{Advertorial} My feminine life-transformational decision - Menstrual Cups
W
hat do ladies hate most when they are having their period? This amounts to a lot of issues such as bad stomach cramps, not being able to wear light-coloured clothing for fear of having their clothing stained, not being able to lie on their backs whilst sleeping for fear of staining their bedsheets, having to change their sanitary pads / tampons on a regular basis during days of heavy flow and the list is non-exhaustive.
I recently learnt about an alternative to sanitary pads / tampons -- MENSTRUAL CUPS which can resolve many period-related woes faced by most women.
A Menstrual Cup is a feminine hygiene product shaped like a cup and is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. The menstrual cups are mostly made of medical grade silicone, rubber (latex), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
Menstrual Cups come in various shapes and sizes and hence it would be good that you pick one which suits your needs.
As a beginner, I opted to use Chiobucup Menstrual Cup Size M from Chiobucup as Size L is a larger size to cater for women who had underwent vaginal childbirth or bigger-sized women.
If you are unaware of what sizes to pick, you can always contact Pernilla - the lady boss of Chiobucup via WhatsApp / Email. She has a wealth of experience in Menstrual Cups and will provide you friendly tips and advices in using the cups.
I recently learnt about an alternative to sanitary pads / tampons -- MENSTRUAL CUPS which can resolve many period-related woes faced by most women.
What is MENSTRUAL CUP?
| Chiobucup Menstrual Cup Size M (SGD49) |
A Menstrual Cup is a feminine hygiene product shaped like a cup and is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. The menstrual cups are mostly made of medical grade silicone, rubber (latex), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
| Chiobucup Menstrual Cup Size M (SGD49) |
Menstrual Cups come in various shapes and sizes and hence it would be good that you pick one which suits your needs.
As a beginner, I opted to use Chiobucup Menstrual Cup Size M from Chiobucup as Size L is a larger size to cater for women who had underwent vaginal childbirth or bigger-sized women.
If you are unaware of what sizes to pick, you can always contact Pernilla - the lady boss of Chiobucup via WhatsApp / Email. She has a wealth of experience in Menstrual Cups and will provide you friendly tips and advices in using the cups.
Chiobucup
Website: http://www.chiobucup.com
Whatsapp: +65 8161 1020
Whats's so bad about Sanitary Pads / Tampons?
As typical Asians, we are generally not so receptive to stuffing things up our vagina and hence Sanitary Pads are the usual solution for us when we have our period.
The common traits of Sanitary Pads and Tampons are that they contain chemicals to absorb the blood discharged from our vagina and hence these chemicals might make us susceptible to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), and yeast infections which can be fatal in more serious cases.
I have never used a tampon in my life and hence I can only share about what I dislike about Sanitary Pads as below:
- They cause discomfort as they produce friction as you walk around wearing them
- They cause diaper rashes which can make you itch badly down there
- The absorption properties might not be spectacular as I need to change my pads like four times a day during my heavier flow days
- I hate it when I have the peeing sensation when the menstrual blood gushes out from my vagina whenever I stand up after sitting / lying down too long
- I risk the chances of staining my panties when I lie on my back in bed when sleeping despite opting for the extra long pads for night use and I risk getting leakages on the sides / back when wearing sanitary pads which makes wearing light coloured clothing impossible during my period
- My movement is restricted as I need to wear a soaking wet pad around throughout my period
How to Use Menstrual Cups
It is important for you to sterilise your menstrual cup in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes or so prior to using it before each menstrual cycle.
| Instructions on Package |
Tips and Tricks when wearing the Menstrual Cup
#1: Be in a sitting or squatting position whilst wearing the menstrual cup.
#2: Widen the air holes (there are 2 small openings at the sides of the menstrual cups) to reduce the suction power in your vagina for ease of removal.
#3: Always fold the menstrual cups prior to insertion.
#4: The key is to RELAX when inserting / removing the menstrual cup for maximum comfort. You may use a lubricant to assist the menstrual cup to glide in more effortlessly.
#5: Insert one finger into your vagina and turn the cup when it is inside for at least 1 round to ensure that the cup is fully opened up under your cervix to collect your menstrual blood - you don't want it to leak on you!
#6: Wipe off excess blood on your labia to prevent staining your panties.
#7: Wear a pantyliner if you are wearing the menstrual cup for the first time as you do not want to soil your garments should the cup not be worn correctly.
#8: Snip off the stem of the menstrual cup if it is causing you discomfort. The suction is too strong for you to thug the cup out by pulling the stem anyways.
#9: Pinch the rim / base of the menstrual cup down to release the suction during removal and slide the cup out of your vagina accordingly
#10: Empty, Rinse and Reuse your menstrual cup after removal. You may use a feminine hygiene wash to sanitise your cup - I'm using the V-mina Feminine Hygiene Cleansing Mousse and am loving it as the PH levels match that of the vagina's.
| I sanitise my menstrual cups with V-mina Feminine Hygiene Cleansing Mousse :) |
#11: It is advisable to keep short nails as long nails trap dirt and bacteria which might cause infections. Also, long sharp nails might scratch your vagina and it hurts!
