Lunette Menstrual Cup Review

Hi, Cycle-Breakers!

I have the wonderful privilege of writing a review for the Lunette Menstrual Cup. This rocking product is comparable to the Diva Cup. (Added: Legally I must disclose that I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.)

Check out everything you need to know on their website!
It's super helpful because they even have tabs about your anatomy, safety, all about their product, and more.

Okay, so let me tell you about my experience by first saying I am quite pleased. I got the cup for light menstruation, and I have a pretty heavy flow at times, so I was worried about leaks. Once I got to know my flow and how long I could leave it in, I experienced no leaks. Like a tampon, once it is inserted correctly, you can't even feel it. It saves money in the long run because this is about $40, but you can use it for years with proper care. That definitely beats buying a new box of pads and tampons every month. And bonus? It's so much better for the environment that pads and tampons because it significantly cuts back on waste. The only thing I dislike is that it can be uncomfortable (not painful, just uncomfortable) to put it and take out. All the pros outweigh this one con, personally.

I have two videos for you. One is Lunette Menstrual Cup Care, and the second is How to Use the Lunette Menstrual Cup.

 Click here to see my tutorial on proper care for the Lunette Cup.

Click here to see my video on how to use the Lunette Cup.

Thanks so much to Lunette for making such a great product! Thanks to you beautiful readers for reading and watching! You are so great. Leave comments with any questions you may have.

Follow my Period Fairy board on Pinterest here.
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Like me on Facebook here.

This is me saying, "Ooh!", not making a duck face.

I was skeptical that I would prefer this over tampons, but I do!

YouTube Videos about Periods

Here are a few videos for you that I found on YouTube! Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite.

(Reminder: Submissions for Period Fairy Mascot Contest close 11:59 PM October 31.)

Black Guys When their Girl is on Her Period

Girls on their Periods 

Shit Girls Say on their Periods
(I thought I was the only one who ever wants to shave my head...)

If Men had Periods--Vine

If Guys had Periods this is How it would be

What if Men had Periods

Demo Diaries: A Period Week

Dancing in fields of flowers. Cartwheels in white yoga pants. A run on the beach.

All things I didn't do while I was on my period this week.

I talk a lot about UbyKotex because it's my favorite brand and I love the movement they're a part of. Well, I thought I'd give you a little more insight to why I love them by giving you a "Day in the Life" video! Here's how it actually goes...

 Click here for the Youtube video. 

And then have a look at these other demo diaries!

Hey, I'd love to see your demo diaries! Want yours featured on Period Fairy? Email me a link to your video at jessie(dot)mullins5(at)gmail(dot)com.

(Are you an artist? The deadline to this contest is fast approaching! )

Cheers.

Periods Q&A

Here's a bit of happy news: Period Fairy has over 10k views! Yay! I'm so happy about this because it means more people are breaking the cycle, asking questions, reading about other people's experiences and getting in the know! Go you guys and gals! And seriously, thank you.

Today? Q&A! DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional in the field of health care.
Let's get started, yeah?

 

Tampons

Q: Hi... It's my first time using tampons... I can't figure out of I'm doing it right or not... I try to push it in.. But it hurts to much.... What should I do?
A:  I would ask first, in what position are you trying to insert the tampon? It is best to do it on the toilet or while standing with one leg up, say with your foot propped on the toilet seat. Relax as best you can, and insert the tampon gently (If your hymen is still intact, don't be afraid to add a little more pressure--you'll still be a virgin, I promise.) at a forty five degree angle. Your fingers should be on the grip part of the applicator. Push in until your fingers touch your skin. If the tampon is all the way in, you should not be able to feel it. Make sure the string dangles out. Again, the more relaxed you are, the less discomfort or pain you will feel. Try doing some relaxing breathing exercises first.

Q:  I was 11 when I started my period and tried tampons at 12. I felt really sick and passed out, so now I don't use them. I want to use them to make it easier for me when I play sports but I don't feel confident enough. Any tips? My mum said I could try wearing one when I'm not on my period to get used to it, but idk if that will work. 
A:  I would not recommend trying a tampon while you're not on your period for one reason: When you pull the tampon out later, it may cause vaginal discomfort and extra dryness.
Here's my question to you: Are there certain days of your period when you feel most woozy or sick to your stomach? Avoid testing tampons on those days. Wait until a day on your period when you feel your best. The most important thing you can do is relax. Give yourself a good chunk of time in the bathroom to completely relax your body and mind and then give it a try. Remember to push in at an angle towards your lower back and push it in until your fingertips touch your body.

