Anyone who can't deal with periods, avert your eyes.
I know I may have tricked you with the title of the blog into thinking I'm going to be reviewing cups of tea, but I'm actually going to share my experience of menstrual cups as a 27 year old disabled woman and I warn you its not all pretty and rosy.
We all know that periods aren't enjoyable. They're an absolute pain in the ass, every month (and sometimes sooner) from the age of 11-16 for around 40 years, regardless of whether or not you want to reproduce. And thanks to taxes in the UK, they can also be pretty expensive, costing me a minimum of £3 for pads and tampons! Along with all that waste to landfill!
So what if there was something that could make periods that little bit more bearable? Well, there is!
I was first introduced to menstrual cups by a good friend of mine with the same disability as me when I mentioned that I'd bought period pants (which are fabulous, get some, especially if you have a light flow). So, after an impulse buy of the SkoonCup, my journey began.
To add a little context, my period lasts for 6 days, every 28 days exactly. The first 2 days are horrendously heavy, leaking without fail. The next 2 days i describe as normal flow, and the last 2 days are very, very light, and when my period pants come into play.
Before I go into the two specific menstrual cups I've tried, I'm going to list some general advantages and disadvantages of using cups:
Disadvantages
1. They take a little while to get used to. Saying that, I was fine after the first period. Just stick at it!
2. The mess of the first try can put you off.
3. Costly purchase to begin with
4. You tend to use more toilet roll
5. You need wet wipes or a bottle of water for public toilets
Advantages
1. They are completely reusable and you don't have to empty/clean it for 12 hours (even on my first two days!!)
2. Less waste than pads/tampons
3. They last years and years
4. No scent! That icky pad/tampon blood smell completely disappears!!
5. Not drying at all
6. You can wear any underwear you like (Or none at all)
Right, to the cups!
SkoonCup
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BRZWHE4?m=A707O3RUVN5N0&ref_=v_sp_widget_detail_page
As I said before, this cup was an impulse buy and I went for size 1, which is for those aged under 30 or pre childbirth, whichever comes first. It's pretty pricey at around £31, but please remember that should you find the right cup, it can last years and years, way longer than the 15 months that it will take you to spend that money on pads or tampons.
When it arrived, SkoonCup was way smaller and way more flexible than I'd imagined. My period wasn't for a couple of weeks, so it gave me time to stare it out and ultimately build up the courage to give it a go. I have it on good authority that this is a normal stage in the menstrual cup journey, so don't beat yourself up if you need a bit of time!
After a bit of research I was a little apprehensive to put it in... but it was actually really simple. I use the C fold technique which can be done 1 handed so is amazing for me, as I don't have the use of the majority of my left hand,, and I really don't think any other method is necessary. While I will always tell you to read the instructions, please do not try to put it where you perceive is below where you put a tampon. I did and a) it hurt and b) It was not comfortable when it was inserted and c) I did not trust it one bit!! Go with where it sits comfortably and naturally... not to mention that it'll just go there anyway and make you paranoid the whole time.
Advantages
1. It's really flexible
2. The material is really smooth with no writing or embossing on it, so would normally be really comfortable
3. The "stalk" is really flexible and not too long so you can't feel it
4. The material is coloured, so less blood stains
Disadvantages
1. So this isn't really a disadvantage of the cup, but it highlights that you have to find the right cup for you. It was too small. Don't get me wrong, the capacity was fine, but I couldn't reach it to get it out as I have a high cervix, and it was really tough to break the suction!! At one point I genuinely thought it was stuck, I was never going to get it out and that I was going to have to go to A&E. I did eventually get it out though.
So back to the drawing board!
This time, I did a lot more research online (blogs, reviews etc) and I completely recommend you get to know your body before a purchase. I know that sounds ick, but I promise it's worth it.
So after a lot of reconsideration, I decided on the DivaCup.
DivaCup
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diva-International-Cup-Menstrual-Single/dp/B000FAG6X0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1503142580&sr=8-1&keywords=diva+cup
At around £15, I can definitely say that more money spent does not mean that the menstrual cup will be right for you. DivaCup is amazing and it completely is the cup for me!! Again I went for size 1, which is aged before 30 and pre childbirth. It is quite a lot bigger than the SkoonCup, so takes a little more practice to insert, but once it's in it's comfortable and I feel so safe. If you don't trust the cup to begin with, use pantyliners or pads with it until you do. I have had no leaks even on my heavy days and it's big enough that I can reach it, break the suction and remove it easily. It has a little embossed logo on it which I was a bit apprehensive of, but you can't feel it! There's also a couple of embossed measuring lines in case they're needed, though again, I don't use them and they don't bother me. The "stalk" is a lot harder than the SkoonCup and that did bother me on the first day, but after that I got used to it, and it actually helps when getting the cup out. So all in all, £15 (which due to my heavy flow would last me 5 months) has been well spent for years of confidence.