#12: Replace your menstrual cups every 2 years for hygiene purposes although the cups can typically last up to 10 years.
#13: You can choose to wear your menstrual cup a couple of days prior to your period to standby - it helps to collect your vaginal discharge anyways!
#14: Always store the Menstrual Cup in the pouch provided when not in use to prevent contact with dust.
I AM A CONVERT!!
I've been using the Menstrual Cups for 2 menstrual cycles now and finally mastered how to wear it properly to prevent leakages.
After trying the menstrual cups, I can confidently proclaim that I will NEVER go back to using my Sanitary Pads because of the below benefits.
Pros
✔ Stomach Cramps have been significantly reduced as I do not feel my menstrual blood gushing out through my vagina whenever I stand up as the blood is collected straight after it leaves my cervix
✔ Increased comfort level and self-confidence throughout my period as I can move around and not feel myself bleeding underneath. In fact I felt like I am not having my period at all :D
✔ I feel dry and fresh underneath as I bid my bloody soggy pads goodbye
✔ Great for travelling - I only need to empty the menstrual cups out every 12 hours* and hence I can be on the go and not worry about my menstrual cups overflowing itself
✔ I can finally sleep on my back, toss and turn freely without having to worry about staining my clothing and bedsheets - my sleeping quality have been improved significantly thanks to this life-saver!
✔ Environmentally friendly - you dispose less sanitary items on a monthly basis and hence that is converted to savings! Imagine how many pads / tampons you use in a lifetime - the results can be shocking!
✔ It is good for vaginal health as it does not pose any risk of contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) as compared to Sanitary Pads / Tampons
✔ The coppery smell of blood is eliminated as the odour arises when the blood oxidises when it comes into contact with air (i.e. when it is discharged from your vagina into the sanitary pad)
✔ No discomfort experienced when wearing the menstrual cups as they are made of very soft silicone material
*Note: On the average, you can wear your menstrual cup up to 12 hours before emptying it out but as first-time users, you still have to monitor your menstrual flow during your heavy days to ensure that the size of menstrual cup is able to contain the amount of blood over 12 hours. You might need to empty it more frequently if you have an above average flow.
However, there are trade-offs in using a menstrual cup which might be a concern to some.
Cons
✘ Takes time to practice the art of inserting and removing the cup (might take a few menstrual cycles for you to familiarise)
✘ If you are afraid of seeing your own blood, then this is not for you as you will see a cup full of blood when you remove the menstrual cup from your vagina
✘ The blood might splatter everywhere when you remove the cup
✘ Inserting the menstrual cup might tear your hymen - so it might be a concern to those who are still virgins
FAQs
I have consolidated a list of FAQs related to the menstrual cups - some might sound absurd but its true that most women are not properly educated on this aspect back in school.
Q: Will wearing the menstrual cups affect my urination?
Girl, you do not pee into your menstrual cup. Unlike guys, we have a total of 3 openings underneath - the outer most is your urinal tract where you pee through, the inner is the vagina where you menstruate and give birth and the last one is your anus where you shit through.
Hence please insert the menstrual cup into the correct hole -- vagina. Use a mirror to see for yourself if unsure.
Q: Can I wear the menstrual cups right after vaginal birth?
It is NOT advisable for you to wear the menstrual cups when there are wounds down under there. Moreover, it will be painful inserting items into your vagina especially when you are being stitched underneath after vaginal birth?
Q: Will the menstrual cup be too BIG to insert into my vagina?
The answer is NO? If it is too big, then you would not have existed as mothers would not haven given birth naturally through their vaginas if that makes sense.
Our vagina walls are very flexible - to the extent that it can fit the size of an infant. Hence, never underestimate our vaginas in this aspect!
Q: What are the risks of me not being able to remove the menstrual cup / not being able to locate the menstrual cup once it is inside?
This is a common concern to most of us. But well, if you never try, you will never know!
The menstrual cup sits below our cervix and slightly above our vagina opening. Hence you can definitely find the menstrual cup once you stick your finger into the opening.
In the event that you cannot remove the menstrual cup due to the strong suction, the rule of thumb is to RELAX, take deep breaths and TRY AGAIN. You need to stick your finger in, pinch the tip of the cup down to release the suction before trying to slide the cup out. It is advisable for you to enlarge the air holes at the side of the menstrual cup to reduce the suction power for ease of removal.
If you still cannot get to remove the cup, you might want to seek medical assistance by visiting the gynae.
Q: Will wearing the menstrual cup affect my fertility?
The answer is NO! Also, the menstrual cup is NOT a contraceptive device, hence never attempt to wear it when having sex because it acts more like a barrier to the entry of other objects (such as penis) *LOL*
Q: What Size will suit me?
Menstrual cups normally comes in 2 different sizes - a standard size for those who have not given birth vaginally or are more petite in build, and a larger size to those who have underwent childbirth vaginally.