Q: Hi! I am 12 and started my first period 4 days ago! I am very scared of tampons, and I cannot buy any lite ones from Tesco- can I just use regular- or will it hurt too bad?
A: Regular ones won't hurt you as long as you have a steady flow of blood. My advice would be to avoid using them if you're only spotting. Remember to relax and follow the instructions when you put it in to avoid discomfort.

Pro sources:
Painful Insertion
Video: How to Insert Tampon 
Not a good idea to use a tampon while not on your period.  


Social Situations

 Q:  I need a little advice. So I've read everything and I think the most reasonable place to keep tampons at school is your locker. But the thing is, at my school we all go into each others lockers to write on each others marker boards and use the mirrors and stuff so it would be hard to discreetly hide one there. Another problem is that my locker is right in front of the classroom (like you can see it clearly from inside the classroom) so if I ask to go to the bathroom everyone would see me go to my locker (they're creepy like that) and someone would definitely say something. I know you say to not be embarrassed about it, but I cant help it I'm just kinda shy.
A: I understand why you may feel shy about it! It's still a bit of a taboo, and other people can make it awkward. If you do want to be discreet about it, you could reach into your locker and take the tampon up into your sleeve while your sleeve is still in the locker. Then you could take out a tin of mints or a pack of gum, making sure that is done in plain view. People will think you stopped there for that reason. Or how about a purse or deep pockets?

Pro source: 
Using period products at school.  

Diva Cup (Answers provided by Heavan, guest author of the Diva Cup review)

Q: If you have to change your Diva Cup in a public bathroom, how do you go about rinsing it out before you reinsert the cup? 
A: When it comes to a public bathroom, I always take a paper towel that's wet with me into the bathroom so that once I dump it, I can wipe it out.

Q: What if your flow is heavy? How do you protect yourself while you rinse out the cup?
A: Diva Cup is made for heavy flows! There's no need to worry about it falling out or leaking. However, if you're worried, you can always wear a liner, and to clean yourself up, UbyKotex makes these amazing wet naps for your vagina! They have saved me so many times!

Pro sources:
The Diva Cup Q&A 

That's it for today, you crazy cats! Bring on more questions! Don't be shy. Ask me in the comments, on Facebook, Tweet me @Je55ieMullin5 or email me at jessie(dot)mullins5(at)gmail(dot)com. 

Reminder: Submission for the Period Fairy Mascot Contest ends 11:59 pm October 31, 2013! Click here for countdown, contest rules, and more details.

  
   

Blood Falls

Blood Falls in Antarctica. Remind you of anything?

That glacier isn't actually bleeding, of course. If you want to read about what's really going on here, check out this article! It's a pretty cool story. (SPOILER: It's aliens. No really, read it.)

In the next Period Fairy post, I will publicly answer questions I have received about periods and vaginal health! I respect anonymity, so I will NOT name names. Get in any more questions to me via email, Facebook, or Twitter. See the end of this post for contact info.

Note: It's been just over a week since the submission window opened for the Period Fairy Mascot Contest! Remember the submission window closes at 11:55 PM October 31st! If you missed the post about the contest, look here.

 Submit your period and vaginal health or advice questions at:
jessie(dot)mullins5(at)gmail(dot)com
My author Facebook page
Or Twitter @Je55ieMullin5

Cyber Hugs,
Jessie

Contest: Period Fairy Mascot

Calling all artists! Period Fairy needs a mascot! I'm no artist, so I want to open this to the people--to the daring cycle-breakers. You!

You submit the art. You vote for your favorites. 

Calender:
Submissions start August 20, 2013
Submissions close on October 31, 2013 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Voting begins November 5
Voting ends December 5 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Winner announced December 7

Time left until submission deadline!


Submission rules:
You must be 18 years of age or older at the date of submission.
You must sign an online document stating that Period Fairy and Jessie Mullins have the right to post your artwork on this blog and other social media sites associated with this blog.
If you choose photography as your art form and you use a person as your model, this person must be at least 18 years of age and must sign the same documents allowing Period Fairy and Jessie Mullins to use the artwork on this blog and other social media platforms associated with this blog. 
Your artwork must be your original work.
Your artwork must not be published anywhere else in print or online.
You may choose whether you want your name and/or website listed below your art during the voting period. Indicate your preferences at the time of submission.
Rules are subject to change.   

