A UN Environment Programme hosted report that looked at the total lifecycle of disposable pads and tampons in comparison with reusable products found that menstrual cups in particular are significantly better for the environment than other options.

Enna Cycle: 2 vaginal cups, Applicator, Steriliser | Enna Enna Cycle: 2 vaginal cups, Applicator, Steriliser | Enna

Effortless Removal with Suction Breaker: Removing the menstrual cup is as convenient as its insertion with the Pixie Cup Applicator. The Suction Breaker, located at the other end of the applicator, enables easy cup removal. DAME’s reusable applicator meets the highest levels of safety and hygiene. It is made from medical grade Mediprene with inbuilt antimicrobial properties to keep it actively clean. This means caring for your applicator is easy. After each use, simply rinse under the cold tap and wipe with a tissue or a towel, ensuring it’s completely dry. In between uses, keep the lid on and store a DAME cotton zip wallet or bathroom storage tin. In the UK, disposable sanitary pads and tampons have dominated the shelves – and how many of us manage our periods – for a long time. But as concerns about disposable products, single-use plastic, and their impact on the environment grow, things are changing. If you’re uninitiated, a cup is a reusable period care product and a great alternative to tampons and pads. They collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing it and are most commonly made from medical-grade silicone — making them extremely easy to clean and sanitize. With proper care, they can last ten years (that’s more than one hundred period cycles!)Period pants might be a great option for managing your period if you have additional needs. They can hold 2-10 tampons worth depending on the style, so can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, making them super convenient. They come in a wide variety of styles so you can find ones that are the most comfortable for you, and the soft materials they are lined with reduces irritation and makes them more breathable than plastic disposable pads. It only aids with insertion, it doesn’t aid with removal, so using just any cup may present removal/suction breaking challenges These are a little less common, but require less of a change to your period routine if you are nervous about making the switch, so could be a good starting point. Reusable tampon applicators

SHORDY Menstrual Cup Applicator Tool for Easy Insert with

Reusable products are bought once and then should last for between 3-10 years, meaning you don’t have to nip to the shops every month! That being said, menstrual cups might not work for you, as it all comes down to your personal preferences, budget and potential health concerns. At first glance, they might not be as affordable as tampons and pads, but they make for a much more cost-effective case in the long run, and with good care and maintenance, menstrual cups can last you for months if not years. Long story short, menstrual cups are well worth considering, even if you’re already an avid user of period pants and other alternatives. Fold your menstrual cup and slide it into the Applicator Clips stem first. The applicator securely holds the cup, making it easier to maintain control during insertion. 3. Insert with Precision These are designed for use with regular tampons, and replace disposable plastic applicators with one that you can wash and use again. Reusable pads often use poppers to secure them around your underwear but you can find brands that use Velcro instead.

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Break the Seal: Gently push the Suction-Breaker into the menstrual cup and away from the vaginal wall, breaking the seal of the cup. Period pants might be your best choice if looking to try out reusables – these are worn just like traditional underwear but need to be changed more frequently. For some people, the cervix is always situated low in the vagina. If you have a low cervix it may enter the interior of the cup which makes it more prone to leak. In some users, the cervix fits best inside the menstrual cup but for others the cup may exert pressure on the cervix that can cause discomfort and even pain. The Hello Cup do a menstrual cup specifically for people with a low cervix.

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Bear in mind you'll likely need multiple pairs to rotate during your period, depending on how you want to use them, so the upfront cost can be quite high, especially if you need to try a few brands or strengths to find the right fit for you. The DAME reusable applicator is designed to be easy and intuitive. Like all new things, it might take a few goes to find what works best for you, but you’ll soon find your flow. The DivaCup is worn low at the base of the vagina and away from the cervix, which means that it should not interfere with an internal birth control device. However, please use caution when using any internal menstrual care product with an IUD, as there is the possibility that the IUD can be dislodged, depending on how recently your IUD was implanted. As with any gynecological concerns, please consult with your health care provider prior to using any kind of internal menstrual care product, including a menstrual cup. The market for menstrual cups is ever-expanding – so with more options than ever, we’ve rounded up the best menstrual cups on the market right now from brands such as Intimina, Saalt, AllMatters, Softcup, Flex Cup, Cora and DivaCup. For first time users - especially those nervous of leaks, The Saalt Cup has multiple seal points to prevent any leaking. If you're planning any travel in the near future, or are concerned you won't be somewhere you can clean your cup, this SPEQUIX set comes with its own sterilizing cup and brush, or you can buy this Pixie steam sterilizer to use with your cup. And even for those with specific concerns - like those with a flow that varies or those who want to be intimate during their period, we've found the best menstrual cups on the market.Three sizes are a great range to help meet a variety of needs. I haven’t tried this cup, so I can’t speak to the firmness. Some cups are more soft and pliable while other are more firm. Some people might find softer cups easier to insert, and those with sensitive bladders may prefer a softer cup it won't have the same level of outward pressure as a firmer cup. The Mooncup sits lower than a tampon and works by collecting the menstrual blood. The Mooncup is held in place by the vaginal muscles and can be emptied, rinsed and reinserted every four to eight hours. It can be used safely when travelling, swimming or exercising. Frequently Asked Questions about using a Mooncup Su first came across a menstrual cup when she was travelling around Australia in 2000 and started to import and distribute it to friends and friends of friends when she came home to the UK. But discovering that some had a reaction to the latex in this rubber cup, she researched hypoallergenic alternatives and invented the world’s first reusable, medical grade silicone menstrual cup, trademarked as the Mooncup® in the spring of 2002.