So to conclude, menstrual cups are not an easy ride. They take time to get used to and need a lot of research before purchase, but if you give it a try you won't look back. For the first time in 14 years, my period does not bother me and I can handle it despite the lack of use of my left hand. I also have hip problems and chronic pain which are not affected or worsened by my menstrual cup.
If you want to give it a go, or are even just a little curious, do the research and go from there. Good luck, and I hope this blog is of help!
Steph xx
Saturday, 19 August 2017
Saturday, 21 January 2017
Hoping the sun will come back
Hi all,
Its been a very long time since I wrote on this blog. Since my life has been turbulent the last couple of months, I thought I'd update everyone. Please note that I will be writing about Physical and Mental struggles that some people may find distressing, so please don't read any further if you think it may upset you. I'd also like to say that all of my views are my own, and if you don't agree, that's fine, but please keep your negative views to yourself as I don't think I could cope with criticism. Might sound weird or self centred, but just being honest.
Beginning of 2016
In January 2016, I was struggling both mentally and physically. Anxiety was the main mental problem, and nothing I did was enjoyable anymore. Physically, my hemiplegia was exhausting, my right side was complaining, sick of always doing everything, and my left hip was excruciating, with pain levels of up to 8/10. Enough was enough and my Dr put me on Fluoxetine and my surgeon put me on a waiting list for an arthroscopy to have a look inside my left hip to find out what was going on.
The time before the hip operation was stressful, and having had 4 different dates, an 8 month wait and one on the day cancellation, I wondered if I'd ever get any better. However, I fought hard to come off Fluoxetine and took the decision to manage my mental health without the use of tablets.
August 2016
Finally, on 19th August, I underwent the arthroscopy surgery. Originally, they were expecting a small labral tear, however in reality, my hip was a but of a mess. There was a labral tear, which they did a debridement for, they also released a muscle, shaved the femoral head to get rid of a cam impingement and got rid of a "considerable amount" of scar tissue. I was told that I'd be off my feet for 6 weeks, partial weight bearing. Thankfully, I borrowed a wheelchair for this time, but it got me thinking that I could do with one long term, as it was liberating to get out of the house.
September 2016
Recovery was hard, but by this time was on track. Things were starting to get to normal, I met a baby nephew, and went on holiday. I thought my luck was finally in..... however all was not well. Pain in my left hip was coming back at an alarming rate, and by the time October came, I was on a stick full time and struggling to move.
November 2016
Despite being no better than pre op, mid-November I had to go back to work full time. I have bills to pay and a house to upkeep. I was not by any stretch of the imagination better, but I had no choice.
Along with the health issues, I also had notification that the disability living allowance that I had been receiving was coming to an end, and that I needed to apply for Personal Independence Payment. Let the forms begin. In my opinion, one I still hold, I am much worse than I was at the beginning of 2016 and so I certainly still needed the financial help the benefit provides, along with the car I had received through motability. We filled in the forms, sent them back and then we waited.
December 2016
At the beginning of the month, I had an appointment with my surgeon, which was an opportunity to ask him about the pain, which at this point, had returned right back to "severe". They concluded that the hip capsule was tightening back up due to my hemiplegia and the mild synovitis that they found during the operation could be causing a problem. More physio and intrajoint injections are needed. To this day, I'm just still on the waiting list.
On 18th December, I also had a PIP assessment. Even with my husband attending with me, it was not a pleasant experience. It was at a Health Centre (gym) near to my home, which was just one hit in the nuts, as I clearly didn't belong there. Along with this, there was no accessible seating and I had 40 minutes having to explain what I couldn't do, over and over again. But it was over, and I could finally concentrate on enjoying Christmas and New Year.
January 2017
The first 2 weeks of January were relatively quiet. But my life was about to change dramatically.
Last Saturday, I had my PIP decision letter, the mobility component is being reduced and I'm therefore losing my car. I'm devastated. I have a mortgage and bills to pay, and I can't get public transport to get to work. Panic set in. But my first port of call was to request the reports from the assessment. If the report was fine and nothing was untoward, I would just have to accept the decisions. More on in a paragraphs time.
Tuesday, my life again took a tumble, when my beloved guinea pig died of old age, at 6 years old. People may say "it's only a guinea pig" but in reality, he was a great friend and awesome grumpy company. He is already sorely missed, and my life and living room feel bare.
The report came through on Thursday. There are so many anomalies. I have to appeal, even if just to set the record straight. I am not saying I deserve the world, but I can't have a report so factually incorrect on my record.
This week has turned my life upside down. I live in a remote pit village and without a car, I will literally be stuck. I can't get to work, can't get to mums, can't get anywhere. Without my guinea pig, I don't have company at home when my husband is not at home, apart from a hamster who is asleep a lot.
Along with that, and because of this, my anxiety is now through the roof. I'm anxious because I feel judged, by professionals, by friends, by strangers. I can't answer the phone or answer the door. I can't feel happy, and the last 4 days I have felt so sad and can't pull myself together.