What I'm looking for:
I reserve the right to refuse any artwork that is inappropriate or offensive in any way. If I reject your artwork, you may submit something else that is more appropriate.
You may use whatever form of art you wish as long as it can be uploaded and used on the internet.
Use your imagination. The theme is "Period Fairy".

How to submit:
Submit your artwork by emailing it to me at jessie(dot)mullins5(at)gmail(dot)com
Along with your artwork, please provide any information you wish to have posted with your work during the submission period i.e. your name and/or website. 
Your submission will not be complete until you sign the documents I will send you. See submission rules above.
You may retract your submission at any point during the submission period.

How to vote:
During the voting period, the submissions will be featured on this blog with a corresponding number. There will be three voting methods. You may vote using all three for a triple vote on your favorites (including yours), but you may only vote once on each social media channel. (A) Comment on the blog post saying, "I vote for number(s)..." For your vote to count, you must follow the blog. (B) "Like" my author page on Facebook and write on the wall saying, "Period Fairy vote number(s)..." (C) Follow me on Twitter @Je55ieMullin5 and tweet me, "Period Fairy vote number(s)..."
For votes to count, you must "Like" or "Follow". 

Winner:
The artist to receive the most legitimate votes (see voting above) will be crowned as the winner. The winner will have their Period Fairy Mascot artwork featured on Period Fairy as the mascot! I will advertise this artwork and any artwork page you may have on this blog, my author Facebook page, and my Twitter. The winner will also receive, via email, a $20 gift card to a store or restaurant of their choice as long as the gift card can be purchased online.

Do you have any questions? Ask away! Comment below or send me an email at jessie(dot)mullins5(at)gmail(dot)com

The window for submissions is open now! Spread the word. Bon chance my wonderful artists!

Subscribe to the email list below to get future blog posts including updates and reminders about this contest's deadlines. You can unsubscribe at any time.

_______________________________________________________________

Added note:Due to an underwhelming response, the contest has been delayed until further notice.








 
 

The Red Badge of Courage

Have you seen The Camp Gyno? Yes --> Isn't it hilarious and super cute?
                                                       No--> Have you been in a coma?

Either way, here's the video. (Shout to out Allison for showing me this!)

If the video doesn't play, here's the link.

I'm dying to know what your favorite line is. Were you ever "The Camp Gyno"? Did or do you know someone who is? Comment below!

PS, Check out this post about my Period Blues Playlist.

PPS, If you're an artist or know an artist, stay tuned for a contest coming soon to a Period Fairy near you (it's this one)!    

UbyKotex Period Blues Playlist

Hey there!

I was challenged by UbyKotex to break the cycle by making a Period Blues playlist. What fun. What mad, splendid fun!

First, let's define Period Blues. Here's the urban dictionary definition:

NOTE: Urban Dictionary does not YET have a definition for Period Blues. So, I typed in the synonym, and that is just Period. Because, I mean, if you're on your period, chances are you're blue. (Unless you're a masochist or possibly happy you're not pregnant.)

Here is their definition for Period:

1. A period of pure agony for a female, lasting way too long. Signs of this state include screaming at anything that moves, rolling around on the couch in pain, and spending hours with cold water and stain remover. 

So, what music helps me get through this?
Check out my UbyKotex Period Blues playlist here! Comment below to let me know any or all of the following:

1) How would you define Period Blues?
2) Which song on my playlist is your favorite?
3) Which song do you think I should add?

Cheers. 

BloodFest 2013: A Guest Blog Review about the Diva Cup

I'm so thrilled to announce that posts will be as frequent as Aunt Flow again since I now have a reliable computer. Yay!
So, what's new? I have an Author Faebook page and Twitter. Please "Like" and Follow me @Je55ieMullin5  Aw, thanks. You guys are the best. Now down to business.

You may remember guest blogger, Heavan (blog author of Classy Girls, a super cool blog about, well, keeping it classy). Remember her from this post where she encouraged you to name your uterus, and this other post about her first period? If you haven't read these because you were just born or just learned how to read or are simply new to Period Fairy, have a look!

You're in for a treat because--you guessed it!--she's written another one for us. (Thank you, Heavan!) Enjoy. 

Hello Fellow Period Fairy Readers!

