Let’s talk periods.

If you’re a woman between the ages of 12 and 46, then periods are definitely a concern of yours.

That red lady that visits you every single month to remind you that you’re a woman. 😂

Now, every woman’s menstrual experience is different.

Some people (aka God’s favourites) have a light flow and go through two or three days of peace, while others experience painful cramps, mood swings, very heavy periods and the list is endless…

If you’re a woman on the latter end, you probably also have problems finding the right menstrual products that give you peace of mind.

From switching between the million brands of pads that exist in the Nigerian market to trying other menstrual care products like tampons, trust me, I understand the struggle.

But pads are not your only option.

And if you’ve been hearing people talk about menstrual cups but the whole idea of putting a tiny cup inside you sounds strange, confusing or even scary, this guide is for you.

We’re getting into everything you need to know about menstrual cups: what they are, how they work, how to use one, the pros and cons, possible side effects and where you can buy menstrual cups in Nigeria.

But first, let’s talk about why you might even want an alternative in the first place.

Why Traditional Pads Don’t Work for Everyone

The average Nigerian lady will always have a different brand of pad to recommend when you voice your complaints.

“Have you tried this one?”

“No, that brand is rubbish. Use this one.”

“This one is the only one I use.”

But trust me, you’re not imagining things, and sometimes the problem isn’t the particular brand of pad you’re using.

Pads themselves come with limitations that simply don’t work for everybody.

1. Pads Can Restrict Your Choice of Clothing

We all have that period pant.

That period nightwear.

That one pair you don’t mind getting stained.

That thick pair of shorts you have to wear underneath your dress just in case your pad starts leaking while you’re out.

Then there are certain outfits you simply cannot dare to wear on your period:

But there’s a better way.

Your period doesn’t always have to decide your wardrobe for you.

2. Your Period Can Restrict Your Activities

Your friends are going swimming, but unfortunately, you’re on your period.

You have an eight-hour workday, but your flow is so heavy that you’re already calculating how many bathroom trips you’ll need to make or if you can even call in sick

You might have to miss class for a few days or skip church this Sunday because your period is unpredictable.

Your period doesn’t have to cause that much disruption to your lifestyle.

Using the right menstrual product can give you much more freedom to go about your normal activities.

3. Pads Can Be Unpredictable

Have you ever worn a fresh pad and somehow, one hour later, you’re stained?

Not because the pad is full.

It just shifted.

Or your flow somehow completely ignored the huge pad sitting right there and found the tiny piece of underwear beside it.

How???

That’s not your fault.

You’re just depending on a menstrual product that can sometimes move around as you go about your day.

What Can You Use Instead of Pads?

Okay, okay, okay.

I didn’t come here to just list endless complaints.

So what’s the alternative if pads aren’t working for you?

One answer:

Menstrual cups.

Before you close this article and run away, hear me out. 😂

They look a little intimidating when you first see them, especially if you’ve spent your entire life using pads.

But once you understand how they work, the whole thing starts making much more sense.

What are menstrual cups?

First things first, what exactly is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, cup-shaped menstrual product that is inserted into the vagina during your period.

But unlike pads and tampons that absorb your menstrual blood, menstrual cups collect it.

Think of it like a tiny little container for your period.

Most menstrual cups are made from soft, flexible medical-grade silicone and can be washed and reused for years, depending on the manufacturer and how well you take care of yours.

And before you ask…

No, you will not feel a cup of blood moving around inside you. 😂

When inserted properly, the cup sits inside the vaginal canal and forms a seal that helps prevent blood from leaking out.

Once it’s time to empty it, you simply remove the cup, pour the blood into the toilet, wash/rinse the cup and put it back in.

How to use a menstrual cup

Now this is usually where people start getting scared.

“You mean I’m supposed to put the whole thing inside there?”

Yes, babe.

But I promise the cup looks much more intimidating when you’re holding it than when you actually learn how to use it.

Step 1: Wash your hands and your cup

Before inserting your menstrual cup, wash your hands properly.

