Trying Out a Menstrual Cup – The Sinaya Cup

The first time I’ve heard of the Sinaya Cup, I was amazed and at the same time weirded out by the idea of a menstrual cup. I had so many questions up in my head and even after watching countless videos about people’s reaction regarding the menstrual cup or how women love it so much, I still didn’t get it. So the solution? I have to try it out for myself.

The standard retail price of the Sinaya Cup is PHP1,199.00 but since I was one of the early birds who bought it soon as it was released, I got the discounted PHP999.00 price. Yey!

I was able to use my Sinaya Cup last January. When I checked my period tracker and  saw that I should be having my period on that day, I decided to sterilize  my Sinaya Cup so that I can put it in on that day in case my period decides to just pour out while I’m at work.

PUTTING IT IN FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

It wasn’t easy, for the first time at least. I’ve watched videos on Youtube about how to put it in but you’ll never really get to learn unless you try it out for yourself. What I did is the C-Fold technique and it’s what works best for me. First thing I did is squeeze the cup flat, then I folded it in half. After that, I just put it inside with muscles relaxed. Girls, don’t be afraid to use your fingers to be able to put it up there properly. I really did put my fingers in to guide the cup going up and then once I felt that it was deep enough, I let go. But to double check, I put one finger in to check if the cup has already opened inside and if there aren’t any folds anymore. Folds will lead to leaks and that’s what we’re trying to prevent, yes?

FINALLY HAVING THE CUP INSIDE

Do not be afraid, it won’t get lost up there. You won’t feel a thing once it’s already there but that’s totally normal. Move around and don’t feel too conscious about it. For my first day, I was worried that there might be leaks but come lunch break, I checked my undies and it was spotless! I decided to check on my cup and saw that I really already have my period but the cup was able to hold all the fluid. Usually on my first day, my napkin would have already been full for the first half of the day but with the cup, damn! It just reached barely a quarter of the cup. So, yes, it’s true that we don’t really menstruate that much blood but it just looks a lot on the napkin because it’s spread out.

FAQ FROM FRIENDS ABOUT THE MENSTRUAL CUP

Q: But what about those chunks of blood that often comes out?

A: I used to have them when I was using pads but it never happened to me anymore when I used the menstrual cup

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Q: Wouldn’t it be hard for virgins to use the cup? Won’t it destroy my virginity?

A: First of all that wasn’t a big issue since I’m no longer a virgin and second, I’ve read about virgins using a menstrual cup (or tampons too) and it’s not that big of an issue.

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Q: But it’s almost PHP1,200.00. It’s more expensive than a napkin.

A: Darling, that’s PHP1,200.00 for like two years while you buy tons of napkins in a year. Do the math.

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Q: I always a heavy period. Can it really hold in a lot?

A: Yes. You just need to pour it out 2 to 3 times a day, wash it then put it back in. Trust me, we really don’t menstruate THAT much. I know what you’re thinking because I already asked that one out and just believed when I saw it for myself.

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Q: But what if you’re out? How do you change?

A: Just like when you’re changing napkins. I go to the CR with my wipes and tissue, take it out, pour out the blood, clean myself up and then clean the cup with running water or if it isn’t available, I use my wipes and tissue.

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Q: Won’t it irritate your vagina?

A: It won’t if you clean it well that’s why it’s advised that you sterilize it first before you put it in.

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Q: Don’t you feel it when you’re walking or moving around?

A: I don’t feel a thing, honestly. That’s why it’s perfect for girls who are always on the go. You never have to worry about leaks nor adjusting your napkin if it gets out of place because the cup stays put and will just go out once you want it out.

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Q: How do you get it out?

A: I use my muscles down there to push it out like when I’m pooping (LOL). Then once the tail of the cup is almost out, pull it out more so that you can get hold of the cup and once you’re already holding the cup itself gently pull it out so that the blood won’t spill all over the floor.

That’s about it, I guess. Those are the usual questions I get from friends. But if you have more, I wouldn’t mind answering them here. Should you want to try and buy your own Sinaya Cup, you can get in touch with them through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sinayacup.

YES. I recommend using the Sinaya Cup because I feel like it’s very empowering. Women do not have to shy out on outdoor activities when they have their period because the cup basically makes you feel like you don’t even have it. Run, climb, swim, surf, do whatever! The Sinaya Cup will be your new best friend.