If you have never heard about menstrual period cups, you may be surprised to learn that such a simple and economical solution is not more widespread. Many women are still not even aware that such a thing exist, and even if they heard about it, they are not sure where they could buy a menstrual cup - they are still hard to find in regular pharmacies or convenience stores.

Could it be it’s because large corporations spent billions on marketing ”essential” products –  sanitary napkins and tampons  – that most women buy every month for most of their lives.  Hmmmm…..

Menstrual Cup - a reusable silicone cup

The Mooncup – An Amazing Alternative to Tampons and Pads

By Vanessa Attlee

My discovery of the Mooncup was somewhat of a Eureka moment. Having been used to churning through boxes and boxes of tampons, and just regarding that as “what one did”, it was with some skepticism that I tried the Mooncup. I can honestly say it has been life-changing. I could not believe how easy it was to use and I am determined to spread the word about this amazing invention.

The Mooncup is a menstrual cup worn inside the vagina during your period to collect the menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. They are a fantastic alternative to tampons being very safe and hygienic. They do not encourage bacterial growth or prevent vaginal cleaning and they don’t leak and can be worn for up to twelve hours including overnight and for sports. Recent research has shown that the action of the tampon absorbing blood may not be beneficial. The Mooncup addresses this by being passive – it just collects what your body releases.

Sometimes ‘ethical’ products can mean having to spend more, or making a compromise in comfort or convenience. The Mooncup is unique not only because of its obvious environmentally friendly credentials but also its significant safety benefits compared to tampons (not to mention being a thousand times cheaper!)

The Mooncup is basically a small squishy cup made from medical grade silicone which sits inside the vagina and collects blood/fluid during your period rather than absorbing it. The Mooncup is safe, ethical, environmentally friendly and cheap. It really does mean you can kiss goodbye to tampons and pads forever.

Interestingly, menstrual cups are not a new invention, they have been around for as long as tampons. Tampons probably ended up being the preferred product because large corporations spent billions on marketing an “essential” product that women buy every month for most of their lives. This has caused the menstrual cup to fall out of favour. Naturally this means we have been conned into believing that disposable sanitary products are the only option. In addition to this is the bizarre Victorian idea that ladies should not be familiar with their anatomies, let alone touch our vaginas. The good news is that products like the Mooncup (and the Keeper in the US) are starting to become more mainstream – they are for busy, modern, normal, ethically minded women like you and me!

Finally, there is the environmental argument. In the West, the average woman uses over 10,000 tampons during her life. We all know of the huge environmental impact that the millions of tampons used every day around the world causes. The manufacture, transportation and packaging of sanitary products like tampons and pads all takes a needless toll on the environment. Using a Mooncup is an easy way to feel a little bit better about your impact on the environment. Another brilliant reason to use one.

I want women to find out more about the wonderful moon cup and how to use one. Hopefully this article has given you a good introduction to the Mooncup.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Attlee; http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Mooncup—An-Amazing-Alternative-to-Tampons-and-Pads&id=2291954

Read more about menstrual cups and other reusable feminine hygiene products on my blog.

OK, I’m usually not the one to use scare tactic to convince people to do things that I think they should do (like giving up tampons, and start using silicone menstrual cups for catching menstrual flow).

The fact is that toxic shock syndrome is very rare, so I don’t want you to be scared when you find yourself during your menstrual period with nothing else to use but tampons.  That is not my point.

But still, the truth remains that TSS happens, and all women should be aware of the risk of using tampons, especially, since there are many safe and convenient alternatives – namely, menstrual cups.

So read the article, and decide for yourself!

What Women Need Now!  By C. Manuel Grace

We will begin the the year 1975, though it started eons ago. There were five major tampon manufactures spending millions of dollars on advertising each year. Their key words were comfort and security. Still companies failed to improve on the quality of their product with the old cardboard tampon design, though some offered plastic tube applications as an alternative.

