Periods 101
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How to choose the right reusable period care for you
So, you’re keen to make the commitment to reusable period care? Yay! Good for you. Welcome to the conscious club. However, you’re unsure which is right for you? It’s understandable, reusable period care is a commitment & an investment, so you want to make sure you make the best choice for you. Read on to find the pros & cons of both menstrual cups & period pants, so you can make an informed decision...
What are Period Pants?
Period pants are exactly what they say on the tin! They’re pants you wear during your period. They work exactly like your regular pants but they’ve got a superpower: a super absorbent core designed to hold up to 4 tampons worth of menstrual fluid. So, that’s four less trips to the bathroom to change and four less tampons to buy!
Period Pants Pros
- Work just like normal pants, so there’s no adjustment period.
- Easy to use, simply wear, wash, repeat!
- They’re wearable for up to 10 hours at a time, so you’ll be sorted for the whole night, work day or even a flight to somewhere tropical.
- Hold up to 4 tampons worth or somewhere between 24-72ml of menstrual fluid.
- Made from 100% organic cotton, they’re hypoallergenic & respect your vagina’s natural pH levels. The breathable material will keep your vagina free from sweat and nasties to prevent bacterial vaginosis and thrush - and to keep you comfy!
- Cleaning period pants is easy, they can be popped in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry.
- They’ll save 400 disposable period care products from landfill over their 100 wash lifetime.
- If you have an IUD, contraceptive ring or any other form of birth control they’re perfect for you and they require no insertion.
- Gentle, absorbent & leak-proof!
- Gynaecologist approved.
Period Pants Cons
- Once they’re full, they’re full & require washing. However, if you find you need to change in public, we recommend having a bag on you and swapping over to a fresh pair. A menstrual cup can be emptied & given a quick clean and does not require drying.
- A bit more care is required: do not use bleach or fabric softener, wash in 40 degrees celsius and do not tumble dry.
- Our pants are perfect for medium days. If you experience heavy flows or use more than 4 tampons in one day, you may find you’ll need to change more often.
What are Menstrual Cups?
A menstrual cup is a small silicone cup that’s designed to sit inside your vaginal and collect menstrual fluid, rather than absorb. Choose from Mooncup® Beginner or Mooncup® Original.
Menstrual Cup Pros
- Unlike pads, tampons & period pants, the Mooncup® collects your menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it, maintaining your vagina’s delicate pH balance.
- A cup is perfect for people with sensitive skin or who are susceptible to dryness,
- The Mooncup® can be worn for up to 12 hours – giving you leak-free protection you won’t even feel all day long!
- Saves up to 2500 disposable period products from landfill.
- Gynaecologist approved.
- 100% plastic-free - the Mooncup ® is made from medical-grade silicone for ultimate flexibility and a silky-smooth finish.
- The Mooncup ® Beginner features an easy-to-hold Pebble™ pull for hassle-free removal and Tri-Flow™ air release holes to help with suction.
- Available in three different sizes depending on the size of your cervix. Not sure on your cervix side? Read our blog on how to measure your cervix.
- The Mooncup ® has a capacity of 18–32 ml which is up to three times more than the tampon.
- You can swim, exercise and even sleep whilst wearing a period cup!
- You can use the toilet whilst wearing a Mooncup ®, however it’s best to check the cup is still sitting properly after a bowel movement. Take care to wash your hands thoroughly before checking the cup position.
Menstrual Cup Cons
- We suggest checking the height of your cervix before trying a cup (not a con for everyone but some may not feel comfortable measuring their cervix!)
- Using a menstrual cup is an adjustment and you’ll need to learn the best cup fold to suit you (there’s lots to choose from so this is nothing to worry about!)
- You may experience a leak if you did not insert your cup correctly, so it’s important to master the fold & insertion!
Both our reusable pants & cups are wonderful choices of reusable period care, so there’s no right or wrong option. Just what’s right for you & your body. If you have any questions on our reusable period care range, please email us at customercare@wearemooncup.com
