On test: Femmecup menstrual cup

The menstrual cup, or keeper, is based on a traditional design of 'sanitary protection'. Claudia Gazlett discovers how it copes with periods in the modern world

What is it? 

The Femmecup is an updated version of the menstrual cup, something that has been used by women since the 1890s to collect menstrual blood inside the vagina. It's about the size and shape of a small eggcup but soft and pliable as it is made from medical-grade silicone and claims to be ‘the future of feminine hygiene'.

 

How does it work?

According to the very user-friendly instruction leaflet, the Femmecup ‘is designed to be folded and inserted into your vagina for collecting your menstrual blood. Once inside, the cup opens and sits lower than a tampon. It is held in place by your vaginal muscles.' The idea is that it collects the menstrual blood and can then be emptied, rinsed and reinserted every eight to 12 hours. I tested it for my last period and didn't use any other products (normally I use a combination of tampons and then towels for lighter days).

 

What are the best things about it?

● I really liked not having to remember to take any paraphernalia (tampons etc) with me and even the fact that I'd save a few pounds a month is a bonus.

● Once I got used to the technique it was incredibly quick and easy to change, with no worries about disposal. And of course I had a certain glow of eco-smugness about me as there is zero waste generated by the Femmecup.

● It really is undetectable; once inserted you can't feel it at all (even less so than a tampon and no blue string hanging out). I didn't experience any leakage or odour (day or night) and, unlike the experience I have with tampons, it can be in for hours without any feeling of backache or discomfort. On the first day of my period I went to the gym and on another day for a run and both times there was no problem - I didn't go swimming but I'm sure that would be fine too.

● There is a certain morbid fascination in being able to see how much menstrual blood is being lost over the days as the cup has markings in millilitres like a little tiny measuring jug.

● It also comes in a lovely little unbleached cotton bag with turquoise logo and ribbon ties.

 

What's the worst thing about it?

● It probably isn't for the squeamish or women who aren't really comfortable with inserting non-applicator tampons as the insertion does involve quite a bit of fiddling about and I'd imagine if you were having a heavy flow it might get a bit messy.

● The instructions say that when in a public toilet the cup can be wiped out with toilet paper and reinserted instead of being rinsed. I have to admit to being reluctant to do this, partly from a hygiene point of view but also because I was worried I'd drop it down the toilet in which case there would have had to be an unseemly emergency dash for a tampon machine! Since it can be left in for up to 12 hours I never had recourse to having to empty it at work or in the pub toilet as I went home every day but I expect next month I might be a bit bolder...

 

Anything else?

I'm a convert. I don't know why we aren't all using these when I think of the financial and environmental costs of half a lifetime of tampon and towel use. I hope they catch on and the brand can get beyond the association of menstrual cups with hippy earth-mothers...

 

How much does it cost?

The Femmecup costs £14.99 from www.femmecup.com

 

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