This week, news broke that the New York based company, Thinx, has settled a class-action lawsuit surrounding their supposedly “organic, sustainable and non-toxic” period underwear. The brand faced allegations in court “regarding the presence of short chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (‘PFAS’)”, also known as “forever chemicals”. Thinx denies improper behavior, and has said PFAS have never been part of its product design. Customers who submit valid claims (proof of purchasing Thinx products between 2016 and 2022) can receive compensation for up to three purchases.
It’s terrifying to learn that a product you’ve been using, which has been touted as revolutionary and has felt so freeing, is potentially toxic to your body, especially as a person who menstruates. Even in 2023, there’s still so much stigma surrounding the fluid that comes from our bodies each month.
We are constantly searching for ways to minimize it, ignore it, make it less of a struggle. Then there’s the cost. Single use products are expensive, pads can be bulky and unwieldy under our clothing, reusable products can be great but also difficult to learn to use for first time menstruating people. Thinx provided a product that was essentially “periods for dummies” and to have this lawsuit come about is quite frankly, devastating.
Keeping nasty and toxic ingredients away from our bodies, and especially our vulvas is something that’s been important to a lot of sexual wellness companies since their inception — companies like Fun Factory and their partners Momotaro Apotheca.
Fun Factory was the first sex toy brand to use body safe silicone after all, and if you weren’t aware, they also make a range of menstrual cups.
The Explore Kit comes with both sizes Fun Factory has available, so it takes the guesswork out of the equation. They’re reusable and easy to clean, includes a storage bag, made of body-safe silicone, and you can even engage in oral and light penetration (if you choose!) while wearing them.
The reusable Fun Cup holds 4–6x as much as a tampon, depending on which size you choose. This silicone menstrual cup sits in your vagina comfortably and unnoticeably, leaving you free to go about your life. When you’re ready, just empty it, rinse it out and put it back in.
What makes this menstrual cup special?
The Fun Cup is a menstrual cup shaped to curve with your body. The rim is thicker and firmer, to keep your cup reliably in place. The tapered tip is also firm, for easy adjustment. In the middle, the silicone is softer and thinner, so it conforms to the shape of your body, for maximum comfort.
Plus, folks who are sick of hyper-feminine period products will love that the Fun Cup comes in a variety of colors, the Tyvek ® bag is a simple champagne color, and all of the language in the packaging and instructions is gender-neutral.
Is the Fun Cup okay for sex?
Not doing deep penetration? You don’t even need to bother to take it out. The Fun Cup is great for oral, light fingering, strapping on a harness, and more. While tampons can leave micro-tears in your vagina, leaving you more susceptible to infections, the Fun Cup keeps your vagina healthy, lubricated, and ready for action.
Are there other advantages to using a menstrual cup?
Money. The average tampon user will spend over $100 per year on tampons. The Fun Cup is only $24.99 for a single cup, or $39.99 for a pack of two. Not only do they pay for themselves in a few months, but you can keep using them safely for years. Eco-bonus: they cut your period-related waste to basically zero. And they’re non-toxic, so your body will thank you.
How do I clean the Fun Cup?
Take the period cup out while you’re on the toilet or in the shower, and pour out any blood that’s been collected. Then, rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to use unscented soap when you wash it, to avoid irritation. When cleaning, pay special attention to the hard-to-reach holes. And remember to wash your hands before inserting or removing your cup!
For a deeper clean, boil it for 3 minutes in pure water to sterilize. Dry it off. Clean the bag with water and some mild soap and let it air dry. Do not use any other cleaning agents than those specified. Store the products dry and protected from sunlight.
Which size should I choose?
Let’s take a look at your options! Remember that these are general suggestions, and there are many exceptions to all of them. You know your body better than we do. When in doubt, start with the Explore Kit.
Size A — Firmer silicone for better control when placing and adjusting a smaller cup. Good for: lighter flow, people with a shorter vaginal canal. Measurements: 2.1 in, Ø 1.56 in, Fluid held: 0.68 oz
Size B — Softer silicone for a comfortable fit that holds a heavy flow without feeling intrusive. Good for: heavy flow, people with a longer vaginal canal. Measurements: 2.29 in, Ø 1.7 in, Fluid held: 1.01 oz
Anytime you’re experiencing vulva dryness or itching, Momotaro has you covered. Their salve is safe for daily use and contains Coconut and Jojoba Oil base helping protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier — to protect you from everyday stressors and general irritation from sex, clothing, or exercise. Natural anti-inflammatories Goldenseal, Echinacea, and Calendula help comfort symptoms associated with yeast and bacterial infections.
Protecting our bodies from toxic chemicals is a daily fight and one we shouldn’t have to worry about on top of struggling with our menstrual cycle. The shame and stigma society has put on us for years is enough of a battle, companies should be trying to make things easier for us, not more difficult. Partnering with ethical companies is important to me as a sexual wellness educator and I’m glad to be able to bring you products from companies like Fun Factory and Momotaro Apotheca that not only provide relief and make life a little easier, but also help us stay healthy.
If you’d like to talk further about any products mentioned in this piece, or have questions about other products within the sexual wellness sphere that come from ethical companies I’m happy to set up a time with you to do just that! Book with me today.
Links contained in this article are affiliate links, so not only will you get a quality product, you’ll also help support my writing.