If you’re a guy you can stop reading now, because today I’m talking about women’s stuff. Sorry guys, just close the tab and come back another day. Ok, so just us girls? Ok so this is a topic I’ve wanted to blog about for a while and as it’s Earth Day this week what better time? Let’s talk about periods! Or more specifically sanitary protection, because you need something to protect your clothes from Aunt Flo.
Like most women I’ve used many of the methods available. I absolutely HATE pads, they suck because they are just uncomfortable as they feel like you’re wearing diapers #sorrynotsorry. It’s true. You know it, I know it, we all know it. Plus the disposal ends up straight in the landfill. Not eco-friendly. Tampons? I used them for years. I liked that they were comfortable but again the landfill (don’t flush them!) plus TSS is pretty scary. So what’s the alternative? Are you willing to free bleed (I’m not!), so instead I chose a menstrual cup.
So I’ve been using a menstrual cup for about 6 years, and recently I got the chance to try out the Pixie Cup and I figured it was perfect timing for Earth Day and a good way to spread the message about menstrual cups. Disclosure: It’s always my policy to make you aware, I received a discounted Pixie Cup in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. I’m already super psyched about menstrual cups!
So Di, I hear you ask, what’s a menstrual cup? Well if you’ve not heard of them basically they work similar to a tampon. It’s a small silicone cup (the clue is in the name) that you insert into your lady area to ‘catch’ the menstrual flow. What’s so great about that? Glad you asked, let me tell ya…
Benefits of using a Menstrual Cup
It’s Cleaner! Sounds weird to say but I’ll take medical grade silicone over tissue and wads of cotton up my hoo-hah. Again #sorrynotsorry. After almost 6 years using a menstrual cup I will NEVER go back to tampons (and definitely not sanitary towels).
Healthier!!! No TSS risk. Seriously if you’re using tampons make sure you fully understand the risks of TSS. It can be a life threatening condition. Also pads and tampons are made with bleached cotton, and have traces of carcinogenic compound called Dioxin.
Comfort. Yes it can be tricky to insert initially but if you practice you’ll find a method that works trust me. Once you get that down, you definitely don’t know it’s there. You CAN be that girl in the ads rollerblading down the beachfront, or sky diving… if you want. Or you could sit and watch Brigitte Jones while eating popcorn. Either way you’ll be comfortable.
Eco-friendly! Did you know that the average woman gets through approximately 10,000 tampons in her lifetime. (13 cycles per year, 20 tampons per cycle, multiplied by 40 years). That a lot of landfill waste! With a Pixie Cup there is no waste. Well obviously there is ‘waste’, that’s why we need the thing in the first place, but that can be flushed! If you are looking to lessen your impact on the environment then a menstrual cup is definitely the way forward!
Good for the pocketbook! The average price for tampons depends a lot on flow and if you’re prepared to buy in bulk, let’s say the average is 18c per tampon. 13 cycles a year x 20 tampons per cycle = $46 That’s already more than one Pixie Cup! Over a lifetime the cost of being a woman can run you around $2000 in tampons alone. Compare that to a menstrual cup. Initial price is $24! Lasts YEARS. Seriously I’ve been using the same one for 6 years, which means I’ve already saved $250! You only need to replace it if it has noticeable signs of wear. I’ve only replaced my old one because I was given the chance to try a Pixie Cup.
Less frequent bathroom visits. You ladies know what I’m talking about. The times you go to the bathroom, not because you have to pee, but because you have to ‘change’. I seriously only empty my cup twice a day. Morning and night. The rest of the day I forget I’m even on my period!
So in reality, how was the Pixie Cup? Amazing! Like I said I’ve used menstrual cups for years now and love the freedom I get using one. I personally usually only have to change mine twice a day and I love that. Prior to the Pixie Cup I was using the Lady Cup and the Pixie is definitely comparable size wise, and being silicone it’s super flexible. Now obviously the huge factor that stops women from investing in this – how do you insert it? Honestly the insertion does have a learning curve to it but once you find a method that works for you. I prefer the “lucky 7” method as shown below, and would recommend it. The Pixie Cup does come with full instructions too so you’ll be a pro in no time!
One of the great things about the Pixie Menstrual Cup is that it’s super inconspicuous. It comes with a pink bag and you can just pop that in your gym bag and you’re good to go. However, if you have a regular flow and know your start date you can insert it that day in preparation of starting your period! No surprises! Yes, it’s that comfy! Hand on heart I’ve done ALL kinds of fitness activities with a menstrual cup: hiking, weight training, kickboxing, swimming and more. I’ll be rollerblading along the beachfront in no time!
So, would you change to a menstrual cup for your monthly visitor?
Disclosure: I received a Pixie Cup at a discounted price in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Shelly c.
I’m with you, I hate pads and think they feel like diapers. I have never used a menstrual cup and I just don’t think I can bring myself to use one.
Di Hickman
They are seriously easy to use. I was apprehensive at first but it’s super easy once you get the hang of it.
Amber Nelson
These sound pretty interesting. I am not sure I am ready to make the plunge to use the cup yet, but this is helpful info!
Di Hickman
Definitely pop back if you do find yourself getting one. They save a ton of $$!
Nikki
I can definitely see the benefits of using a menstrual cup. I actually never thought about how terrible all those tampons and pads are to the environment. Yikes!
