• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
GO TO EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Hong Kong HomepageExpat Living Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Hong Kong.

Menu
  • Living In Hong Kong
      • Living Here
      • Where To Live
      • Schools
      • For Guys
        • online shopping websites21 fashion websites shipping to HK
        • Expat Living Readers' Choice Awards 2021 - WinnersREADERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2021 WINNERS
        • What it’s like living in Hung Hom
        • Luxury homes for lease in Hong Kong
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things To Do
      • What’s On/Calendar
      • Competitions & Offers
        • What to watch – or listen to…
        • 9 family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong
        • Great podcasts we are listening to!
        • Key Chinese events and festivals in Hong Kong - Chinese New YearTraditional Festivals & Events in HK
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Activities & Things To Do
      • Education & Enrichment
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mums & Babies
      • Podcasts
      • Kids Offers
        • jobs of the futurePreparing children for the jobs of the future
        • Language courses for all the family
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
        • Does your child need a little extra help?
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Décor
      • Readers Homes
        • Heveya mattress - eco-friendly bedroom furniture, sustainable productsGoing “green” in the bedroom
        • Luxury homes for lease in Hong Kong
        • Beautiful ginger jar lamps for your home
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Short Breaks
      • Further Afield
      • Travel News & Offers
        • Beach escapes - Gili Lankanfushi – MaldivesPlan ahead: 8 great beach escapes
        • Top skiing destinations - Whistler, CanadaStunning ski stays in Europe and beyond
        • Mongolia - kidsA family adventure in Mongolia
        • Where to stay and what to do in Thailand - MerdekaQuick getaways: Where to go in Thailand
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Recipes & Groceries
      • Bars & Restaurants
        • Carrot and lentil soup recipeRecipe: Carrot and Lentil Soup
        • Vegetarian recipe: Vietnamese rice roll with quorn mince and bolognese sauce5 meat-free meal ideas to try
        • Chocolate Tiffin - RecipeNo-bake Chocolate Tiffin Recipe
        • Fiamma Italian restaurant - tortelliniTaste Test: Peak Italian Cuisine at Fiamma
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • online shopping websites21 fashion websites shipping to HK
        • Buying diamonds - The Diamond Registry can offer competitive pricing as a major international diamond distributor.Looking for a good deal on diamonds?
        • Where to go for pampering
        • Paraben-free skincare for men!
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Medical & Dental
      • Fitness
      • Wellness
        • Gyms in Hong Kong - best places for keeping fit8 great places to go to keep in shape
        • Home workout5 workout moves you can do at home
        • Central & Stanley Wellness - functional medicine treatmentFunctional medicine and how it helps
        • KAMA CBD OilWhat is CBD and can it help your health?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
      • Magazine
      • Advertise With Us
        • December – February 2021
        • DEC-FEB 2020 – $36 (USUAL PRICE $48)
        • City Guide 2020-2021
        • City Guide 2020-2021 – $28
      • View all
    Close
Home » Health & Fitness » Have you considered a menstrual cup?

Have you considered a menstrual cup?

17 April, 2020 by Expat Living 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.hk/menstrual-cups-environmentally-friendly-alternative-to-tampons/

Menstrual cup. There, I said it. I don’t know why those two little words make me blush, but they do. I don’t turn red when I talk about tampons or pads, but perhaps I should. Red with anger. Tampons and pads are really terrible for the planet. Truly.

While you may think that tampon you’re using is recyclable, it’s probably not; not really. Just look in a trash dump (or even a beach) and you’ll see them everywhere. Yes, a portion may be recyclable, but tampons have all sorts of bad stuff in them such as the chemical dioxin (a known carcinogen) that keeps them from being broken down. And, by the way, all those chemicals also aren’t too good for your own body. I mean, putting something full of chemicals in your most delicate place just doesn’t seem like a good idea.

Menstrual Cups folded

Now let’s think about the numbers, which are, quite frankly, astonishing. Just say a woman uses 20 tampons per period. That’s 240 a year. On average, she’ll get a monthly visit from Aunt Flo for 40 years. That’s 9,600 tampons in a lifetime. Gulp.

According to the book Flow, the Cultural History of Menstruation, the total amount of pads and tampons ends up being approximately 120kg of trash during a woman’s lifetime. Overall? That’s about 0.5 percent of a woman’s overall trash load during her menstruating years.

Wow. Multiply that by the number of women on the planet (about 3.5 billion) and you start to see the problem.

Of course, many women don’t have access to tampons – or any sort of feminine protection. It’s just not available in poorer countries. Or, if it is, there are women who can’t afford to dole out hard-earned cash for a box of tampons. That’s good for the planet maybe, but not so good for the woman dealing with the consequences of no feminine protection.

An alternative option

So, what’s a gal to do? How can you help save the planet one period at a time? How can these women without access be helped?

The menstrual cup is the answer. This small cup of flexible rubber or silicone is inserted just before your period begins and catches the blood rather than absorbs it. You put it in like a tampon without an applicator and it springs open and forms a seal. Every 12 hours, you need to remove it by pulling the little stem at the bottom. Simply empty it, wash it with soap and water and reinsert.

