Basically, a menstrual cup collects the flow from your monthly period, as opposed to tampons which absorb flow. Like tampons, menstrual cups are worn internally so they’re perfect for summer sports or going to the beach. One major difference between a cup and a tampon is that there is no chance of an embarrassing string peeking out from even the briefest bikini bottom. Instead of a string, menstrual cups are designed with a soft, silicone tab or removal ring.
So menstrual cups don’t absorb flow like tampons. Instead, an opening about 2” wide allows the blood to flow into the container. The FemmyCycle, however, has a much smaller opening and a lid to prevent spills and leaks on removal. Menstrual cups conform to the vaginal walls to prevent leaks, but some women use a thin panty liner during the initial learning phase (just as many women regularly do with tampons).
Since menstrual cups hold more flow than tampons and carry no risk of toxic shock syndrome, they can be worn for up to 12 hours—even overnight. Unlike tampons, menstrual cups don’t entail blood coming into contact with cotton or paper. This deprives bacteria of the moist environment it needs to grow. That’s why, in addition to eliminating the risk of toxic shock syndrome, there is little or no odor associated with menstrual cups during wear and removal.
Finally, menstrual cups differ from tampons in that they have a mild suction effect that draws out additional flow when you remove them. Some cups have too much suction and are made with small holes near the rim to lessen the effect. Users are sometimes encouraged to squeeze the cup gently to “break the seal” when removing. Because the FemmyCycle is designed not to open fully during use, the suction effect is not as strong. There is no need to squeeze the FemmyCycle during removal, further preventing blood from spilling when the cup is taken out.
This suction effect has a couple of benefits. Removing the cup in the shower before you wash up greatly reduces the chance of staining wash cloths or towels. And while this is not the case for all users, some FemmyCycle users have reported that their periods are one or two days shorter.
Before using FemmeCycle, I would usually use tampons for heavier flow days with a panty liner, and thin pads for light flow days. My biggest issue with these two products was leakage and odor. The difference with using FemmyCycle is incredible! Insertion, although it took practice, is now very easy. The cup is smooth and without any type of ridges so the feeling completely disappears once it is inserted. FemmyCycle is designed to expand to its surroundings so there is no pressure on the vaginal wall. That is an added comfort to the fact that it can be safely worn for up to twelve hours and allows me to go through a kickboxing class with no leaks!
With using tampons I would also worry about the harm from inserting a bleached rayon and plastic product into my body, the accumulation of bacteria on these damp materials, and the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Rayon fibers can stay behind in your vagina and cause vaginal infections and some cotton tampons can absorb other fluids in the vagina that help to keep it clean and balanced. FemmyCycle not only eliminated all those risks, it also put an end to any odor at every stage of the menstrual period.
I have used FemmyCycle for two cycles now and am very delighted with the results. I feel confident to wear any clothing without worrying about leaks and as an added bonus, I feel great about my contribution to the reduction of harmful waste to the environment