Where I go from here I don't know, but I needed to write this blog to get my thoughts out there, and to give anyone reading this the reason why I may be quiet or sad for a while.
Thanks so much for reading if you've got this far. Sorry its not a happy post and thank you for all your support.
Steph xx
Its been a very long time since I wrote on this blog. Since my life has been turbulent the last couple of months, I thought I'd update everyone. Please note that I will be writing about Physical and Mental struggles that some people may find distressing, so please don't read any further if you think it may upset you. I'd also like to say that all of my views are my own, and if you don't agree, that's fine, but please keep your negative views to yourself as I don't think I could cope with criticism. Might sound weird or self centred, but just being honest.
Beginning of 2016
In January 2016, I was struggling both mentally and physically. Anxiety was the main mental problem, and nothing I did was enjoyable anymore. Physically, my hemiplegia was exhausting, my right side was complaining, sick of always doing everything, and my left hip was excruciating, with pain levels of up to 8/10. Enough was enough and my Dr put me on Fluoxetine and my surgeon put me on a waiting list for an arthroscopy to have a look inside my left hip to find out what was going on.
The time before the hip operation was stressful, and having had 4 different dates, an 8 month wait and one on the day cancellation, I wondered if I'd ever get any better. However, I fought hard to come off Fluoxetine and took the decision to manage my mental health without the use of tablets.
August 2016
Finally, on 19th August, I underwent the arthroscopy surgery. Originally, they were expecting a small labral tear, however in reality, my hip was a but of a mess. There was a labral tear, which they did a debridement for, they also released a muscle, shaved the femoral head to get rid of a cam impingement and got rid of a "considerable amount" of scar tissue. I was told that I'd be off my feet for 6 weeks, partial weight bearing. Thankfully, I borrowed a wheelchair for this time, but it got me thinking that I could do with one long term, as it was liberating to get out of the house.
September 2016
Recovery was hard, but by this time was on track. Things were starting to get to normal, I met a baby nephew, and went on holiday. I thought my luck was finally in..... however all was not well. Pain in my left hip was coming back at an alarming rate, and by the time October came, I was on a stick full time and struggling to move.
November 2016
Despite being no better than pre op, mid-November I had to go back to work full time. I have bills to pay and a house to upkeep. I was not by any stretch of the imagination better, but I had no choice.
Along with the health issues, I also had notification that the disability living allowance that I had been receiving was coming to an end, and that I needed to apply for Personal Independence Payment. Let the forms begin. In my opinion, one I still hold, I am much worse than I was at the beginning of 2016 and so I certainly still needed the financial help the benefit provides, along with the car I had received through motability. We filled in the forms, sent them back and then we waited.
December 2016
At the beginning of the month, I had an appointment with my surgeon, which was an opportunity to ask him about the pain, which at this point, had returned right back to "severe". They concluded that the hip capsule was tightening back up due to my hemiplegia and the mild synovitis that they found during the operation could be causing a problem. More physio and intrajoint injections are needed. To this day, I'm just still on the waiting list.
On 18th December, I also had a PIP assessment. Even with my husband attending with me, it was not a pleasant experience. It was at a Health Centre (gym) near to my home, which was just one hit in the nuts, as I clearly didn't belong there. Along with this, there was no accessible seating and I had 40 minutes having to explain what I couldn't do, over and over again. But it was over, and I could finally concentrate on enjoying Christmas and New Year.
January 2017
The first 2 weeks of January were relatively quiet. But my life was about to change dramatically.
Last Saturday, I had my PIP decision letter, the mobility component is being reduced and I'm therefore losing my car. I'm devastated. I have a mortgage and bills to pay, and I can't get public transport to get to work. Panic set in. But my first port of call was to request the reports from the assessment. If the report was fine and nothing was untoward, I would just have to accept the decisions. More on in a paragraphs time.
Tuesday, my life again took a tumble, when my beloved guinea pig died of old age, at 6 years old. People may say "it's only a guinea pig" but in reality, he was a great friend and awesome grumpy company. He is already sorely missed, and my life and living room feel bare.
The report came through on Thursday. There are so many anomalies. I have to appeal, even if just to set the record straight. I am not saying I deserve the world, but I can't have a report so factually incorrect on my record.
This week has turned my life upside down. I live in a remote pit village and without a car, I will literally be stuck. I can't get to work, can't get to mums, can't get anywhere. Without my guinea pig, I don't have company at home when my husband is not at home, apart from a hamster who is asleep a lot.
Along with that, and because of this, my anxiety is now through the roof. I'm anxious because I feel judged, by professionals, by friends, by strangers. I can't answer the phone or answer the door. I can't feel happy, and the last 4 days I have felt so sad and can't pull myself together.
Where I go from here I don't know, but I needed to write this blog to get my thoughts out there, and to give anyone reading this the reason why I may be quiet or sad for a while.
Thanks so much for reading if you've got this far. Sorry its not a happy post and thank you for all your support.
Steph xx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)