The Dame Self-Sanitising Period Cup

Dame Period Cup offers 12 hours of protection, with quick cleaning and easy care, even away from home. It flexes with your body so is comfortable wear, and forms a secure seal.

It’s sold in two sizes, depending on age and childbirth history, and holds around three times more liquid than a tampon. The box includes the cup, plus a digital guide and a cotton storage bag.

This cup is self-sanitising so there is no need to boil between uses. Just rinse and wash with mild soap, dry and then store in the cotton bag.

To use, just wash your hand and relax your pelvic floor, the wet the cup with water.  Press the sides together then fold in half (or one corner down) and insert while squatting. If placed well, you should not be able to feel it. Wash your hands before removing, and pinch the base to break the seal (do not pull from the stem alone).

Tips for Zero Waste Feminine Care Products

Just bin disposables, never flush down the loo

Do not use menstrual cups (or tampons) for at least 6 weeks after pregnancy or if at risk from toxic shock syndrome. These are made from medical grade silicone, and absorb menstrual fluid, one purchase should last years, they are easy to rinse and clean.

If using washable pads or period pants, launder in a microfibre filter (due to synthetic waterproof lining). Do not use fabric conditioner or bleach (reduces absorbency) nor tumble driers. For stains, use oxygen bleach.

One of the best remedies for period paid is simply a hot water bottle on your (clothed) tummy for 30 minutes, to relieve  muscle spasms.

Plastic-Free Tampons and Pads

If you prefer disposables, choose organic cotton tampons (no chlorine or rayon, so less chance of toxic shock syndrome – the main risk being not changing items frequently enough) or towels/liners (which can also be used for light incontinence). These are also sold in plastic-free packaging, without dyes or scents.

A Reusable Tampon Applicator

DAME reusable tampon applicator  includes a cotton storage pouch and bathroom storage tin, and you can buy a starter kit that include organic cotton tampons. Just remove the lid, load a tampon, insert the plunger and push through the petals. Then rinse under running water, it works out cheaper than applicator tampons.

The company can also offer tampons for public bathrooms (for business, councils, schools etc) and gives back to period poverty charities.