Diary of a First-Time Menstrual Cup user
My recent menstrual cycle has just ended and I’m proud to announce that I am FINALLY a menstrual cup convert! Applause, please (I’m expecting at least 50 claps from whoever’s reading this).
You might be wondering what’s worthy of celebration — it’s not that hard to overcome the barrier of inertia to cart out a menstrual cup online and switch to it on your next cycle, right? WRONG.
I got my hands on a Freedom Cup at the beginning of this year. It is currently August. It took me eight (8) months to finally stick it in.
Okay, to be fair, I took a break for, like, three months. I was simply put off by the effort I had to go through each time just to stick it in —on average, each attempt entailed a 30 minute-long affair in the shower contorting myself in various uncomfortable positions.
But since quitting fast fashion earlier this year (a post on this coming up soon!), I felt inspired to push myself to switch to more eco-friendly habits in other ways. I felt a random burst of determination to re-attempt this tricky cup a week ago, and the rest is history.
I documented my experience in the form of a diary log. Read on if you want to hear my honest thoughts towards wearing a menstrual cup, along with resources that helped me navigate this tumultuous journey!
But since quitting fast fashion earlier this year, I felt inspired to push myself to switch to more eco-friendly habits in other ways.
Day 1
10:28 PM
Okay, I just spent like forty minutes in the shower just now trying to stick this thing in to no avail. Gave up and put on a pad. I’m not sure if my mind’s playing tricks on me to make me feel better but I FEEL like there was progress? The cup kinda went in halfway but just popped open because I ran out of hands (yes, not a typo) to secure it. So I think it’s a matter of inadequate folding techniques. I’ll watch a Youtube tutorial on different folds and try again tomorrow if I have the willpower……
Also today I once again got reminded how expensive pads are…I know this isn’t news to anybody, but I’m feeling particularly broke right now and could definitely do with saving at least $6 a month!
Day 2
2:45 PM
I DID IT! IT’S IN!
I was in a terrible mood this entire morning. Name me a worse combination than period cramps, equatorial humidity, and frustration at your philosophy homework. I’ll wait. I woke up from a nap and decided that it’s time to change my pad — which means another attempt at wearing my freedom cup!
This video is honestly SO great — not only is it concise and informative, but the comment section is also full of immense positivity from new menstrual cup users. Many comments said that the triangle fold and diamond fold were the easiest for beginner users. I tried out the triangle fold over the toilet seat, and it worked! Didn’t even have to get uncomfortable in the shower this time, and it took me less than two minutes. Super easy!
I tried to move it around but I’m not sure whether the cup is fully open inside me though…we’ll have to see. I put on a pad just in case, as recommended!
I can also feel like there’s something there when I sit down. It’s not so much of discomfort as it is an acute awareness.
4:45 PM
No leaks so far! I’m also starting to see what menstrual cup reviewers mean when they say it feels like nothing is there because I actually don’t feel a thing anymore.
7:49 PM
Realised there was a bit of leakage and I thought that meant my cup was full. I smoothly removed it by squeezing the base of the cup before pulling it out, and turns out it was only half-full! I’m guessing I didn’t insert it properly the first time, or that it didn’t open up fully.
Re-inserting took a bit more time this time around after emptying and washing it. The area felt more sensitive and it took quite a bit of shifting around to insert it and popping it open inside.
Let’s see how it fares when I exercise.
10:40 PM
My menstrual cup stayed put throughout my exercise session! Granted, it was not as intense as my typical gym session — my cramps were so uncomfortable that I didn’t have much energy left to go all out. But throughout my pull-ups and light jog, I could barely feel anything there!
Day 3
06:26 PM
Last night was my first time sleeping on my period using a menstrual cup, and there was no leakage whatsoever! I’ve also gotten a lot faster at removal and insertion now. I think I’ve finally gotten the hang of how best to manoeuvre this tricky thing around!
My monthly cycle went by smoothly and stainlessly. Here are some of my reflections and tips I’ve gathered from the past five days:
- It does not, or should not, hurt to insert or remove it. I think that menstrual cups can seem especially daunting to girls who are unsure of their reproductive anatomy. While the area is no doubt sensitive, the silicon material of the cup along with the natural soft lining of your vaginal walls means that the process should be painless. The mild discomfort only lasts for that short moment in which you’re trying to push it in and towards your cervix, and when you’re trying to grip the base to slide it out.
- Although the process of removing-emptying-inserting your cup can be time-consuming at the start, using a menstrual cup actually saves time on your trips to the washroom! The presence of the cup makes each trip less messy an affair to clean, and you don’t have to change it as frequently as you do with pads.
- It’s so important to remind yourself to relax. Your muscles involuntarily tense up when you’re struggling, so it’s really helpful to calm yourself down in the middle of a tussle and simply relax your muscles (the same one you contract to poop. TMI, but essential tip). The contraction of the entire area will help you move the cup in and out much more easily!
- Try, try, and try again! Up till this month, I thought that it was literally impossible to shove it in — I even had doubts whether I could ever birth a baby out. It really helps to take breaks when the process is getting exhausting, and to watch Youtube videos along with reading relatable comments from girls who are stuck in the same position as you. If I can do it, you can too!
To those who are on the fence about getting a menstrual cup, do it! It’s definitely worth it. The thought of being able to cut down on the amount of waste I produce every month and not having to buy pass anymore for the rest of my life is super gratifying. For once, I’m feeling empowered on my period, and I feel like I’m making a difference by reducing my eco-footprint. I also appreciate the peace of mind when it comes to widening my range of movement as they’re more secure than pads.
Menstrual cups retail at $20 to $30 on various brands and can last for a decade. The Freedom Cup I got even has a buy-1, give-1 model, with each cup purchased entailing a donation to a woman in an underprivileged community, which is so meaningful and empowering!
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience, and that I’ve either imparted a bit of knowledge about menstrual cups in you or provided some inspiration for women out there to jump ship to an underrated menstrual product!
