EnvironMenstruals
Better Menstrual Products
About menstrual cups:

Menstrual cups are small cups made from silicon, latex rubber, or a soft plastic. They are worn inside the vagina to catch menstrual blood.
They sit between the cervix (where the blood leaves the uterus) and the vaginal opening, so the blood has to collect in the cup. Taking advantage of the strong muscles and soft, pliable walls of the vagina, they create a seal with the vagina walls. The muscles hold the cup securely in place, while the softer tissue enables a seal to form so blood doesn't leak past it.
When the cup is full, or at some time that is convenient to the wearer, she can remove the cup, empty it, clean it and replace it. There's no need to swap it for another.
Why are cups better? They are Healthier

They don't dry out the vagina like tampons do. Because they are non-absorbent they catch only the blood and fluid that comes from the opening of the cervix. The natural lubricating fluids of the vaginal walls are not affected. This can help reduce the chance of yeast and bacterial infections that are commonly linked with tampon use. However, it is important that the cup is cleaned properly and rinsed thoroughly to prevent introducing harsh chemicals into the sensitive environment of the vagina.

They do not cause TSS. Again, because they are not absorbent they don't provide the environment that TSS causing bacteria like to grow in. As long as your hands are clean when inserting and removing the cup, it is changed regularly, and cleaned properly, there should be minimal or no risk of infection of any kind.

Why are cups better? They are more convenient

It's internal, so you can go swimming, have a bath, or wear tight pants, and no one will know it's there.  

It can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Cups can be worn in anticipation of your period starting, even to bed!. They just need to be removed and washed carefully at least once every 12 hours.  So with a cup it doesn't matter if your periods (or your life) are clockwork regular or totally unpredictable.

They are very high capacity. All cups hold at least as much fluid as a Super Tampon, some will hold up to 3 times as much (because they don't also absorb extra fluid from the vaginal walls, they may last even longer).  They don't have to be changed every 4-6 hours like a tampon does, so depending on your flow, you may only have to change it morning and night, or maybe three times a day.

Cups are also less wasteful
How much money have you flushed away?
Disposable tampons and pads are expensive, and they're only useful once. While a cup may seem like a huge investment, without having to buy tampons and pads, you'll save that money in no time. Most women find that their cup 'pays for itself' in 6 months to a year.
Over her lifetime, the average Western woman will use about 10,000 disposable pads and tampons, while a single cup may last as long as 10 or 15 years (with the right care). This is a tiny proportion of the cost and waste over a lifetime.
And what about ethics?
Cups aren't tested on Animals.Most tampon and pad manufacturers are large conglomerate companies who test their products on animals. Even if you boycott their cosmetics, buying their menstrual products still supports these companies and their testing. No menstrual cup companies test their products on animals.*
            
Cups in the community. Not only are cups nicer for animals, but they are good for people too. Many cup manufacturers are involved in development programme that help women in developing countries. Through donating cups, providing paid work, or healthcare services, menstrual cups help women all over the world, and closer to home. In fact, after the 22 February earthquake in Christchurch, because of the generosity of 3 cup manufacturers (Femmecup, Yuuki, and MeLuna), I was able to give over 100 cups away to women who had lost their homes or services.

* Because cups are made from medical grade materials, there is a small amount of animal testing associated with their production. In order to be approved for use in medical devices, the material has to have been tested on animals at some stage. However, once it is approved, other companies may make it to the approved specifications without further testing. The materials in question all gained approval many years ago, so no longer requires testing.
Quick Contact
Anna-Maria's Cell:
021-211-6124
Email:
info[at]environmenstruals.co.nz
About this website
EnvironMenstruals' purpose is to provide women (and anyone else who might need them) with a new way of managing their periods.

Through a range of sustainable, healthy, and fun products, I aim to assist these women in empowering themselves, and to (re)discover their enjoyment of their bodies.

If there is any product that you would likeme to stock, but that I don't currently have, please let me know and I'll see what I can do.
Featured Web Links

Cup FAQ
How to choose a cups
How to use a cup
Dealing with a low cervix
Awesome How-to and Review videos