### My Experience with Menstrual Cups: Over 5 Years of Use I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of menstrual cups, as well as whether they can be used at weddings.

2024.06.13 published

提供：murmo

Are you using a menstrual cup?

The often-discussed "menstrual cup".

Have you ever used a menstrual cup?

I have been using it for over 5 years now, and I find it so convenient that I can't imagine going back to pads or tampons now! However, I believe that there are still very few people using it.

It’s truly a handy item that I think every woman should try at least once (I think it's also convenient for weddings), so I would like to introduce what it's all about.＊

What is a menstrual cup?

Various manufacturers produce menstrual cups, but the basic shape is the same.

The silicone cup has a stem attached to it, which you fold and insert into the vagina.

While pads absorb menstrual blood discharged from your body, menstrual cups can hold the blood inside the cup in the vagina (similar to a tampon).

Therefore, there are no odors, discomfort, or wetness associated with pads.

You also don’t need to change it often (about 2 to 3 times a day), and since the silicone cups provide a cap inside the vagina, there’s very little worry about leaks.

It’s also great that they are not disposable like pads or tampons, and can be reused.

You don’t need to carry around pads or tampons, which means less baggage, and since they are silicone, they can be cleaned and sanitized, making them hygienic. You can use them for several years, making them budget-friendly.♡

(A single cup costs about 2,000 to 6,000 yen and can last for about 3 years, which is a great cost performance compared to buying pads or tampons…!?)

Since no waste is produced, it’s also environmentally friendly.

You don't need to use multiple menstrual cups at once, so one is enough.

Some manufacturers sell a standard size for heavier days and a smaller size for lighter days.

It might be a good idea to start with the standard size and, if you find it difficult to insert, consider purchasing the smaller size for later in your period.

➡The "murmo" menstrual cup is designed for Japanese body types, removing discomfort and fear to the maximum.

My experience using it

I have been using a menstrual cup for over 5 years and find it extremely convenient.

When I first bought a menstrual cup, I had moments of confusion where I thought, "Wait...!?" because I couldn't insert it properly. However, once you get the hang of it, there's really no problem.

Since you fold it small to insert, the size when you actually insert it looks somewhat like this.

It's larger than a tampon and you might be puzzled at first, but if you have any experience with gynecological exams, you should be fine. (Conversely, I feel it might be quite tough for those without any experience.)

Depending on the cup's capacity and your blood flow, a regular menstrual cup can hold enough for 8 to 12 hours without needing to be changed.

You can put it in the morning and even if you go out for the day for work, there’s no need to take it out while you’re out.

You can simply take it out when you return home and wash it with soap afterward.

Not having to change pads at work or while out is truly stress-free…!

Additionally, the absence of that thick feeling when you have menstrual flow is quite comfortable. Being able to eliminate the discomfort of "Oh no, I feel like I've bled a lot..." is truly revolutionary! (It's really anxiety-inducing during meetings, right…!)

➡Here's the HP for the Japanese-made "murmo" menstrual cup＊

Are there any downsides?

While there are many advantages to menstrual cups, there are also a few downsides.

🔸 It can be a hassle to replace

You can keep a menstrual cup in for about 8 to 12 hours, meaning you'd generally need to change it 2 to 3 times a day.

Even though you don't need to change it often, replacing it can be a hassle.

When you need to change it, you take it out in the bathroom, dispose of the menstrual blood down the toilet, wash the cup with soap, and then put it back in.

This is fine at home, but when out, you can't wash it unless the stall has a sink.

(In a pinch, you may have to just empty it and put it back in without washing it. It's not the most hygienic…!)

🔸 It needs to be boiled for sterilization

At the beginning and end of your period, you need to boil the menstrual cup to sterilize it.

Although boiling it in a pot can be a hassle, it’s convenient to use a sterilization cup that is microwave-safe.＊ (It’s available on Rakuten for around 2,000 yen!)

➡Find microwave-safe sterilization cups on Rakuten＊

Putting the menstrual cup and water in the sterilization cup and microwaving it for about 5 minutes is not a difficult task, but compared to pads and tampons, the management does require a bit more effort, which is a disadvantage.

(But isn’t it also a hassle to throw away pads or tampons or keep them stocked...?)

🔸 Initial costs can be high

A menstrual cup costs between 3,000 and 6,000 yen. Since a sterilization cup is also necessary, buying both will cost about 5,000 to 8,000 yen.

Considering the monthly cost of buying pads or tampons, the menstrual cup becomes more cost-effective after about six months of use, but there is an initial cost.

While there are some downsides, I believe the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages!

Can you use it at a wedding?

I think menstrual cups are easy to use even at weddings.

Many people probably think of wearing large nighttime pads if their period coincides with their wedding. However, with a menstrual cup, there’s almost no chance of leaks, so it’s reassuring. There’s no worry about staining the dress.

If you choose a mermaid or streamlined dress, wearing a large pad might affect the silhouette, but a menstrual cup won’t affect the silhouette at all.＊

However, there is one caution...

While a menstrual cup can be kept in for about 8 to 12 hours, it's not advisable to leave it in for more than that.

When changing the menstrual cup, your hands can get dirty, making it difficult to change while wearing a dress.

Therefore, for those wearing the same dress from the ceremony to the reception to the after-party, you need to completely remove the dress before changing the menstrual cup.

For those who change into another dress for the after-party or a color change, you can change it when you take off your dress, and that’s fine.

@nagisa_marry

Recommended menstrual cup is murmo

Regarding menstrual cups, Japan is a developing country. There are many more varieties from overseas manufacturers.

However, since overseas options might not fit Japanese body types or the instructions are in English, it can be a bit concerning.

Therefore, I recommend choosing a menstrual cup from a Japanese manufacturer.

Among them, the "murmo" menstrual cup is:

✅ Developed and manufactured in Japan (it’s reassuring to have products made domestically since they are inserted into the body)

✅ Unique easy-line design for easy insertion and removal

✅ Made from medical-grade silicone for long-term use

✅ Can be used continuously for up to 12 hours

It has many attractive features and is highly recommended.＊

I think it’s easy to use, even for those trying a menstrual cup for the first time.♡

Comfortably navigate your period with a menstrual cup＊

I’ve been using the menstrual cup for over 5 years, and it truly is convenient and indispensable.

Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch to a menstrual cup sooner. You’ll think about what you were doing buying pads every month...

At first, you might think, “No way, it won’t fit. Impossible…!” but once you get used to it, it’s fine.

For those who haven't used a menstrual cup, I really hope you give it a try!＊