Tampax’s vulnerable point was security. Women could try the utmost care, but there were those humiliating occasions when the old tampon failed to do its job. I have witnessed this event at a clinic when a woman was waiting in line to see a doctor. Blood had seeped through her cotton sweat-pant. A lady mentioned the stain on her garment. The women immediately covered it with her jacket wrapping the sleeves around her waist.

These new products were allowed on the market without any demonstration prior the plastic insert designs or the proof of safe way for either the plastic insert designs or the perfumes.

Let us jump to 1980: The news coverage was horrific, “Teenager dies of tampon use. Details at eleven!” “Toxic Shock Syndrome Survivor tells her story tonight on eyewitness News.” “Centers for disease control warning women to beware of tampons. Stay tune for more!”

Most American women reacted with a sense of helplessness: how could something which had become such an essential part of a women’s life turn out to be potentially deadly. The CDC thought most of the female TSS cases involved super absorbent tampons. By 1994 Toxic Shock Syndrome was an enduring addition to the list of human pathogens, and though it is no longer attracting law suits and front page news, the novel S. Aureus strain was causing nearly as many infections, ailments, and deaths in the 1900s as it had in 1983.

Though tampon boxes were covered with a variety of warnings, menstruating women continued to come down with TSS, practically with those who used super absorbent products. What occurs with the traditional feminine hygiene products?

1) The synthetic materials are known to advance toxic shock Syndrome (TSS) in young femals not having time to develop necessary antibodies.

2) When chlorine is used in the bleaching process it will release dioxin, a carcinogen into a women’s vagina and uterus. These dangers were known years ago. No product since 1980 and before had a standard for absorbency. The TSS symptoms incur a 2-to-3 day period of mild symptoms before the disease develops. These mild symptoms may include low grade fever, chills, muscle aches, rash, redness in the sensitive areas. nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, and low blood pressure just to name a few maladies.

Now men should know why at many times it is difficult to deal with their better significant other. Most TSS cases in the United States are not reported. It could cost the states to report to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention much expense, gathering the data and submitting it to the CDC.

In February, 1999 USA Today article “The CDC estimates that 1300 people get toxic shock syndrome annually. Half are related to tampons; 5% die” This information has been suppressed and not linked directly to their products. Its all about the money. There are only a few independent studies.

One study of two New York University medical center researchers, Dr. Philip Tiemo and Dr.Bruce Hanna, tested tampons. Their 1999 article in E Magazine, “concluded that tampons containing synthetics amplify the production of the TSS — causing toxin by certain strains of bacteria, whereas the all-cotton tampons produced no measurable toxin.” Dr. Tiemo is quoted in the same article saying, “Synthetic tampons absorb more water than [does] cotton, leaving concentrated proteins, that are used by staph bacteria to create the toxin, creating toxin factories.”

Dangers of Dioxin

Dioxin is a term used to describe a group of hundreds of chemicals that surround our environment like smog. Dioxin forms into unintentional by-product of many industrial processes which contain chlorine such as waste incineration. Yes. dioxin can cause cancer. The EPA report confirmed Dioxin as a cancer hazard to people. The International agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) a part of the world Health Organization published their research on dioxins and reported in February 14,1997 dioxin is considered a Group1 carcinogen a “known carcinogen”.

Now there is a product that saves lives. It is from Winalite. It doses all the needed and necessary job to make a women feel safe and secure in any given situation.

Stay tuned to my next installment, “Menstruation is not a Natural Occurrence”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._Manuel_Grace  http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Women-Need-Now!&id=2629559

Read what FDA has to say about that. Whether these allegations about dioxins and TSS are true or not, one way to prevent the occurence of toxic shock syndrome is to STOP USING TAMPONS altogether. Read more about safe, eco-friendly and convenient alternatives to tampons on my Menstrual Period Cup blog.

If you have never heard about a menstrual cup or a period cup – unfortunately you are not alone. Although there are many reusable menstrual products available on the market today – DivaCup, Mooncup, the Keeper, Lunette, and several other brands – the majority of women still are not even aware that there is an ALTERNATIVE to tampons and sanitary napkins.

