Ruby Cup Menstrual Cup (Tried and Tested)

Last month I received my 'Ruby Cup' in the post and I have been counting down the days til I got to test it out. Yeah, it's a little weird waiting patiently for my period to start, but I've wanted to test a menstrual cup out for quite a while now. I've heard so much about them and I honestly believe that they are the future.

First things first - choosing the right menstrual cup. There are so many companies that provide menstrual cups online, but for me personally, 'Ruby Cup' was the one. It was this particular quote that won me over;

"We sell menstrual cups based on the 'Buy One, Give One' concept. Every Ruby Cup purchase in industrial countries cross-subsidizes the price of a Ruby Cup for a girl in Africa. We distribute the menstrual cups in collaboration with local organisations in Eastern Africa. It is also possible to simply donate a Ruby Cup to a girl."

My cup arrived in this pretty and pink package just a few days after ordering it online. When I opened it, the cup itself was stored inside a little linen bag. The bag contained my menstrual cup and an instruction booklet. Mt first impressions of the cup itself was relief. It was as giant as I had pictured it and the silicone was soft and bouncy.

Inserting the Ruby Cup

Inserting the cup for the first time was my biggest issue. I had read that the most popular folding method was the 'C Shape' method. I tried it a number of times but the pain was too much. I did some more research and tried other folding techniques. Eventually, I tried the 'Punch and Fold' technique and bingo! I had absolutely no problems with inserting it and experienced no pain. It is very important to find the appropriate folding technique that suits you, as I have experienced, not all of them will.

I was a little surprised at how comfortable the Ruby Cup was. In comparison to a tampon, I actually found it a lot more relaxed. I could hardly feel that it was there. I find tampons to be very dry and painful at first, so I usually tend to avoid them. That brings me to pads. I've spent the last 8 years using them and I despise them. They're uncomfortable, constantly need changing, annoying and a pain in the backside when it comes to emergencies.

Pros

• Saves money. A lot of money. One Ruby Cup can last for up to 10 years (with proper care of course). 
• Unlike tampons, no chances of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) which could literally kill you. Yes, you heard me, kill you. Menstrual cups can stay in place for up to 12 hours, meaning you aren't rushing to change between every school or work break.
• Dodge nasty chemicals. The cups themselves are made from 100% medical grade silicone (and they are eco-friendly!)
• Ruby Cup offer the 'Buy One, Give One' concept. Click here for me info.
• Leak free. Unlike pads or tampons, the menstrual cup uses a suction method that does not allow any blood to flow past the cup itself. I'm still not risking white pants, though. 
• Sizing. Menstrual cups come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes and each one if different to support YOU and your needs!

Cons

• Blood. At first, it's a little weird seeing so much of your own (period) blood sitting in a tiny little cup. If you're easily grossed out, it's going to scare you a little bit. After time, it can become quite fascinating as technically you're getting to know your own body. 
• Removing the cup. If not removed correctly, this can cause a lot of pain to your vagina. Trust me. I found this really helpful video on YouTube that gave great advice. I have no problems with removing the cup now. Watch it here.
• Getting comfortable with your vagina. The process of using a menstrual cup is a little more complicated than inserting and removing a tampon, and it does involve getting to know your body. You're going to be using your menstrual cups a number of times throughout your cycle, so it's important you are comfortable with all the messy business. It does take practice and over time it will become much easier. 

So there you have it - the menstrual cup! I honestly would recommend this product to every girl and I will certainly be persuading my friends to purchase one. Of course, it's a little unusual and scary, but only because it's new. I guarantee within a number of years more and more women will be using menstrual cups. Join the community today!

If you are considering buying a menstrual cup, I really recommend 'Ruby Cup.' Like I've said before, they're different compared to other companies as they are making a positive change globally and they depend on your purchases to support girls in Africa. If you would like to learn more about Ruby Cup, visit their website - http://www.ruby-cup.com/

- KVL xo