My Experience Using a Reusable Period Cup For The First Time

I used a reusable period cup for the first time and it didn’t go too well initially but I powered through. Here’s how I got on!

I decided I wanted to switch up my period routine a little while ago when I went on the hunt for organic cotton used in tampons and panty liners. I was learning about all the harmful effects the chemicals can cause in non-organic cotton period products and its very scary! I was very apprehensive to switch completely to a reusable period cup at the time because I have a tilted/curved cervix. However, after a year of using organic cotton sanitary products I decided to take the plunge and try out a reusable period cup.

I was shopping on earthmother.ie and noticed that they stock the reusable menstrual cup and I decided to get one before my next period arrived. I also opted to get the reusable panty liners that were also available on the same website. They arrived and I had plenty of time to ingest all the knowledge about period cups before my next period graced my existence.

When my period arrived, I had a very very busy day ahead of me so I decided to use a tampon for the day and in the evening when I was settling in for the night, I decided to use the period cup for the first time over night. My first time inserting the cup went surprisingly well! I was thrilled.

The following morning when I wanted to take it out, it all started to go downhill. I couldn’t find it! There was no sign of it.. I know it couldn’t have gotten lost but I literally could not find it at all. After a few hours of work I had to go looking for it again as I was starting to sweat even thinking about everything that could go wrong. This time I was able to locate the cup but I wasn’t able to grab it properly, it kept slipping out of my fingers. Mortified! All the thoughts going through my head I was on the verge of calling my doctor for advice on what to do. Eventually I resorted to trusty YouTube for tips. The best tip I got, that actually saved me was to sit on the toilet and push like you are going number two. .

I got it! Eventually I was able to grab it and pull it out. Panic over! I was in such relief! At this stage, I was convinced I would never ever try using this stupid cup ever again, I hated it! It doesn’t help that I was confused about my body and my curved cervix. However, there was a little voice in the back of my head said to try again, that these things take time and practice makes progress. After hours of struggle and panic trying to get the cup out, back in it went again! Was I mad to do this? Probably! But I didn’t want to give up so easily.

After the initial experience I got quicker and quicker and after no time at all, my period was finished! I was delighted that I powered through and stuck to my guns using the reusable cup. I’m nervous but excited to improve for my next period. I was also happy with how the cup worked and how little sanitary waste I produced during this time of the month.

Have you used a period cup and how was your first time using it? I shared my story on Instagram and many people reassured me that it gets easier with time, that it may take 3-4 periods to get the proper knack for using it. Lets hope next month will be a bit more stress-free!

I documented my first few days using the cup, here’s the video if you would like to check it out.

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to see next month when I review period proof underwear for the first time. I hope you enjoyed this post and my first experience of using the period cup.