Now you might find this hard to believe but until last month I had never tried such a thing as a menstrual cup. In fact, it's only in the last year or so that I've even heard of them! And, after asking around friends and family, it seems I'm not alone...
So what are menstrual cups? Well, a menstrual cup is an alternative option for women wanting something else apart from traditional sanitary pads and tampons. And, from what I read about them on online forums, although there are numerous brands on the market one name keeps recurring; Lunette, a product which many women say they wish they'd discovered years ago!
Being an inquisitive sort, I was intrigued as to why so many women appeared to be converted to Lunette almost immediately upon trying it. However, there are quite a few good reasons why Lunette cups are so popular:
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Because they're made from latex-free silicone they are very comfortable and unlikely to cause any allergic reactions
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being reusable, they are environmentally friendly
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there has never been a reported case of toxic shock syndrome associated with their use
For me the tss factor was very much to my liking. Like many women I often have to use the highest absorbency tampons for the first day or two of my cycle. Since high absorbency tampons have been linked to an increased risk of developing the potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome, this puts me and other menstruating women at increased risk of this serious infection.
With all the wonderful things being written about the Lunette Menstrual Cup, I decided to try one for myself and then review it for other women who like me feel we've missed out on something!
Before using the Lunette for the first time it has to be boiled briefly to guarantee it is germ free. You need to repeat this after it has been stored for any length of time, such as between periods. However, during your period it just needs a wash three or four times a day depending on your flow and how often you empty it.
I must admit that even though I had read it, I was still surprised by just how soft and easy to use the Lunette was and if you find it a little difficult to insert, Lunette suggest coating the latex-free silicone rim with either plain water or a little lubricant to help. Unlike some brands of tampons, Lunette won't shed any fibres and it feels so comfortable you really wouldn't know it was there. Much to my delight it also stays firmly in place whilst in use!
Although I had absolutely no problems whilst using my Lunette cup, Lunette do advise that you give yourself a couple of months to get used to their menstrual cup as some women experience initial problems with slight leaking and it can take a while to get the technique just right. In any case, Lunette also recommend that you use one of their reusable and extremely soft cotton menstrual pads to guard against leaking at least until you get used to the product.
To remove the Lunette you gently squeeze the bottom of it to break the natural suction. Once removed it is easily cleaned using Lunette Washing Liquid, a vegetable based cleansing soap which is naturally antiseptic and protects the silicone. After just a few seconds the Lunette is ready for re-use. You can also clean the Lunette with Lunette Disinfecting Wipes if water is not available.
Between periods it is recommended you store the Lunette in the little pretty storage pouch it comes with.
With care, a single Lunette menstrual cup will last from 5 to 10 years. As a result, although initially the price at approximately £20 stg seems quite expensive, over just a few months you'll already have saved the money you'd have spent on the alternatives. Lunette cups are available in two sizes and are suitable for young girls as well as for older women.
I must say, overall I was very impressed by the Lunette. Before trying it out I'd read many women saying they'd never return to towels or tampons after using a menstrual cup and I can see why.
Besides its ease of use, environmental benefits and the reduced risk of tss, Lunette is certainly easier on the pocket than sanitary pads and tampons. It's discreet and very comfortable when being used and most importantly it does what it says and is a very viable alternative to tampons and towels. It also takes up very little storage space in the bathroom!
So, after years of ignorant bliss it seems I've finally joined the no longer mysterious ranks of Lunette supporters who say since discovering Lunette they've never look back! I know I won't :)
For more details on the Lunette menstrual cup, to read testimonials or to locate stockists, visit http://www.lunettecup.co.uk
Have you tried Lunette yet? If so how did you find the experience? Please leave a comment below or join in the chat on Breastfeeding Mums Forums.
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