A menstrual cup could be the solution to all your period problems. It is leak-free, sex-appropriate and cost-effective.
Over the past seven years, I have mostly used pads and tampons during my period, both of which made me feel icky, to say the least. The unpredictability, the fear of leakage and not to mention the price are just some of the downfalls of using these types of sanitary products. They may be widely available, which is convenient for most, but pads and tampons are definitely not environmentally friendly.
According to Organicup, sanitary products create 200,000 tonnes of waste per year, and they all contain plastic with pads being around 90 per cent plastic. I decided to purchase a Ziggy Cup by Intimina to not only bring myself some peace of mind but to play my part towards protecting the planet.
The word ‘menstrual cup’ may seem daunting, especially when compared to a regular tampon or sanitary pad. But it is not as scary as it sounds. According to Intimina, it is a more hygienic and eco-friendlier way to catch your flow.
Fight dryness and irritation
Many women experience dryness and irritation when it comes to using regular pads and tampons, Ziggy Cup eliminates these problems. The cup is made of 100 per cent medical-grade silicone, which is BPA-free, phthalate-free, hypoallergenic and contains no harmful chemicals or bleaches. Also, it is comprised of a double rim which provides 12-hour leak-free protection and a petal-thin hexagonal body that catches up to 76ml of blood.
Intimina markets the cup as being healthy for your body and it can provide protection for light to heavier flows. In addition, they say that the cup prevents odours. Some women have also left reviews noting that the cup helped ease their cramps and other symptoms of their periods, making this cup even more beneficial.
Comfort is key
If you are someone who has periods, you will know the discomfort of having an ill-placed pad or tampon, which does not fit as it should. The Ziggy Cup waves goodbye to these problems. Its flat-fit design provides absolute comfort (when inserted correctly).
When worn, the cup cannot be felt at all, and according to Intimina, it is the only reusable cup that can be used during sex – providing all the perks of a cup plus mess-free period intercourse. This may need some getting used to with a partner, but the Ziggy Cup makes sex while menstruating an overall cleaner experience.
How to use and clean
The cup comes with detailed instructions on how to wear, how to clean and how to empty. Everything is very simple. My advice would be to remain calm and take your time, especially on the first try.
To wear, squeeze the side of the cup together to make a figure of eight, then insert it into the vagina, placing it behind the pubic bone to secure and prevent leakage. Removal is also easy, simply hook a finger behind the rim and slide out. To dispose of the blood, pour it down the toilet and clean the cup with hot soapy water.
Benefits
- Leak-free protection for up to 12 hours.
- Mess-free sex.
- A discrete travel case for those unexpected periods that seem to come from nowhere.
- Reusable.
- Money-saving.
- Easy to clean.
Downfalls
- Despite being an eco-friendly product, it comes in plastic packaging which is not good for the planet.
- Ziggy Cup is not a contraceptive and will not prevent pregnancy and/or STD’s.
- Priced at £34.99 the initial cost is high, however after two or three months of using the cup, you will be saving money.
There are options other than the Ziggy Cup. Intimina has a whole range of menstrual cups perfect for every person who has a period, including the Lily Cup, the Lily Cup One and the Lily Cup Compact.
Overall, my verdict on the Ziggy Cup is that it is revolutionary. From the comfort and shape to the design and travel case. I will never buy another sanitary product again. It is safe to say it has been one of my best investments!