Category: menstrual cup myths

Did you know that in many cultures, women are considered unclean when they have their period, are even forbidden to enter certain buildings while on their period and are socially excluded or even exiled from their homes?

Yes, period taboos are, unfortunately, still alive and thriving in 2022.

False beliefs surrounding menstruation create an environment where women are deprived of their fundamental rights to their hygiene and health as they prefer to keep silent when it comes to this topic.

 

Why is period still a taboo?

 

The first period is a scary ordeal too often.


Even in societies that see themselves as progressive, menstruation still remains a taboo topic.

In this case, I speak from personal experience. Allow me to tell you a story:

A couple of weeks ago I took my daughter out (treated her to a nice dessert) to celebrate her first period.

I also posted (a now infamous) TikTok video of the two pieces of cake each of us chose while explaining that we are celebrating my daughter’s 1. period.

 

 

In less than a day this video attracted a slew of comments!

Most of them insisting that such content is horrible / discussing and that both of us should feel ashamed – me for bad parenting and my daughter for tolerating this kind of behavior. Video:

@lalicupmenstrualcup

Žur za prvo menstruacijo #LaliCup #prvamenstruacija #menstruacija #tortica#puberteta #menstrualnaskodelica

♬ Yummy – Justin Bieber

 


This made me realize that our society still has a lot of work to do when it comes to period.

Workshop


After that, I came to the conclusion that the best way to stop the cycle of shame is to start educating the new generations about how period is a perfectly natural occurrence and is nothing to be ashamed of.

That is why I started playing with an idea about workshops for teens that are just about to get their first period.

I would like to create a safe space for a group of peers where we can discuss periods in a positive light while also talking about our fears and explaining them away.

What do you think about this little project? Would you come?

Common menstrual cup concerns most often occur with:

– insertion, which is supposed to be uncomfortable and painful
– usefulness during sports and during sleep
– removal of the cup, after which everything is supposed to be bloody, especially when we want to empty it in the public toilet

Red mentrual cup flower

Away with prejudices

prejudice # 1: painful insertion
Period cups are made of soft medical silicone so that they can be easily folded to a smaller size and consequently inserted into the vagina. There is a plethora of different folding methods that allow insertion without discomfort or pain. You should not feel the cup when properly installed.

prejudice # 2: sport and sleep
With a gentle vacuum, the cup securely anchors itself in place, so you can comfortably and safely engage in different sports activities, travel, sleep and even swimming as it can be used as a water tampon to prevent water from entering the vagina.

white menstrual cup flower

prejudice # 3: cup removal
The shape of the cup and the holes at the top ensure safe and reliable blood collection during wearing. This way you can quickly remove the cup without any spillage by squeezing the bottom of the cup.

You also do not need to worry when emptying the menstrual cup in public toilets. Simply pour the contents into the toilet bowl and clean the period cup by rinsing with a bottle of water over the toilet bowl or using a cleaning wipe.

Simple, fast and completely hygienic – LaliCup.

That is probably one of the biggest fears of new menstrual cup users. Picture this scenario: you decided to take your LaliCup out and … *dramatic pause* it isn’t there anymore! Well, that was a short-lived cup experience, bye-bye cup, it was nice knowing you.

All jokes aside, it’s impossible for your LaliCup to pass through your cervix so it can never truly get lost inside of you.

Never heard of the cervix before?

Did you know that the cervix literally means “neck of the uterus”? It is the lower part of the uterus and acts as a gateway between the vagina and the main body of the uterus. The cervix also affects the placement of your Lalicup period cup so it will perform its task effectively and without discomfort.

Check the picture below the circled part is the cervix.

I have lost a menstrual cup insde me!
How can you determine the location of your cervix?


To determine where your cervix sits insert a clean finger inside your vagina. Slowly move your finger deeper past the pelvic bone and so-called „empty space” of the vagina (around 5 cm). After you have passed the vaginal canal with your finger, you will find a round nub with a bump in the middle that (during your menstruation) feels like the tip of your nose – that is your cervix.

So the next time you “can’t find a cup” just relax, take a couple of deep breaths and remember, that the cup didn’t magically disappear.

We get quite a few questions related to various sports and menstruation. Can I work out during my period? Can exercise and period go hand in hand even during vigorous workouts or will it leak?

SWIMMING

Did you know that you can swim with a menstrual cup? You can rely on a menstrual cup for all water activities. You use it as usual: insert the cup before swimming and empty it once you come out of the water. It offers you complete protection.

 

LaliCup sport

EXERCISE

What about fitness, yoga and other sports? What types of exercise are (in)appropriate during menstruation?

This is not about limiting yourself to certain types of activities, as the cup offers complete protection regardless of the activity. But we must bear in mind that we are different: listen and respect your body. Find the activity that works best for you at that time of the month.

My experience: a few days before menstruation I am usually quite tired, so I will be doing simpler exercises (there are a whole bunch of easier/beginner workouts on the internet. Just search for “period workout” and you will see what I am talking about). I usually don’t exercise on the first day, and the other days I can choose any activity and be calm thanks to my trusty LaliCup.