Ever wondered what it feels like to use a menstrual cup? Brace yourself for a candid review of my first experience trying one.
In August 2025, I had the most intense period pain — the kind that made a big girl cry. The moment it was over, I made a vow to find anything and everything that could make my next cycle more bearable. Naturally, I turned to the internet for a solution.
A quick search for “ways to make periods less unbearable” showed several recommendations to try menstrual cups. At first, I was hesitant. The instructions said I’d have to insert the cup into my vagina. If I’m being honest, inserting things into my vagina is always a grey area for me. I needed to know more: why it was necessary, the quality and safety of the product’s material, and, of course, the potential cons.
Here’s why I finally decided to get a menstrual cup
Leak-proof
Period pain is already a hassle. Adding the constant anxiety of staining your clothes makes it too much. I wanted to pick one struggle, not have to deal with both. Most reviews recommended menstrual cups for a leak-proof period, and I also did a quick test to determine which size cup would fit best.
For the test, I washed my hands, then inserted my index finger into my vagina to determine my cervix height (the distance between the cervix and the vagina opening). Depending on how deep you have to go, you either have a short, medium or high cervix — mine was high. Based on that inference, I opted for a longer menstrual cup.
Affordability
Sanitary pads in Nigeria cost approximately ₦900-₦1,500 per pack, and using them throughout the year racks up quite the bill. Tampons are even pricier. With period poverty affecting about 37 million women and girls in Nigeria, many are forced to use unsafe alternatives like rags.
In contrast, my menstrual cup cost ₦6,000. I added a steriliser (₦4000), so in total I spent ₦11,500, including delivery. While this may seem pricey in the moment, it’s more affordable in the long run. A cup can last up to 10 years with proper care. Long-term, that’s more cost effective.
Product quality and safety
Through research, I discovered menstrual cups are made from high-quality medical-grade silicone — the same material used for medical implants and catheters. It’s biocompatible, latex-free, and free from harmful chemicals like bleach, dioxins, or fragrances, making it safe for long-term use.
Furthermore, I found that unlike tampons, menstrual cups don’t absorb blood, which means they don’t create the same environment for bacteria to grow, lowering the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TTS is a rare but serious infection caused when bacteria release toxins into the body. It is commonly associated with tampon use, especially when they’re left in for more than six hours. The menstrual cup on the other hand can last up to 12 hours depending on your flow.
Comfort
Pads often feel bulky and get uncomfortable. And if you sneeze, cough or laugh, well… it rains. I was done with that. It also helped that reviewers swore they couldn’t feel the cup after inserting — my curiosity piqued. I needed to know just how comfortable this was.
Preserving the planet
Beyond personal comfort, menstrual cups are eco-friendly. Pads and tampons waste pile up in landfills, taking up to 500-800 years to decompose. With one cup lasting years, I’d be cutting down on waste and doing my bit for the planet.
With these reasons in mind, I clicked “checkout” and eagerly waited for delivery.
Read also: For pain-free periods, these are the essentials MCN women swear by
My first experience using a menstrual cup
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The package arrived before my period, but curiosity got the best of me. I sterilised the cup by placing it in the steriliser, adding hot boiling water and covering it for 10 minutes. After it cooled, I practised insertion using different folds: the C-fold, the push-down, and the triangle. At first, it wouldn’t “pop open,” but thanks to a helpful video tutorial, I finally nailed the technique. Once inside, it felt… different. Not painful. Not uncomfortable. Just… present.
When my period-spotting finally started, I was ready. On the first night, I sterilised my cup for a few minutes and let it cool off while I showered and did my skincare routine. I inserted the cup with the push-down fold and went to bed, expecting a disaster. However, when I woke up the next morning, I checked my sheets — no stains. I initially thought my period hadn’t started, but when I removed the cup, it was already half full.
The most surprising part? I didn’t feel my period flow the way I usually do with pads. It was pleasantly strange. I rinsed out the menstrual cup, reinserted, showered and put on my heating belt — yes, I got that too.
For the next three days, that was my routine — use, empty, and rinse every few hours. When I was finally done, I sterilised it and put the menstrual cup in the storage pouch it came in.
My verdict
Did the menstrual cup deliver on all its promises? Absolutely.
Leak-proof protection: Zero stains, zero anxiety.
Cost-effective: My wallet is already thanking me.
Comfortable: No bulky pad feeling, no dampness, no rainstorms when I sneeze. At some point, I even forgot I was on my period.
Eco-friendly: I feel good knowing I’m not contributing more waste to the planet.
The only downside is the learning curve. Inserting and removing the cup took practice. You have to be comfortable with your vagina. It felt odd at first; however, after a few tries, it became easier.
Would I recommend it? Without hesitation. In my honest opinion, a menstrual cup isn’t just a product — it’s freedom. Freedom from constant pad changes, from leaks, from spending so much money every year. Most importantly, freedom to actually feel at ease during my period.
Read more: “I left my job partly because of painful periods” — Here’s why we need menstrual leave
