For years, pads have been the default companion for many Nigerian women on their periods. Tampons are also common these days. But menstrual cups? Depending on who you ask, menstrual cups are either the best thing that has ever happened to a woman or an elaborate scam designed to stress her out.

We spoke to six women who switched from pads and tampons to the cup, the results they weren’t prepared for, and whether they’d do it all over again.

1. “I Switched Because I Was Tired of Planning My Life Around My Period” — Zabeth*, 27

Every month, I carried extra pads in every bag and checked for leaks every thirty minutes. Then I saw a woman on TikTok saying she wears a menstrual cup for twelve hours and almost threw my phone. It sounded too good to be true, but I bought one anyway.

The first few attempts felt like I was fighting with my vagina, but when I eventually figured it out, I was shocked. Last month, I attended a wedding, danced for hours, ate, and completely forgot I was on my period. That had never happened to me before.

2. “The First Time I Removed It, I Nearly Passed Away” — Chi*, 24

They didn’t tell me taking the cup out would be more difficult than putting it in. Everybody online says, “Just relax.” Relax how, please? I spent twenty minutes in my bathroom squatting because the cup refused to budge.

At one point, I became convinced I’d have to explain the situation to a doctor. Eventually, I got it out, and I just sat on the floor sweating. To be honest, I’ve gotten better at using it now, but every period cycle, I just hope that never repeats itself.

“3. I Actually Went Back to Pads” — Hamira*, 29

I really wanted to be a menstrual cup success story. Especially with the recent discourse on it. The environmental benefits appealed to me, and I liked the idea of using less money long-term. But when i tried it, both insertion and removal were stressful, and I was worried that I’d done something wrong.

The vagina is a sensitive area, after all. I didn’t want to risk an infection or injury from trying so much. Anyway, after two months of trying, I admitted that I hated the experience. I’m back to pads, and my life is peaceful again.

4. “It Cured a Problem I Didn’t Know I Had” — Dada*, 31

I’ve always thought that feeling damp, irritated, and generally annoyed during my period was normal. My first cycle with a cup was a disaster, sha. I leaked on my bedsheets, which wasn’t an experience I’ve had with pads in so long. It almost made me give up. But after I learnt how to position the cup properly, that didn’t happen again.

Now, whenever I have to use a pad for emergencies, I’m immediately reminded of why I switched. It’s like travelling economy after you’ve somehow experienced business class on a plane.

5. “The Cup Humbled Me at Work” — Imisi*, 28

My first period with the cup was a disaster. I got stained at work and spent the entire afternoon walking around with my cardigan tied around my waist. By the time I got home, I was ready to drag every influencer who said a menstrual cup would fix my life.

I was convinced I’d been scammed. But because I’d already spent money on the cup, I stubbornly kept trying. Three cycles later, I got the hang of it. The beginning is ghetto, so keep your pads on standby. But the cup may eventually be worth it.

6. “I Didn’t Realise How Much Period Anxiety I Carried” — Ronke*, 33

Before I started using a menstrual cup, I was always think of my periods. Do I have enough pads? Can people see anything? How soon can I use a bathroom? Is my outfit safe? Once I got menstrual cup, all those questions disappeared.

The cup hasn’t changed me into a period master or anything. And there are days when I miss the simplicity of pads. But it gave me peace of mind. These days, I feel in charge of what’s happening to me as I bleed, and I’m thankful for that change.

For some women, menstrual cups are great. For others, they’re a reminder that they should have stuck to what was working for them. However, every woman must know that she has options that can make her life easier.

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