If it’s the beginning of your period, make sure your cup has also been cleaned and sterilised according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Fold the cup

You don’t insert the cup while it’s completely open.

Please. 😭

You fold it first.

There are several folding methods you can try, including the C-fold and punch-down fold. The goal is simply to make the cup smaller and easier to insert.

You might need to experiment with different folds before finding the one that works best for you.

Step 3: Get comfortable

You can sit on the toilet, squat, stand with one leg raised or use whatever position makes insertion easier for you.

Then relax your pelvic muscles as much as possible.

This is NOT the time to be fighting for your life and clenching everything.

Step 4: Insert the cup

Gently guide the folded cup into your vagina.

Once it is inside, allow it to open.

You can gently rotate or adjust it if necessary to make sure it has opened properly and formed a seal.

When properly positioned, it should feel comfortable and secure.

Step 5: Leave it to do its job

How long you can wear your cup depends on your flow and the instructions that come with your particular cup.

If you have a heavy flow, you may need to empty yours more frequently.

One of the best things about using a cup is that once you understand your flow, you can plan around it instead of constantly wondering whether your pad is about to embarrass you.

Step 6: Remove and empty

When it’s time to remove the cup, wash your hands and get into a comfortable position.

Reach for the base of the cup and gently pinch it to break the seal.

Empty the contents into the toilet, clean the cup according to its instructions and reinsert.

And yes, your first few attempts might be messy.

You’re learning something new. Give yourself time.

Are menstrual cups actually safe?

Short answer? yes — when used correctly.

Menstrual cups have been studied as a menstrual hygiene option and are generally considered safe when they’re used, cleaned and stored properly.

Wash your hands before handling your cup, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and sterilisation instructions, don’t wear it longer than recommended and replace it if you notice damage or deterioration.

You also need to use a cup that actually fits you.

Are there side effects or disadvantages?

Now before I start sounding like the president of the Menstrual Cup Association, let’s talk about the not-so-fun parts.

Because menstrual cups are great, but they’re not perfect.

There is a learning curve

Your first menstrual cup experience may not be the magical, leak-free experience you imagined.

You might insert it incorrectly.

You might spend five minutes in the bathroom wondering how on earth you’re supposed to get it out.

All of that can happen while you’re learning.

Using a menstrual cup is a skill, and just like any other skill, it can take a little practice.

Cleaning requires some effort

With a pad, you remove it, wrap it and throw it away.

A menstrual cup requires cleaning and proper storage.

That can also be inconvenient when you’re using a public toilet without easy access to clean water and privacy.

How do I choose the right menstrual cup size?

You might have seen menstrual cups labelled Small, Medium and Large or perhaps Size 1 and Size 2.

And no, please don’t just pick whichever one looks cute. 😭

Cup sizing differs between brands, so always check the manufacturer’s sizing guide before buying.

Generally, things like your age, flow, whether you’ve given birth vaginally, your cervix position and the individual cup’s diameter, length and firmness can affect which cup feels best.

Your flow matters too.

If you have a very heavy flow, you may prefer a cup with a larger capacity.

Can a virgin use a menstrual cup?

Ah.

The question some of you have been scrolling through this entire article waiting for. 😂

Yes, someone who has never had penetrative sex can use a menstrual cup.

Virginity itself doesn’t determine whether you’re medically able to use one.

However, if you’ve never inserted anything into your vagina before, you may find insertion more difficult or uncomfortable at first.

Starting with a smaller cup and practising your folding technique may help.

Where can I buy menstrual cups in Nigeria?

Now that I have spent this entire article convincing you to give menstrual cups a chance, of course I’m not going to leave you to start searching the entire internet. 😂

TheGDKstore stocks and sells different sizes of safe to use menstrual cups in Abuja Nigeria

Before ordering, check the available sizes and product information so you can choose the option that best suits you.

Ready to give menstrual cups a try?

Explore our menstrual cups at The GDK Store and find the right option for your next period.

Your red lady is coming back next month anyway.

You might as well be prepared. 😂