I trust you all are doing well.  I am so honored to be writing for the period fairy again, and want to thank my GORGEOUS best friend for asking me to do so.  This month I wanted to share something with you all.

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a very long, very heavy cycle.  Complete with going through an entire box of pads (no worries ladies, I've talked to my doctor about this.  I'm just a little anemic, I promise. :D) I hated the beginning and the end of my cycle.  Beginning because of all the cramps, end because no matter WHAT brand I bought, I always had diaper rash. (Hold the comments until the end. :D)  It was the WORST!  I can't even begin to tell you the embarrassing moments I've had with this situation, but finally after a long week of bleeding, and diaper rash that was starting to get into the diaper sore stage (sorry, i know. gross.) I went to my doctor and said "WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH ME?!"

This prompted some talking with my mother.  Thankfully, she went with me to the doctor, and she asked her a bunch of questions. Does Heavan have sensitive skin? Did she have a lot of diaper rash? Are there soaps or colors she can't wear?  All of which my mom said YES.  Which prompted another realization by the doctor: I was allergic to pads.  When asked why I don't wear tampons, I had to explain to this lady that I cannot wear them because my cycle is so heavy.  She said she would "get back" to me, and I left the office with a very puzzled look on my face and a tube of desitin.  Flash forward to the next month, my cycle fast approaching, when I call the doctor back and basically say "look, my impending doom is right around the corner.  can we figure something out about my itchy rump before it happens again?" To which she replied "come in, I have great news for you!"

I. WAS. PUMPED.  Maybe they made special pads for girls who are allergic to them.  Maybe she was going to give me a non-hormonal birth control pill that would take control of my cycles and then I could use tampons instead. (I can't take BC because of a disorder I have) Nope.  She suggested a little plastic thingamajig called a diva cup.  I said "what the crap is a diva cup?"  Well, I have taken the liberty to include the website right here:

www.divacup.com

The diva cup is a plastic cup that is used to...well, catch menstruation. Yes, you read that right.  It's a cup (made of silicone so you can rinse and reuse) that is placed inside the vagina and is to be changed every 8-10 hours depending on your cycle.  You simply stick a finger in your lady bits, hook onto the cup, pull it out, dump it in the toilet, and then rinse and reuse.

I was absolutely MORTIFIED by this whole concept.  I said "you want me to what now?"  She laughed and explained the entire process to me one more time.  I took the pamphlet home, got on the website and made the decision to get one. (Shout out to my AMAZING fiance who decided to purchase it for me, even though he was completely repulsed by this whole process)  So I sat patiently waiting for the fairy, and one night, she finally came.  I put the cup inside, and let it work its magic.

In the morning, I woke up, and there was NO blood anywhere.  I was so happy, it felt like I wasn't even wearing anything and while I was cramping like a banshee, I didn't even know I was on my period.  But then, I had to change it, and I got nervous.  My first thought was "aw, I'll wait."  But then I remembered hearing that I shouldn't wait more than 10 hours, because it could overflow. (Note: TSS is NOT possible with this product)  And I went to the bathroom, stuck my finger in my lady bits, closed my eyes, hooked my finger on the cup, and pulled.  That's when a traumatic event I like to call Bloodfest 2013 happened.

THERE WAS BLOOD EVERYWHERE!  I wasn't looking or paying attention to how hard I was pulling, and flung the dang thing across my bathroom floor.  It was the most repulsive, disgusting thing I have ever experienced.  Not to mention, explaining to my little brother why he couldn't go in the bathroom even though I was done using it.  Or telling my mom we had to get new rugs because I soiled the ones she had.  Embarrassing, to say the least.  But after all was said and done...I rinsed, I repeated, I cleaned up.

So hey, how do I feel about the diva cup?  I FREAKING LOVE IT.  It is the best thing I have ever experienced with the period part of my body, and I will DEFINITELY be using it again.  Once I got past all the blood and the gory accident I had, it was wonderful.

So, try it.  You might like it. :)  No leaks, no paying for tampons/pads, etc, and it's just...amazing.  Props to the makers of the diva cup!

I love you girls.  Really, writing for this blog is ALMOST as fun as writing for my other blog.  Almost.  (Though I do love my Bestie Jess. :D)

Here's a diagram! How fun are diagrams? SO. MUCH. FUN.

 Have you tried The Diva Cup? Did you like it? Do you have any questions for Heavan? Comment below! 