Menstrual Cups in a row

At the end of your period, sterilise it in boiling water and the process starts all over next month. At around $50 or more, they aren’t cheap, but here’s the deal: they last for years. So when you compare it to spending at least $6 for a box of tampons every month, menstrual cups aren’t only good for the planet, but they’re also good for your pocketbook. And the cool thing is, if they’re inserted properly, they won’t leak, so no embarrassing accidents. You can exercise and swim. There’s no smell. No stopping up a toilet. No toxic shock syndrome. No bad chemicals deep inside your privates. No more packing a bulky box of tampons or pads for a trip. You can even buy special ones so you don’t have messy sex. The list of pros is long.

Tampons-and-Menstrual-Cups
Tampons-and-Menstrual-Cups
Tampons-and-Menstrual-Cups

Some key questions

With all the reasons to use a menstrual cup, why haven’t they caught on? After all, they’ve been around since the 1930s. Well, frankly, it takes a while to get the hang of using one and it’s usually a few cycles before you feel comfortable. Plus, they’re a bit icky. Washing them out in a public toilet is a little odd, right? Still, women who use them, swear by them.

The key is to find the right size. Yup, just like women come in different shapes and sizes, so do menstrual cups and it may take you a while to find the right fit. But don’t fret. You’ll figure it out. Some brands sell only two sizes whereas other brands have an array of sizes and tell you how to measure. Also, going through childbirth may change the size you need.

When can a young girl start using a menstrual cup? Like tampons, she can use them as soon as she feels ready to try.

Which one is right for you? That’s a very personal decision. Do your research, but note that some companies also donate a menstrual cup to women in need for every cup bought.

So, brave up! Give this little life changing cup a try. Avoid chemicals. Save money and save the planet while you’re at it. Finally, a way to feel good about your monthly flow.

Like this? See more in our Health & Fitness section:

Heart health tips for expats
The growing MMA scene in Hong Kong
Is your family eating too much sugar?

Subscribe to Expat Living now so you never miss an issue!

Categories: Health & Fitness Wellness Tags: Menstrual cups

You May Also Like

Gyms in Hong Kong - best places for keeping fit

8 great places to go to keep in shape

Central & Stanley Wellness - functional medicine treatment

Functional medicine and how it helps

ATP - weight loss - fitness training

Body makeover: an inspiring journey

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Kellett School

Best International Schools In Hong Kong, Preschool to Secondary

Furniture in Hong Kong: Guide To The Best Furniture Stores

sightseeing in Hong Kong

Top 30 Hong Kong Attractions & Best Places To Visit

Where to live in Hong Kong

Guide to Living in Hong Kong and where to live

Landing pads: places to stay in Hong Kong

Brunch in Hong Kong

Best Sunday Brunch Places in Hong Kong

What's On

Puccini's Turandot Opera

The MET’S “Nightly Met Opera Streams”

Students at Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy – Applications Open for 2021/22

CDNIS - Admissions

CDNIS Admissions Timetable: Apply Now for January and August 2021

Events & Weekend Activities - The Grounds is the city's first responsible entertainment destination

The Grounds: HK’s first ‘COVID-19 responsible’ entertainment destination

Elsa in scene from Frozen

FWD Presents: The Frozen Exhibition Hong Kong

You Rise art exhibition by JM Robert

“You Rise” Solo Exhibition by JM Robert

Expat Living Hong Kong 🇭🇰

expatlivinghk

Open
🎉 We're so pleased to announce the winners of our Readers' Choice Awards! Congrats to all the companies who were voted among the best in Hong Kong, and to the voters who won the amazing prizes. See the full results online now at 👉 expatliving.hk/readerschoice

.
#expatlivinghk #hkbusiness #hongkongbusiness #elhkreaderschoice #hkexpats
Open
Pieces for your dining room mood board!🪑We are feeling these tones 🤎
Open
Thanks Julianna for this delicious 
Easy Blueberry Oreo Cheesecake to start the weekend!
Serves 4, or 2 if you're hungry😉

Preparation time: 15 mins Ingredients:
• 6 digestive biscuits
• 50g butter 
• 250g cream cheese (1 brick) 
• 6 Oreo biscuits
• 125g blueberries (1 box)
• 100g milk or whipped cream 
• 5 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:
For crust:
1. Crush digestive biscuits in a big bowl and add melted butter.
2. Press together at the base of the cake mould.
3. Set aside to cool.