Di Hickman
Yes I know I didn’t think about it either. But once you figure out the impact these can make, it’s worth the switch!
Heather lawrence
Since we are being so open and frank here… I have uterine fibroids so I really heavy periods. Like, can’t leave the house the first day I am on my period or I will destroy whatever outfit I am wearing kind of period. Do they have cups that can handle that? **sorry for the over the top tmi** but your the only person I know who has used one…. Plus I have had 4 little ones so I am not sure if that changes cup sizes or if they are a one size fits all?
Di Hickman
There are two cup sizes. I chose the smaller one as I haven’t had children but yep I think the larger size is more for those that have had vaginal births.
I’m with you Heather I have fibroids too! I’ve had 3 non-period bleeds, like heavy bleeding. The first time it happened I was super stressed, had no idea what was happening. Anyway I found that during those times I HAVE to use a pad with the cup. (tampons don’t work in this situation at all!). Periods though just aren’t super heavy for me. Occasionally I’ll get a heavy day but the cup manages fine, I just change it more often on those days.
I had worse days with tampons as a teenager 😉
Ashleigh Walls
I’ve thought about it before but I have some complications that don’t make it an option.
Di Hickman
Sorry to hear that. I have fibroids which makes it a challenge at times.
Denea
This is great review! I always wondered about this but was never sure. Thanks for this, every lady should read this!
Di Hickman
I agree Denea! I also think menstrual products should be free. Not like we can just say ‘no’ to mother nature!
Cara (@StylishGeek)
Whoa! I actually have never heard of a menstrual cup! How interesting! I think since I’m so used to my menstrual routine now it’s hard for me to switch. But thanks for such an informative post!
Di Hickman
Easy to switch! The freedom it gives you is worth it!
Megan McCoig
Never heard or seen anything like this before. Thanks for keeping us informed!
Di Hickman
THey are becoming more and more popular,!
Sara Oberton
I’ve never heard of that! Thanks for the insight!
Di Hickman
No problem! Hope you check them out!
Roxanne
OMG Krystal Kook you totally read my mind! LOL I can see this coming with a big learning curve for me. But, it is a great post and I think it does have a great purpose.
Di Hickman
It definitely has a learning curve for insertion and removal but after a few tries it’s super easy!
Angela
I’ve been curious about these. I think I may try one next cycle. Thanks for sharing.
Di Hickman
Please try it! Glad to help!
Mardene Carr
I am still trying to figure out how this would work. Scratching head
Di Hickman
It works like a tampon… insert, it “catches” the fluid, remove, dispose of the fluid, wash and reinsert.
laura londergan
I have always wondered about these. I may have to share this with my daughter when she needs something better
Di Hickman
Definitely do! I wish I’d found these years ago!
Toni
I’ve been curious about these. The fact about the numbers of tampons in landfills is reason enough to try it out.
Di Hickman
Absolutely!
Teresa | Simply Made Fun
It’s great that you’ve found something that works for you! It sounds like a really interesting product, thank you for sharing!
Di Hickman
I love it!
Laci
I have never tried these now I want to great tips and now I understand better !
Di Hickman
Definitely check them out!
jill conyers
It’s great the you found something that works for you. Interesting idea for a product.
Di Hickman
Love it! So great for active people!
Lara
Didn’t know they made these!! How convenient!
Lara
I didn’t realize all the benefits from this product! Great information for women who exercise!
Di Hickman
totally!
Di Hickman
They really are.
Heather
I just got my first menstrual cup (after my friend decided to return to me – I was hoping after the third child she would just move away). I haven’t heard of this brand, but I am definitely going to check it out. I want to find a good fit, and this one looks great!
Di Hickman
There are so many available now and they are all a little different in size and shape. I loved this one, similar to the lady cup brand I used previously.
Rachel Langer
Sounds like this would be a great product for some! I have tried these before and I personally was not a fan.
Di Hickman
really? Try a different brand. They all differ in size/shape
KRYSTLE COOK
I’ve always been curious about these. I could see trying to pull it out and it spilling. Do the cups get really full?
Di Hickman
That’s one of the things I was scared of initially. In 6 years I’ve only had one spillage, and that was me not being fully awake in the morning, lol. Nope the cups don’t get really full. Interesting to see flow change through the period too.
Terri
Ive never heard of it and, lucky me, I’m past all that. It sounds like a healthier option.
Di Hickman
Definitely a healthier option!
tp keane
Nope, I’m not a cup fan. Not a tampon fan either. Pads are my thing. But I can understand the draw and I do like the idea of them being eco friendly.
Di Hickman
Did you try one? What made you not a fan?
Lauren
I only recently heard about these, and thought it sounded strange, but you do make some great points. Not sure I would ever use one though…
Di Hickman
It’s funny when you first hear about them because we’re so ingrained to just two options. Now I’ve used one for so long I can’t imagine not using them!
Debra
I have always thought this would be interesting to try one of these out. A great review thanks for sharing.
Di Hickman
Oh yes they are so good!
karen
Very informative post about that time of the month! Glad you found what helps you get through it!
Karen
Di Hickman
Yep, always share something that helps other women!
Robin Masshole Mommy
So happy to hear that you found something that works for you. Sounds like a big help.
Di Hickman
Definitely works for me!