Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love talking about periods. But the topic has changed so much since I was a young girl in school. In school all you are taught about is how the menstrual cycle works. Usually taught by a male teacher in a mixed classroom leaves most girls uncomfortable and worried about starting their period. At least, that’s how it was for me. I started my period when I was fifteen, allowing plenty of time for embarrassment and shame to settle in.
I felt like I had to hide the pain I was going through, the tampons and pads I was using, not feeling like it was something I could talk about. I remember looking over to my best friend in a maths lesson and seeing her sat on her chair, curled into a ball in absolute agony and our male teacher ignoring all of this and telling her to sit properly. Pain was etched onto her face as she slowly lowered her legs, hands clutching at her belly as our teacher ignored all of it.
In the six short years since I left school, women have been pushing back at this stigma. From protesting Tampon Tax to creating empowering artwork, we are no longer ready to take your shit. People don’t talk about periods enough, and it’s only recently that issues such as Period Poverty has come to light. In a study conducted by Always, over 135,000 girls miss out on school as they don’t have access to sanitary products. That is not okay and yet, tampons and pads are still taxed as a “luxury”.
This is where my little eco warrior springs to life.
This year women have been at the forefront and with that, comes a whole load of period innovations. (Yes I am excited as you think I am)
Introducing my personal favourite, my bleeding saviour, the real period MVP: The Mooncup.
The Mooncup is a little silicone cup that sits just inside your vagina and collects the blood until it can be emptied.
The Good
You can keep it in for TWELVE HOURS!
It’s £21.99 (Which sounds expensive until you think about how much you spend on tampons and pads every month)
They last for up to 10 years!
I can’t even tell it’s there when I’m wearing it.
You only need one. (A godsend for those who travel)
No more plastic applicators.
Certified by The Vegan Society.
Made by women, for women.
The Not as Good
Can take a few cycles to get used to inserting/removing
You get VERY up close and personal with your vagina and period blood. Doesn’t bother most but if you’re particularly squeamish then keep this in mind.
Cleaning in public loos can be awkward.
As ever, I’m always ready to answer any questions you might have about the Mooncup and periods. Comment and let me know if theres anything you want me to try!
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