It’s almost as daunting as the first time you get your period, which incidentally I remember fairly well despite the fact it was over 30 years ago (gulp)!
I was 12 years old, some of my friends were talking about periods but most hadn’t started yet (or weren’t fessing up if they had). I was comfortable with the facts, I’d read a book from the library and we’d been reasonably well clued up at school anyway. The most challenging part was communicating with my mother to purchase the right “things”. Looking back I can see that my mother was more awkward about it than me. I didn’t feel comfortable going to her and asking for pads. I tried pinching some of her lilets from her drawer but they were impossible to get far enough in (I’ve never mastered the ability to insert a non-applicator tampon far enough to be comfortable). Eventually she found my hidden underwear and went shopping for pads but assuming my periods would be super light the panty liners she got me were insufficient. My biggest memory is the fact that the communication was virtually none existent. I was embarrassed (understandable) and so was she so over all it was a challenge.
Fortunately, Bodyform (still to this day my preferred brand of disposable pad) had a phase of TV adverts that seemed to always feature between Australian soaps, featuring their innovative “wings” so I asked if I could use them justified by “my best friend at school has them” and the problem was solved. Of course it wasn’t long before the Tampax lady visited school and provided us all with a pink plastic carry case (perfect for hiding cigarettes fyi) and I was sold. I no longer had to miss out on swimming, waddle round with a “mattress” between my legs and gym knickers didn’t feature a bulge – BONUS!!!
But how many none-biodegradable chunks of period product have I flushed into the waterways or dumped in landfill over the last 30 years? Sadly, the answer is a heck of a lot! But I’m immensely glad to say that this has been curbed by the introduction on menstrual cups into my life. I finally had a go a few years back after a friend of a friend told us about them (I was not impressed at this point) but finally I decided to do some research and tried them out. I hasten to add I haven’t looked back, I’ve used a few brands over the years and my conclusion is that there are several great brands.
I’ve settled with KuuCup now as they are comfortable, easy to get a great seal and have a hight capacity which is great for my heavier flow days. As with most brands they offer a smaller size which is ideal for those with a lower cervix or younger people who find a smaller size more comfortable. Despite the budget price point the quality is certainly up there with the premium priced brands too.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to put life on hold when the painters and decorators are in then KuuCup is definitely a brand for you. Getting the hang of using menstrual cups is a little bit more challenging than using an applicator tampon for the first time but NO WAY as tricky as that dry bullet that I’ll never contemplate trying again. You can practice between cycles since the cup isn’t absorbent and thus doesn’t disturb the balance of your vagina. If you’re not sure what size is best for you there is a combo available consisting of both sizes for just a little more money.