I too was in that group, until a couple of years ago, when I learned about menstrual cups. I did not buy one back then (I had other things on my mind – like being pregnant and having a baby), and it wasn’t until a couple of years ago when I finally made the switch. I bought a Mooncup UK brand (unfortunately, the manufacturer no longer sells cups to the US due to tradename issues with another period cup manufacturer).

Menstrual Cup - a reusable silicone cup

Back then, buying menstrual cups online was your only option.  Today, period cups are available in more and more pharmacies and stores.

All I can say is “Wow!”

What a difference a Period Cup makes!

Buy menstrual cups online.

So, What Exactly is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is form of reusable menstrual protection. It is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluids. Once in place it forms a seal, preventing blood flowing out of the vagina by collecting it in its “cup” shaped reservoir.

Unlike a tampon which absorbs the blood along with the vagina’s natural secretions, a menstrual cup simply holds the fluids until you remove it – so they do not dry out the vagina and do not hold the Toxic Shock Syndrome risk that tampons do.

Most of the period cups, including the Mooncup, are made from medical grade silicone, is latex-free and contains no dyes, toxins or bleaches. It’s also great for women with sensitive skin.

A menstrual cup is a conical shaped cup made of flexible material, such as rubber or medical grade silicone, which is inserted into the vagina to catch menstrual blood. It is worn lower in the vaginal passage than a tampon and with only a little practice is simple to insert and remove.

Although there is a learning curve, it’s not difficult to learn how to use it. If you’re not too squeamish, you’ll find that it’s extremely empowering to take charge of that aspect of your reproductive health.

With many of us becoming aware of the effects of our lifestyles on the environment, lots of women are choosing to use menstrual cups as an alternative to standard sanitary pads and tampons.

One woman uses up to 22 items of sanitary protection every period. Regardless of your flow, you only need one menstrual cup, and it lasts for years and years, making it the most economical sanitary product for menstruation you can buy. A menstrual cup may be worn up to 12 hours without needing to be emptied and after removing and a quick wash with hot soapy water, it is ready for reuse. In between menstrual periods it is recommended that the cup be sterilized in boiling water.

9 Benefits of Using a Menstrual Period Cup

The benefits of using a reusable menstrual cup are enormous, especially for the environment. Here are 9 of them, in no particular order:

1.  Eco-friendly. Just consider this: on average, one woman will use over 11,000 tampons or disposable sanitary pads in their lifetime, which will end up in landfill or in the sea.

2.  Cost-effective: Consider the monthly cost of pads and tampons versus the one-time cost of a menstrual cup.

3.  Easy-to-use and comfortable, needs emptying only 2-4 times a day. Can be used during the night and during sports activities.

4.  Easy-to-clean. The lining of the cup is totally smooth and the tab is flat, so cleaning is extremely easy.

5.  Sanitary. Can be sterilized by placing in boiling water for 2-5 minutes.

6.  Available in different sizes and can be used by all menstruating women, with the exception of  post-natal bleeding due to the risk of inflammation.

7.  Can be used before first sexual intercourse and also with an IUD and contraceptive ring.

8.  Does not dry the vaginal mucus membrane.

9.  Safe. FDA approved. No outbreaks of vaginal candidiasis, cystitis or toxic shock syndrome have been linked to the use of menstrual cups.

buy Mooncup UK

In my humble opinion, menstrual cups is the best thing that ever happened to feminine hygiene products. They are comfortable, clean, easy to use, great for any kind of physical activity such as riding a bike, running, swimming, and snowboarding–you’ll completely forget it’s there.

When you do it for the first time, it may take a couple of attempts to insert the cup and then take it out. It may look like a challenge at first. However, once you try it once or twice, it’s really not much more difficult than inserting or removing a tampon. If you are having any difficulty and just don’t seem to get it right, read manufacturers instructions, or ask more experienced users a question at one of the forums.

