When menstrual cups started showing up more and more in the Philippines, I rejoiced. I liked the idea of a more eco-friendly alternative to the pads I’ve used since puberty. Unfortunately, I didn't have the best experience in finding the right fit and ended up a little traumatized. So no judgment here if you really wanted to give The Cup a try, but it just wasn't for you. The next best thing is an alternative to the alternative: fully biodegradable pads!

While we first featured menstrual cups in 2016 here at Project Vanity, it wasn’t until last year that I personally started using one. The pandemic made me do it. It was such a hassle to buy my favorite pads and tampons as they’re not easily available in most supermarkets, plus I felt like I’m adding too much plastic waste whenever I bleed. That’s why I decided to get a cheap menstrual cup from BeautyMNL called Anytime. I wasn’t excited about the Bible verse in the packaging - somehow it felt like it was mildly judging me for inserting their own product into my vagina (weird) - but it was a start.

I wish I could talk more people into trying menstrual cups. They’ve made my periods considerably easier to manage and more comfortable, hands down! I do understand that the idea of using one can seem daunting, and that you probably have a lot of questions. Let’s try to answer some of those Qs then! 

It’s been three years since I switched to using a menstrual cup, and it has made getting my period so much more bearable. I no longer need to worry about my napkin leaking or paranoid about getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from my tampon. Using a cup is so much more comfortable than the other two options since there are no strings or thick paddings to deal with! And it does make me feel better knowing that menstrual cups are a more environment-friendly option for dealing with my monthly period.

Let’s face it: when asked what are the worst things about being a girl, dealing with our monthly period is one of the first things that come to mind. The blood, the cramps, and the PMS we endure for decades is no walk in the park. Thankfully, living in the 21st century gives us more options on how we manage our blood flow. We asked Yna (24), Calacatia (27), and Annette (34), as well as PV girls Gett (24) and Den (34), who have tried different methods to manage their periods to share their experiences.