When GreatEggspectationsIVF co-founder Sarah began IVF, she found herself rethinking everything from the food she ate to the products she used every month.
Like many people navigating fertility treatment, she wanted to reduce unnecessary exposure to plastics, irritants and other ingredients wherever she could. One simple change became switching to Mooncup Applicator Tampons after more than 20 years of using conventional tampons.
Here’s her story:
“I never questioned what I was using. I used general mainstream brands from the age of 14 until I was 37. Honestly, I never thought anything of it. They worked and that was fine.”
Everything changed when she began IFV.
“My amazing acupuncturist suggested I switch to Mooncup because they’re made from 100% organic cotton. Part of the IVF process was cutting down on unnecessary chemicals, toxins, and plastics, and trying to support a healthy balance of good bacteria where it counts.”
Like many people starting fertility treatment, she began looking more closely at products she’d used for years without giving them much thought.
An unexpected discovery.
During her first round of IVF, further investigations found that she had chronic endometritis alongside an imbalance in her endometrial microbiome.
“When I had an Emma & Alice biopsy during my first egg collection, they found that I had chronic endometritis, really high levels of infection and barely any “good” bacteria.
I had no idea that using non-organic period care could cause issues like endometritis, BV or even thrush! I took a course of antibiotics and immediately switched to Mooncup.”
While her medical treatment was an important part of her care, switching to organic period products became one positive change she chose to continue throughout her fertility journey.
No compromises needed.
One of her biggest concerns was whether organic tampons would perform as well.
“I was really sceptical at first. I’ve always had really heavy periods and worried they wouldn’t be as absorbent.”
Instead, she found the opposite.
“The Mooncup tampons were just as good, if not better. The applicator tampons are super easy to use, and you honestly wouldn’t know the difference except for the fact that they’re not harming your health.
Logically if you are inserting plastics into your body or having sanitary pads with irritants or chemicals so close to the areas which are so essential for fertility then it is really detrimental.
When I had the repeat Alice & Emma at my second egg collection, I had no signs of chronic endometritis and a really healthy amount of good bacteria. So, if there’s one switch that I made during my IVF journey that I cannot recommend enough, it's this one.”
Sharing what she’d learned.
Her experience didn’t stop with her own IVF journey.
Together, with her friend Jo, she co-founded GreatEggspectationsIVF, an online community supporting people going through IVF and fertility treatment.
“When my friend Jo and I set up GreatEggspectationsIVF to help other women going through IVF, I told her to switch to Mooncup too. Like me, she’d never really thought about what was in conventional period products.”
Today, raising awareness about period care has become part of the conversations they have with their community.
“Now that we’re both huge fans of Mooncup, and more educated about why we wanted to choose 100% organic cotton period products, we felt it was really important to spread awareness through our IVF support page. We want to help other women make informed choices, just like we did.”
One small change that brought peace of mind.
IVF often involves making countless decisions in the hope of giving yourself the best possible chance. While everyone’s journey is different, many people find comfort in making small, considered changes that align with their personal priorities.
For Sarah, switching to Mooncup became one of those changes.
“It shouldn’t be something that’s considered a “might try”, it really is so important for women’s health and we couldn’t be happier that we made the switch!”
Choosing period care that works with your body.
Everyone’s fertility journey is different, and there’s currently no evidence that organic period products prevent or treat fertility conditions, bacterial imbalances or chronic endometritis. If you have concerns about your reproductive health, it’s important to speak to your healthcare team.
But for many people, choosing period care that’s made without plastics or irritants is one way they feel more confident about the products they use every month.
Blog disclaimer
Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.
