Hey you! Did you know everyone has a completely unique menstrual experience? From cycle lengths to PMS to first period products, everyone is different! Did you know that by talking about our experiences openly, we’re able to learn more about each other and ourselves? Yup! In fact, we believe that talking about our bodies helps us have better relationships with them.
From a young age we are taught to feel shame for having a period, and that stigma has stuck with a lot of people throughout their lives. Period conversations are often dismissed for being too taboo, or outright inappropriate. As a result, people who menstruate can find it hard to practice self-love.
Bleed & Tell is a blog series where people are proudly sharing their period product stories – including how they ended up using nixit and why they love it! Keep reading to find out their #1 tip for new nixit users.
Before nixit, what was your go-to period product? Why did you start using said product?
Before nixit I was a tampon girlie. I hated the feeling of pads, and as a very active person, found that tampons worked better with my underwear of choice while playing sports or working out. I started using them when I was 12.
What sort of pain points did you experience with tampons and how did nixit solve the problem?
It took 16 years of using tampons (plus a couple where I was pregnant and postpartum) for my very regular 28 day cycle to realize a few things that I really didn't like - the amount of money I (or my parents) had spent on tampons since I got my first period, the amount of waste that I had accumulated by doing so, and how I was constantly paranoid about leaving a tampon in for too long and the possible Toxic Shock Syndrome that I'd heard horror stories about.
I was averaging 18 tampons per period. 20 tampons x 12 months is 240. 240 tampons x 16 years is 3,840.
And then, after having my first child I experienced a birth injury and a prolapsed bladder. This changed how tampons fit and periods started to feel more stressful because leaks were more common based on the fit just not being quite right.
Enter nixit. After my second baby I realized that I wanted to find a solution that was more eco-conscious, comfortable, and potentially even more cost-effective. I had heard some unhappy reviews about a suction cup and birth injuries and so was delighted to come across nixit. I ordered one immediately and got ready for my first postpartum period.
How many cycles did it take you to nail nixit? What's your #1 tip for others who might be having a tricky time?
Within a day I had nailed my nixit insertion and emptying. I had one small leak when I hadn't pushed it quite far enough behind my pubic bone (something that I may have to feel around for more than most because of my prolapse). I gave myself adequate time to use the bathroom to ensure that I wasn't bearing down too much when pulling it out because that can aggravate my prolapse symptoms too. I figured out how to gently hook a finger into the ridge of the cup and pull it out without needing to engage those muscles.
What do you love the most about nixit now? Why would you encourage others to try it?
I haven't used a tampon since getting my nixit disc. In fact, I've given all of my back-up boxes away. Having the travel wipes has been so handy because I always seem to have my period when we're on the road, and knowing that I can move my body (including heavy squats and jumping) without fear of leaking has brought more peace of mind than a tampon ever could. And I don't get period cramps anymore. I didn't think that was possible. I've been working hard to balance my hormones, but having the disc is absolutely a contributing factor! I would recommend this to anyone with a period - save money, waste, and stress every cycle.
nixit menstrual cup
$54.00
At nixit, we make menstrual cups simple. Our disc-style menstrual cup is made from ultra soft silicone with a unique, one size fits all shape. No confusing sizes, no awkward folds. A simple period cup design that conforms to you.… read more
