There’s no doubt about it, us women are martyrs. We have to put up with a lot during our period. Cramps, bloating, raging hormones, and deciding which products to use to keep us feeling clean and comfortable. I’ve tried out the Cherriful Menstrual Cup, here’s my honest review.
Ad | By the time you reach your mid-30’s, like me, you know what to expect of your period. You know the warning signs, and how you will tackle the next 5-7 days. The bathroom cabinet will already be stocked with supplies, from tampons, pads, paracetamol and you may have the emergency chocolate in the fridge – yes, that is where I put it. But, that debate is for another time.
Now we are more educated on what chemicals are in our sanitary products, and their impact on the environment. As much as some of us are stuck in our ways, indeed, it’s our responsibility to try out more sustainable period products.
Meet Cherriful
Cherriful reached out to me and sent me a period cup and foldable steriliser. More so to convince me that it is a product that I can use and enjoy – if that is the right word?! I had serious reservations, and if I’m honest, kind of repulsed by the idea. Up close they are massive – much bigger than a tampon – would it be easy to put in and be comfortable? What about the mess? Would it smell? And, is it even hygienic to re-use?
My menstrual cup experience
Most of us can admit that we didn’t get on with tampons straight away. I was scared to insert them all the way and panicked if they didn’t come out easily. Now it’s weird to think I ever struggled, as the manoeuvre is done in seconds. I guess the Cherriful menstrual cup is exactly the same – you just need to get used to it.
Putting in the menstrual cup
Ok, so it did take a couple of attempts. Being relaxed definitely helps, and the first time, after a long hot bath, I was successful. You wet the cup under the tap, squeeze it into a ‘C’ shape and insert it like you would a tampon. The suggestions are to squat or kneel, but I found it more comfortable putting one leg up on the radiator or the bath. I was glad of the extra room; I would have struggled in a public bathroom cubicle. The cup does feel a bit weird when it ‘opens up’ inside you.
Wearing the menstrual cup
When I first used it, I was really paranoid about leaks. There were a few instances when it felt like I was, and I had to go to the ladies to double-check. It is an entirely different feel to a tampon, but I am told by others who use one that it takes a few cycles to get used to it. It is actually comfortable once you forget about it. You can wear the Cherriful cup for up to 8 hours, and even tinkle whilst wearing it.
Taking out the menstrual cup
It was a tad stressful the first time, as it didn’t come out straight away. There is a stem at the end of the menstrual cup that you can easily grip. You need to squeeze this and then pull. I was a bit energetic and did spill it. Luckily, I was in the bathroom at home, so it was easy to clean up. You may want to stand in the bath whilst you get used to this bit.
You do get some blood on your hands, so if you remove it at work or when out and about, having a wet wipe in your handbag would be handy. I am a bit squeamish about period blood. Still, it was oddly satisfying seeing how much had been collected, before pouring it down the toilet. You then give it a rinse and re-insert.
Menstrual cup cleaning
Cherriful also sent me a foldable steriliser for the period cup. When you have finished your period, the menstrual cup cleaning kit is used. You unfold or pop out the steriliser and put the period cup inside and fill with water. Pop the lid on and microwave for 3-5 minutes, the water needs to boil, take out and allow to cool.
I dried off the cup and put it in the drawstring bag that also came in my pack. It’s now ready for my next period. I even cleaned the steriliser with soap and water, to make sure that it was shiny and clean. It was unnecessary, but I did wipe over the microwave afterwards – to appease my houseproud OCD.
This process was relatively fuss-free. It was a million times easier than I imagine the process to be and more hygienic. I had visions of me having to clean pots and pans, using antibacterial cleaners and even bleach. None of this was needed.
My menstrual cup review
It is actually a relief to let go of the fear and reluctance, and I am a bit annoyed with myself for taking so long to try it out. I am definitely going to persevere, as it did get a lot easier. The only time, at the moment, I won’t wear it is on a night out – I wouldn’t be confident taking it out after a few too many rum and cokes.
The advantages for me are;
- You know you’ll never be caught short. How many occasions has the time of the month come along, and you realise you have run out? Having to nip to the shops with a thick wedge of loo roll in your knickers?
- In the long term, it’s going to save money. Each cup from Cherriful is £24.95, or you can buy two for £34.95. They last for 5 years. So, even if I bought two, for me, it would be a saving of over £450. That’s a city break! (Check out their Starter Kit, which includes a period cup, washable panty liners and the foldable steriliser.)
