Menstrual cup journey
The moment I heard about menstrual cups, I got curious. Not only was I going to be able to save the environment from sanitary waste, it’s going to be more convenient for me as well. Wearing pads is such a hassle, I’m pretty sure a lot can relate. Getting a cup can be expensive and scary to try out, so many questions usually troubling us when we want to make the switch: What if I can’t insert it properly? What if I can’t get it out? What if it doesn’t fit? Which brand should I get? What if I can’t use it and just waste money, I won’t be able to sell it?
For me though, it was just about how a cup can be expensive and I didn’t know which one to get. I had previously purchased one which was on sale but I got the size 2 so I didn’t bother to try it out cause I know it wasn’t the right one for me. But now I had mustered the courage to pick a brand and purchase my own cup and I am very proud of this decision.
Sinaya Cup is the first brand of menstrual cups in the Philippines and are made from medical grade silicone which can last up to 2 years (or more, if you take care of it well).
The Sinaya lite bundle is now on sale from 2,182 pesos to only 1,964 pesos! They are currently on a pre-selling sale (get yours now) and this is the bundle I got for myself. However, if you don’t feel like getting the whole thing, the cup itself costs 1,199 but it is also on sale for 1,079 pesos.
The bundle contains a cup (I got size 1) and a foldable sterilizer (can also be used a tabo):
And their very own gentle cup cleanser and reusable pantyliner:
In addition, I think one good thing about getting a Sinaya Cup is that upon purchasing, you can join an exclusive members group on Facebook. Not only can you exchange your experience or ask questions, but they also have interactive activities for the entire community which I find to be fun and really helpful. Plus, it does help to get a lot of support as you make the switch.
My routine:
Boil/Sterilize the cup before using
Fold the cup and get into a squat position to insert it
Enjoy your day! (Tip: If it’s the first time, check for leaks from time to time when you get bathroom breaks or wear a liner to avoid accidents, I didn’t but your choice!)
Check after 10-12 hours (my flow is usually light, therefore I don’t need to change as often)
Get into a squat position to remove and empty the cup
Boil/sterilize before folding and reinserting
*I usually insert and change in the shower, I have yet to give an update here for my experience outside of the house
The Experience
Warning: I’m about to be detailed about what I did and experienced as I used this cup and I do not like to beat around the bush when it comes to describing and identifying the anatomy. I will also post photos of the used cup (in black and white). If you feel uncomfortable about these, please do not continue.
When I received the package, I immediately tried it out! But but buuuut, I had such a hard time trying to make the cup “pop open” after inserting. I stayed in the bathroom for about an hour trying to figure out how to fold and insert it properly. The folds I tried were the C-fold and punch-down fold. Every time I would shower I would take it with me and to figure it out to no avail. This went on for two days before I finally gave up cause I got too sore and scared to try again.
Today is yet another chance for me to try and I did, and succeeded! I tried the seven fold and the labia fold (latter worked best and I felt comfortable with). Although I did have to insert, remove, and reinsert because the first attempt, it felt like the cup wasn’t fully inflated or that the cup feels pinched on the sides but the rim fully enclosed my cervix therefore, the suction was secure. I tried it the second time to make sure I can remove the suction and that I can secure the cup around my cervix again. And so, for the third time, I reinserted it and I can wiggle around freely with no stuffy feeling of the pads!
If you’re not sure how or what your cervix is, if you feel around and managed to touch a firm, round muscle, that would be the cervix. If you explored yourself during your period, usually you’ll feel the blood flowing from it. Your cervix is supposed to be inside the cup, the rim or the edge of the cup should be around it securely to prevent leaks.
(Photo taken from www.verywellhealth.com)
Throughout the day, I could barely feel anything weird inside me (except for the gushing blood every now and then and period cramps also). I was sitting with my knee up, I was lying down my bed with my legs up, going about my day as if I’m not on my period. Cause you have to admit, when you’re wearing pads, you have to be mindful of how you sit or lie down cause it can move even with the slightest change in position and of course, you’d have to change it every 4 hours (depends on the flow) which is such a freaking hassle.
With the cup, I managed to get about 7.5 ml of blood from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. So that’s about 10 hours of me not worrying of getting any leaks or changing my pads!
And this my friends, is indeed a very liberating experience. I am proud to have made the switch and would be telling everyone about this and I hope that everyone gets a chance to have this experience. Menstrual cups can be expensive but it saves a lot of money in the long run, plus it limits sanitary product waste. If you have enough to spare, get one for yourself and see out how you can make your monthly burdens a little bit bearable 😉
Let me know if you have questions or comments!