Depending on the brand, there might be shorter cups to cater to those people who have lower cervix and also there might be smaller cups to those athletic women who are active in sports.
But for me, the Chiobucup Menstrual Cup Size M suits me perfectly with its stem fully trimmed as I have a pretty low cervix.
You may contact the retailer to find out which size suits you best prior to placing your order, I am sure they will be there to assist you :)
Q: Will wearing a menstrual cup threaten my virginity?
In the ancient times, a female's proof of virginity is having their hymen intact and their hymen is only supposed to break / tear on their wedding night. The tearing of the hymen may produce some bleeding and hence a stained undergarment is the best proof of a girl's virginity. The girl would be shamed by the community if her undergarments are not stained with blood on the next morning of her consummation.
Hence in the past, ladies might fake this proof by staining their undergarments with animal's blood if they do not bleed on their wedding night.
It is not uncommon for ladies NOT to bleed after losing their virginity although they are virgins - this is because our hymen is very elastic and might be stretched during sexual intercourse. Of course the hymen can be prone to tearing / breaking when we are engaged in active sports such as cycling. So we might have torn our hymen at a very tender age without our knowledge as well.
In addition to the above, during the ancient era, most girls were being forced into marriage upon puberty and do not even know what is sex about. Having sexual intercourse with a stranger (marriages were often arranged through matchmaking and not based on romance) is akin to rape for these girls - and hence the hymen is more susceptible to tearing under such forceful treatment as the vaginal muscles will contract under such tense circumstances when the girls are not ready for sex.
But as time progresses, virginity might not be an issue / deciding factor to be considered upon marriage. But it is still a good knowledge to know in case you were wondering why did you not bleed when you first lost your virginity.
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Any other queries? You may ask the expert -- Pernilla from Chiobucup!
BLOGGER BENEFITS
INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY X 10
Chiobucup will be collaborating with me to giveaway Chiobucup Menstrual Cups to TEN lucky winners and this giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!
All you need to do is to hop over to my instagram, @aldora_muses for more details on the giveaway mechanics!
•ᎷᎬᏁᎦᏆᏒᏌᎪᏞ ᎳᎾᎬᎦ• Most ladies will cringe when it is THE TIME of the month 😖 Walking around in soggy sanitary pads / tampons is definitely not a fun idea and not to mention the risk of contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) due to the absorptive properties of these products 🙀 . The best alternative to these period woes is none other than {ChiobuCup Menstrual Cup} - which is a life-transformational switch I've made to tackle my period woes 👍🏻 I was so amazed that my menstrual cramps have reduced and I can walk around freely without having the fear of staining my garments 🙏🏻 do check out ✨link in bio✨ for more details and my vlog review 💐 . ❤️ ᎥᏁᏆᎬᏒᏁᎪᏆᎥᎾᏁᎪᏞ ᎶᎥᏉᎬᎪᎳᎪᎽ x 10 ❤️ In collaboration with @chiobucup, we will be giving away the {Chiobucup Menstrual Cup} to TEN Lucky Ladies internationally 🎉 . All you need to do is: 1️⃣ Follow my instagram, @aldora_muses 2️⃣ Like this post 3️⃣ Share with us what is your most frustrating period woe in the comment box below & tag 3 friends to share this info with . Contest ends on 31 January 2016, 12am SGT💋 . All winners will be announced on 31 January 2016, 10am SGT💐 . . ❤️ᏴᏞᎾᎶᎶᎬᏒ ᎠᎥᎦᏟᎾᏌᏁᏆ (till 29 Feb 2016)❤️ Alternatively, you may grab your CHIOBUcup at SGD39.20 (after 20% discount) at {www.chiobucup.com} by entering my coupon code {aldora} 😈 offer is till 29 Feb 2016. . May the odds always be in your favour! 💕✨ . . . #Aldoraty #AlAdverts #Clozette #MenstrualCup #Giveaway #Chiobucup #CHIOBU #toxicshocksyndromeA photo posted by 🇸🇬 ᏞᎥᎰᎬᎦᏆᎽᏞᎬ ᏴᏞᎾᎶᎶᎬᏒ🍰💄 (@aldora_muses) on
Winners will be announced on my instagram on 31 January 2016, 10:00 SGT.
Blogger Discount (Till 29 February 2016)
For those who can't wait to try, you may simply purchase your first Chiobucup Menstrual Cups from Chiobucup's website at a 20% discount as below.
Chiobucup Menstrual Cup
Enter Coupon Code "aldora" upon checkout
Click on links below to purchase!
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Menstrual Cup in Size M: Pink | Purple
Menstrual Cup in Size L: Pink | Purple
Pricing: SGD39.20 (after 20%)
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Coupon Code is valid till 29 February 2016.
| Blessed are those who wear Menstrual Cups! |
I do hope that you girls will give these menstrual cups a try as it might transform your lives for the better as well!