 

U by Kotex: You Had Me at Hello

As you know, I adore U by Kotex. Madly. The very reason I love them today is the reason I was drawn to them in the beginning. THOSE COMMERCIALS. Am  I right? What IS it with the white clothes in the field of lilies? Gag. No thanks. Periods are horrendous! The uterus becomes our nemesis. And U by Kotex isn't afraid to say so. Plus, I'm not going to lie...I do love the little black box! It's the new LBD. Go Team U by Kotex! I love being a part of this. So, why do you love your favorite brand?

 

"...Like a flower!"

Yes. Exactly. 

Juliet

I have the pleasure of introducing the lovely readers of Period Fairy to my beautiful niece, Juliet! Juliet is almost three years old, loves Diego, and knows nothing about periods. Duh, she's three. Let it slide, guys. Thing is, she will know about periods one day. She'll learn wherever she looks, whether that is her parents, friends, favorite magazines and TV shows, school, or even her favorite aunt. My hope for Juliet and all future generations is that she will not only absorb what is taught on the subjects of periods and vaginal health, but that she will ask questions! That she will talk with her friends about it. This is why I'm with U by Kotex and Generation Know, breaking the cycle of awkward whispers and smuggled products into public restrooms. Let's be open about this now so that when Juliet hits The Age, it's not a weird shame thing. Periods are normal. For Juliet, let's start the change now.

Short but Helpful Period Advice

Period hint no. 113:

Don't try to break in a new pair of jeans while on your period. You'll just end up feeling fat because you're bloated, and then you'll cry.

Get in the Know: Sharks Don't Care

Look, I tried for, like, an hour to make a video of me showing of my Generation Know bracelet! But...my internet is being slow, so the video was a no go. Here, instead, you have this fantastically blurry picture. The little charm on the bracelet says, "I know" in case you don't know how to read blur.

"I know" what? How much my internet connection doesn't care if I'm long overdue on making a post? Yes, but other things, too. Much cooler things, like...

I know...

You're not more likely to get mauled by a bear while on your period! Good news, especially for those of us who often kind ourselves in the company of bears.

You can't lose your virginity just by using a tampon. 

Guys can't tell when you're on your period! Unless you, say, cry over a plate of spaghetti and ask them if you look bloated and ugly today because it's, you know, that time of the month, and you feel really bloated and ugly.

You will not get attacked by a shark while on your period because sharks have better things to do. What that might be, I'm not entirely sure...

No one has ever gotten an STD/STI from a toilet seat.

You can totally get pregnant on your period!

Coffee can actually make your cramps worse during your period. Sad face. Not for me because I drink tea, but maybe sad face for you. 

Bananas will make you feel better while you're moping along during your period!

Spinach doesn't shorten your period. (I've never even heard that it could...) In fact, no food does. 

You can have sex on your period if you're into it. 

How do I know this stuff? Oh, no big deal, really, but maybe you've heard of Generation Know! You should have at least heard of it because I mentioned it at the start of this post, duh. Generation Know is...well, here. This video will explain it! 

You really should go check out their site! I mean it. Don't even finish reading this. Go! Go on, get. (I'm trying to White Fang you because it's in your best interest to check it out, and that's what true love is.) Plus, you can get a (free!) bracelet just like the one I have, minus the blur.  

One of my favorite features on the site is called Dear Little Sister. You might be able to guess what it is by the name, but on this part of their super fantastic site, you can write little notes to your "little sister" i.e. all the girls who haven't started their periods yet and might not know what to expect. This is especially cool because every time a note is written, UbyKotex donates $1 to Girls for a Change, a non profit that empowers girls to reach their full potential. How can you not want to write a note now? It's so easy! Dear Little Sister:

I got my period when I was twelve. I didn't talk to any of my friends about, which made it Weird. It's only awkward if you make it awkward. Talk about it!

Periods suck, but you will live.

Sometimes it feels like my uterus is trying to fall out of my Vagina.

Please don't cringe at the word "vagina". It's not a dirty, so don't treat it as such. 

Stuff like that. 

I encourage you all to be more open with one another about your periods and vaginas...vaginae? Is the plural of vagina really vaginae?? That's what my spell check tells me...Anyway.  Ask questions! Get in the know. Knowledge is power. 

Thank you for reading! And if you're still here, maybe I can White Fang you with this gem. (I tried to get the actual part where Schmidt White Fangs Cece, but this is all YouTube had. Someone get on that.) 

  #iknow