Give it a try, and you may never go back to tampons and pads again.

Buy a period cup online.

Menstrual Cup Brand Comparisons

When trying to insert or remove a menstrual cup for the first time, make sure you have enough time to work with, and are in a washroom you feel comfortable in (public bathroom stalls are bad). You might not succeed in inserting the menstrual cup perfectly the first time, but you should get it right after a few tries.

Since the menstrual cup does not dry out the mucous membrane, you can practice with it even when you are not menstruating. In this case, you should wet the menstruation cup with water and use a water-soluble lubricant to help position the cup. However, during menstruation, there is naturally more moisture in the vagina so it is usually easier to practice inserting the cup during your period.

Menstrual Cup - a reusable silicone cup

Inserting a Menstrual Cup

1. After washing your hands, hold the menstrual cup upright and simply fold the upper and larger end of the cup in half. Then, once it is halved, fold it in half again.
2. Now hold the folded menstrual cup between your thumb and index finger.
3. Stay relaxed and try not to tense your muscles. This may make it painful or difficult to insert. Be patient; the first time inserting it is always the hardest, so don’t give up if you’re having trouble at first.
4. Sit on the toilet or squat in a comfortable position and insert the menstrual cup into your vagina.
5. Let the cup unfold by releasing your fingers from the cup and allowing it to expand inside your vagina. The base of the cup (often called the tab) should be within the inner lips of your vagina. Pull the tab slightly downward and forward until the menstrual cup fits firmly into place.
6. The cup follows the natural slant of your vagina. It does not touch the cervix but rests comfortably below it.

Removing the Menstrual Cup

1. Sit on the toilet and bear down with your muscles. This makes it easier to remove the cup.
2. Grasp the stem firmly so that the tips of your fingers pinch the base of the cup. This action is very important as it allows air to enter around the cup, releasing the suction, and making it easy to remove.
3. As you are sitting on the toilet, pull the cup forward and downward to prevent spilling. Empty the contents into the toilet, wipe and reinsert. Ease your cup gently forward and downward, supporting the bottom of the cup with your fingertips to prevent spilling.
4. Empty the contents of the cup into the toilet.
5. If you are still having your period and want to reinsert your cup, simply rinse it or wipe it with a tissue and reinsert.
6. At the end of your period, wash the menstrual cup in hot soapy water. Or it can be rinsed (not soaked) in dilute vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water). Rinse it in this solution for no more than 3 minutes.
7. Let your cup air dry. Place your cup in the fabric bag it came in to store it between periods or store in a plastic bag or purse.
8. DO NOT rinse or soak in any solution stronger than 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water or in any other chemical solution. Exposing your cup to such solutions can damage it.

Tips & Warnings

• When properly inserted, you should not be able to feel the cup inside your body. If it feels uncomfortable, you may need to push it a little deeper.
• If you find the stem on your menstrual cup is too long, it can be trimmed to a shorter length for comfort by using a standard pair of scissors.
• Empty and rinse at least every 12 hours. If you leave it in longer, watch out for signs of infection.
• On heavier days, when the cup is full it can leak. Wearing pads for these days can help.
• There are many different types of menstrual cups. Always follow the instructions that come with your particular brand.
• Follow your brand manufacturer’s instructions for removing and cleaning your cup.
• Although it is preferable to wash your menstrual cup each time you empty it, if you cannot access water it is fine to wipe it with a piece of tissue, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned the next time.
• The menstrual cup fits the natural tilt of the vagina below the cervix. If inserted properly the lower portion of the cup (or the tab) should fit inside the entrance of the vagina.
• You may want to use a lubricant for easier insertion however, stay away from petroleum based jellies as they will damage the cup.
• In case you were wondering, menstrual cups are NOT a form of contraceptive, and must be removed before sexual intercourse.

Here is a video I found that explains this process:

Read more about various types of <a href=http://www.menstrualperiodcup.com/>menstrual cup</a>, and various types of feminine hygiene products.