- I didn’t leak, even when wearing it to bed. I am more restless during my period and tend to toss and turn more. It holds up to 3 tampons worth of blood. No more ruined underwear!
- You can wear it swimming and for exercise. I love swimming, but do have to give it a miss during my period, because it’s a faff. The toilets are on the furthest side of the changing room from the pool entrance. In my wet bathers, I would have to go to the loo to remove the tampon, all the way back over to the showers to wash, and then back to the loo in my towel.
- They are healthier. My statement has no scientific backing, but I actually think the chemicals in tampons and pads make our periods and the way we feel worse. I usually feel queasy during my period, but didn’t experience this when wearing the cup.
- They are green. I can do my small bit to help improve our planet. Millions of period products end up in landfill every year, or clog up our oceans. (Apparently, it is the 5th most common item found on European beaches – yuk!)
About Cherriful
It’s not immediately apparent from their website, but Cherriful is a Welsh company. I am a massive advocate for supporting local, and these guys are based in Penarth. There are no postage fees, and any products purchased will be with you within three days. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
Cherriful Promo Code – Get 10% off when you use CHERRY10 at the checkout.
Some frequently asked questions about menstrual cups
I had so many menstrual cup questions. I have found answers through research, speaking with others who have used a period cup, and my menstrual cup review.
What is a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups are bell-shaped, made from medical-grade silicone and inserted into the vagina.
Are menstrual cups reusable?
Instead of absorbing blood like single-use pads or tampons, they collect blood, emptied, and the cup is washed and re-used.
What menstrual cup size shall I pick?
That’s right, it comes in different sizes – I undoubtedly thought one size fits all?! There is one for over 30’s that have had a child (Large) and one for under 30’s (Small/Medium). I haven’t had a child and do not have excessively heavy periods, so the Cherriful team suggested that it go for a smaller size.
Which menstrual cup is best for beginners?
As a first period product, it wouldn’t be my top recommendation. You do need to be comfortable with yourself and need to relax to insert and remove. However, if you are ready to give it a go, just look at the product recommendations.
Are menstrual cups messy?
Removing a menstrual cup can be messy, especially at first as you get used to it. Over time, you will get the knack.
Are menstrual cups safe?
The NHS has assured us that menstrual cups are safe to use.
Will the menstrual cup get stuck?
A menstrual cup can get stuck, if it isn’t the right size or if it sits too high in your vagina. The trick is to stay relaxed, and the more you use it, the easier it gets.
My menstrual cup feels like it will fall out?
I did experience this, it felt like the cup was moving around. Turns out I didn’t have it in correctly, I had to take it out and re-insert. It shouldn’t feel like it’s going to fall out.
When to remove the menstrual cup?
Pads and tampons need to be changed every 4-6 hours. Menstrual cups can be worn up to 12 hours (Cherriful recommend 8 hours), but you may need to rinse or change it more frequently on heavy days.
When to replace the menstrual cup?
You should replace your menstrual cup if you have any tears or holes in it. The Cherriful menstrual cup lifespan is up to 5 years.
Are menstrual cups comfortable?
When the period cup is in correctly, it is comfortable. When I asked my Instagram followers if they had ever used one before, I had a few people reply saying that their cramps were a million times better. They also didn’t experience dryness – a common complaint about using tampons.
My menstrual cup is uncomfortable?
A menstrual cup can feel uncomfortable if it is not inserted properly or if you are using the wrong size.
Can the menstrual cup give you toxic shock?
Toxic shock is rare, but a serious condition. It is linked to tampons, but a few cases are linked to using a menstrual cup. To minimise the risk, remove and clean the cup regularly and use a menstrual cup steriliser.
Menstrual cup versus tampons
Both have their pros and cons, and both take time to get used to. However, the menstrual cup eco-friendly factor probably makes it the winner.
Can you wear the menstrual cup overnight?
Absolutely! Menstrual cups are safe to wear throughout the night, so feel free to curl up, and even hit the snooze button if you want to.
Can you wear the menstrual cup swimming?
I have not been able to personally test this, thanks to lockdown. However, the answers is yes. You can jump around the gym and go on a long bike ride too.
Disclaimer: This article is a paid partnership with Cherriful. I had full editorial control and have given my honest, unbiased review. I only work with brands that I like and think you’ll love it too!
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