’s natural pH levels thereby reducing the likelihood of thrush. The Mooncup is made from soft medical grade silicone, is latex-free, hypoallergenic and contains no dyes, BPA, phythalates, plastic, perfumes, toxins or bleaches – all good in my book.
The Mooncup also has measurement markings, enabling women to accurately report menstrual blood loss to their health care practitioner. Women who think they bleed heavily may be surprised to find that they’re not bleeding as much as they think.
The Mooncup also lowers your risk of toxic shock syndrome, which has been linked to high absorbency and prolonged use of tampons.
Greener
In one woman’s lifetime she will have approximately 500 periods and use over 11,000 tampons or pads – isn’t that frightening and unfortunately these will all end up in landfill or in the sea. The re-usable Mooncup offers a simple way to dramatically reduce the amount of waste you produce and your carbon footprint. Bonus!
Cheaper
On average a woman uses up to 22 items of sanitary protection every period. Regardless of your flow you only need one Mooncup, which costs £20.00, and this will last for years and years; making it the most economical sanitary product you can buy.
More Convenient
The Mooncup can safely be used overnight and when traveling, swimming or exercising. It’s easy to remove, rinse and reinsert during your period and store in between periods in a discreet little cotton bag (with pretty pink ribbon). The Mooncup also collects far more menstrual period (three times as much as a regular tampon!) so you don’t need to change it as regularly. I find I only need to change my Mooncup every 8 hours, not every 2-3 hours with tampon use and it’s a lot less messy than using sanitary pads!
I recommend you give it a go! I cannot guarantee you’ll love it but I can almost guarantee you won’t go back to using tampons and pads after having tried it. Certainly my clients who have tried it have all been converted.
For more information about the mooncup or if you want to purchase one, click here.
Be well,
Nikki x