For filling: 
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk or whipped cream on medium speed in a bowl until it is smooth and creamy. 
2. Add crushed Oreos and beat until they mix evenly. 
3. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
4. Freeze for two hours and top with blueberries!🫐
Open
If you’re looking for a place to live in Hong Kong - particularly if you’re moving here and want an easy landing pad - a serviced apartment can be a godsend! @hongkongparkview is like a mini town with everything you need from a Clubhouse with full facilities to a toy shop, clothes and food shop! 🏞🛍
Open
Read our Winter issue on any device for free 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/ig.
Inside: Two inspiring home reno stories, great dining room furniture ideas, insider's guide to Hung Hom Bay and plenty of other great reads, including easy dessert recipes!
Open
How cool is this - Hong Kong-based @ovolohotels is the first hotel group to go entirely vegetarian across its restaurants, bars and food services for a year! 🌱This move is the latest in the group’s series of eco-friendly initiatives, and doesn’t this look delicious!👏🏻
Open
If we’ve learnt anything this last year it’s how much a magical view can do for your mind🌿These are just some of the properties showcased by @knightfrank 🙌🏼 Head to knightfrank.com.hk to see what’s currently available! 🏞
Open
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year from the team at @expatlivinghk ❤️

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
There’s been a buzz lately around CBD (Cannabidiol, derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant) and its purported health benefits. 
Did you know it’s available in Hong Kong? 🌿

@kamacbdhk is a new HK-based company offering CBD products that can help a number of ailments, check out our article and their page for more information!🌺
Open
🎄 Merry Christmas everyone! It's been an extraordinary year and we're so grateful for your support. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season 🌟🥂
Open
This 1950s colonial-style walk up in Kowloon Tong has been styled so well by tenant Jerome, it is fascinating to hear about the place and it’s history! For the full story and Jerome’s recommendations see our DEC-FEB issue✨📖
Open
Whether you’ve hiked up Old Peak Road or taken the tram, make sure you’re hungry, as you’ll want to consume most of the menu from @fiammahk 🍴🍅
Open
5 steps for a stylish Christmas, courtesy of Hong Kong-based home furnishing retailer @indigo_living 🎄
 
#1 Decide on a Theme:
Every momentous Christmas feast begins with a stunning table-scape. Whether you’re going for the classic red and green pairing or a contemporary setting, pick a theme that you can go all out with! 
 
#2 Organise Your Linen:
Generally speaking, a crisp white linen table-runner will do. But if you’re looking to up the ante this year, go for one with subtle prints on it. 
 
#3 Choose a Centrepiece:
 A beautiful Christmas centrepiece is the fastest way to add cheer to your party. It’s also a great excuse to show off your creative flair to friends and family. 
 
#4 Invest in a Good Set of Tableware:
When it comes to tableware, most people play it safe with crystal glasses and porcelain plates. Why not take it up a notch by throwing a set of gold cutlery into the mix? It’s an instant pop of luxury that exudes warmth to traditional red and green themes. 🍴
 
#5 End with a Bang:
What’s a Christmas dinner without some good old-fashioned crackers? Sure to put a smile on anyone’s faces, they’ll also ensure your party goes out with a bang! 💫
Open
What a view 🙌🏼

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
Less than five days left to vote for your favourite businesses! You could win fun family staycays and dining vouchers, so make sure to vote today by visiting 👉 expatliving.hk/readerschoice

.
#expatlivinghk #hkbusiness #hongkongbusiness #elhkreaderschoice #hkexpats
Open
Jazz up your dining area with these pretty picks!⚡️

Companies tagged in the photos for more details🪑
Open
Get ready for Christmas, CNY and beyond with these fab treatment packages now available at @amooma.spa ✨

#1 BUBBLE & SPARKLE
A package for two, including an aroma steam shower, deep sleep tourmaline crystal massage, sparkling champagne facial and a glass of champagne 🥂

#2 HO! HO! HO! IT’S ME-TIME!
Designed for one person, this me-time includes a ling organic forbidden rice scrub, ling nourishing body wrap, AMOONA signature blend and knesko gemological face mask 🧖🏼‍♀️
Open
How good do these look 😍 New recipe from @charissa_and_co_wellness. You can try a free sample by scanning the bar code on our online articles 💜

Recipe: Flourless Pecan Cranberry Brownie

Ingredients

Brownie base:

2 servings of Nuzest Clean Lean Chocolate Protein
1.5 cup of pumpkin puree
1 cup of hazelnut butter or almond *
1/2 cup of raw dark cacao powder
1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/3 cup of dehydrated cranberries
2 teaspoons of Manuka honey ** Optional
White chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons of Erythritol
Dark chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
3 tablespoons of raw dark cacao powder
1 teaspoon of Erythritol
Instructions

Brownie base:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Grease a square baking tray with coconut oil and line tray with parchment paper.
In a large blender, mix all the brownie ingredients together until smooth.
Pour the brownie mix into the pan and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Once cooked, allow the brownies to cool on a rack.
Chocolate drizzle:

You will need two separate mixing bowls for the white and dark chocolate drizzle.
Melt the cacao butter at low temperature and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Pour the chocolate drizzle over the cooled brownies.
Pop them in the fridge to set or enjoy them as warm brownies.**
Optional: Sprinkle some fresh pomegranate and dried cranberry seeds onto the brownies (after cooling in the fridge for 20 minutes).
Open
TGIF 🌿🌿

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
In our new winter issue we take a look at Dutch expat Nicole Hessing’s impressive home renovation in Clearwater Bay 🏡 Check out the article for all her tips and local recommendations 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/ig
  • COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved.