Using a Menstrual Cup
when disabled

We know that periods are personal, and changing your period care routine can seem daunting, especially if you have extra needs to consider.

In 2020 we conducted a small survey on ‘Periods and Disability’ which found that 2 in 5 people are dissatisfied with the period care products they currently use. Of those who aren’t happy with their period care products, 88% are using big-brand tampons and 42% are using big-brand pads.

There was an overwhelming and unanimous call for more information and personal stories about period products through the lens of disability, conditions and impairments. So we’re starting by offering a more in-depth insight into what it’s like to try a menstrual cup for the first time – a period care product that lasts up to 10 years, is plastic-free and toxic chemical-free.

Before we dive into Katie’s experience, let’s cover some of the basics…

Hi Katie, let’s start with an introduction to you.

Hello! I’m Katie-May, I’m 39, I have Muscular Dystrophy and use a wheelchair. My interests are my two beautiful dogs, learning to use Adobe Illustrator and creating digital art. I love to read personal development books and occasionally binge a box set on Netflix.

How would you describe your current experience of having a period?

My periods are difficult due to limited mobility – using a tampon is hard but keeping a pad in place is harder. I’m unable to get on the toilet and due to limited care resources I can only use the toilet 1-2 times a day, so I use a catheter instead.

I’m currently using a popular brand of tampon for heavy periods. I don’t really like using tampons because I feel like they harbour bacteria and I’m only able to change my tampon every 12 hours. The possibility of toxic shock is a big concern for me.

What made you decide to try a Lunette menstrual cup?

I decided to try the menstrual cup because it’s a healthier option for my body, it’s cleaner and safer. It can hold more than a tampon, which means I can use it for 12 hours with less chance of my clothes getting in a mess. It’s reusable, so it reduces waste and is better for the environment.

And a bonus is that I will save a lot of money not buying tampons every month!

How are you feeling about trialling the cup for 3 months?

The mobility in my hands is very limited, so I’m apprehensive about struggling with using the cup, however, I’m confident that I’ll adapt, and make it work. Overall, I’m excited to start using it and I’m hoping it will take away a lot of stress that comes with my periods.

Let’s throwback for a moment – what kind of education did you receive at school about periods? What do you think about the quality of that education?

I didn’t receive much in a way of education about periods in school. We were told how often we would have a period, that it would only be a teaspoon amount of blood and that we were to use pads. I wasn’t prepared at all for my period starting!

I hope that children are more educated on periods than I was and I hope that schools educate children about menstrual cups and other environmentally-friendly alternatives that are also healthier for our bodies.

Were you previously aware of the amount of plastic and chemicals used in big-brand tampons and pads?

I’m aware that pads contain a certain amount of plastic but I’ve never really used them because I find them messy and uncomfortable to wear. I’m shocked to learn that tampons are 6% plastic! I knew that tampons were wrapped in plastic and some have plastic applicators but not that the actual tampons contained plastic too!

Now you’ve had 3 months to give the Lunette cup a go, tell us a bit about how you found using it?

My experience with the menstrual cup has been positive. It takes a little time for me to get my hand positioned to use it and it can be a little slippery with the lube but I’m getting around it with my partner or carer supporting my hand. Once it’s in, it’s brilliant!

I’m amazed at how much it holds and I’ve had no leaks either. I don’t have the strength to remove the cup but my partner or carer helps with that by pulling my hand as I grip onto it, which is pretty much what we do with a tampon.

It’s been nice to know that support is available through Lunette’s customer service team if I need it.

What are the pros and cons of the menstrual cup for you?

The pros of using the menstrual cup are: less chance of toxic shock; it can be worn for up to 12 hours; I don’t know if it’s connected but I haven’t had severe cramps with the menstrual cup like I used to with tampons; once the cup is in I didn’t really feel it, whereas a tampon can feel uncomfortable after a while.

There wasn’t really any cons to using the cup apart from it can be a little tricky to insert and I needed help to do it but I often have the same problem with a tampon and this is due to my reduced mobility.

Did using the cup affected your daily activities at all?

If anything the cup has improved my daily activities. I no longer have leaking from tampons, so I don’t have to sit in wet clothes or bother family to come and change my wet clothes. 

We’re over the moon to hear that the cup has so drastically improved your period experience! Do you think you’ll continue to use it?

Yes for sure, there’s no going back for me now!

Would you recommend a menstrual cup to a friend or family member?

Yes I would recommend using a menstrual cup to family and friends, especially to my younger cousins. I want them to be safe and protected by their period products, as well as us all doing our part for the environment.

Thank you for being part of this project Katie, it’s been great talking to you!