The short version: Just like tampons, your menstrual cup has no increased risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome). As with any period care product the most important thing is to keep it clean, don’t leave it in too long and use a trusted brand. The truth behind the science: Every so often a clickbait article headline graces our newsfeeds which admittedly can be difficult to ignore. Recently a French study has been quoted on menstrual cups having increased risk of TSS. A big claim right? Menstrual cups have been a trusted period care product for decades. In fact, globally only 2 cases of TSS relating to menstrual cup use have been reported and this was due to very prolonged use (inserted for 7 days rather than the recommended 12 hour maximum). Behind the article headline, the truth about the study is that: Instead of being performed using actual human vaginas they used sterile plastic bags derived from hydrocarbon. Doesn’t take a great scientist to realise the flaw there! Our vaginas are wonderfully more complex both physically and chemically than...er...a bag. The study hasn’t even been concluded yet. Contrary to what has been reported in the press, the only conclusion to be made from the study thus far is that no periodic system is more favourable to TSS development than another. So, what’s the real deal? Here’s what you really need to know about menstrual cups and TSS: Are menstrual cups more dangerous to use than tampons? Nope! :) Do menstrual cups protect you from TSS? Like with any period care product you cannot have zero risk of TSS. But a clean, properly-used menstrual cup means the chances are very small. Should I continue to use my menstrual cup at night? Sure thing! 10 to 12 consecutive hours is the recommended usage time. How can I make sure my menstrual cup is clean enough? Check out this handy guide for your peace of mind. Are Lunette menstrual cups safer to use than other menstrual cups? Always choose a trusted brand and with Lunette you’re in safe hands. Our cups are made from the highest medical grade silicone which is BPA free and no chemicals. Have any other questions? Leave a comment below or ask us on Twitter or Facebook. Let's keep busting the myths and spreading the word!

Tired of seeing those period commercials that show us how absorbent their tampons or pads are from a blue liquid representing our period blood? (they’re SO OFF if they think our vaginas are producing that color). Okay okay, in all seriousness, I don’t think I’ve ever been able to relate to a single one of those period commercials, have you? If I’m wearing a pad and doing yoga at the same time, there’s absolutely no way I’m going to feel fresh and comfortable, and I’m definitely not all smiles during my period week! If tampon and pad commercials were honest, we’d be seeing what it’s really like to have a period. Come on advertising and marketing gurus, there’s GOT to be a better way to portray how real menstruating humans actually feel! This issue at hand is, most people feel uncomfortable when someone brings up the “period” topic. In fact, I’m pretty sure people only talk about it with other menstruating humans, and in the comfort of their own private home. Non-menstruating humans, what are you afraid of? Unfortunately, having a period is often viewed as shameful, dirty, and being “explicit” content. Something so natural, that happens to HALF of the population, and literally creates life, has a negative don’t-talk-about-it reputation, but how can we stop that? Content, photos especially, related to periods often get taken down from social media yet we feel more comfortable seeing images of women being objectified and sexualized. Please tell me how this is right. It’s not. The advertising world has made it seem like a fantasy girly-girl land if you succumb to a certain period care product that’s on television. If you’re feeling crampy and cranky during your period, then FEEL crampy and cranky – no one has the right to judge you. Just remember that you’re still a badass and your uterus does wonders ;) Our bodies go through a lot of changes in life, and it’s about time people (and the media) start realizing the truth about menstruation. So, next time you feel embarrassed buying tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup at the grocery store, or someone gives you the “stink eye” when you start talking about your period, remember that without one, that person wouldn’t be alive AND periods are AWESOME. Break the taboo and start embracing your uterus and all that it does. Are you with us?

Okay okay, summer is one of our favorite seasons at the Lunette HQ. We get to forget about the winter scarves and coats, and bring out the trendy swimsuits and sandals – oh and eat açaí bowls all day everyday. Those endless summer nights, tan lines, hikes, and the beach – it’s truly paradise for three straight months. Whether you live 5 minutes from the beach or have to take a plane to get some sand between your toes, you’re bound to get your period on one of those beach trips! Don’t let your period stop you from getting in the water and getting your tan on (with SPF protection of course). This is you before Lunette You’re scared to go to the beach with your friends because you don’t like tampons and you simply can’t show up in a diaper! You have to sacrifice an entire week every month this summer because you’re scared you might start bleeding profusely and get attacked by a shark. If you do wear tampons, you’re scared your crush might see an unexpected string hanging from your vagina...Ha! Oh the days before you used a menstrual cup. This is you after Lunette (and forever) It’s as if the stars aligned and everything is right in the world…okay we’ll keep dreaming but using a menstrual cup is pretty darn close! You can finally stop worrying about your tampon string popping out of your swim suit, and never have to sit in your own diaper *pad* again! Now that tampons and pads are out and menstrual cups are in, you won’t have to constantly keep changing stuff down there. Lunette cup keeps you safe and leak-free for up to 12 hours. Beach volleyball on my period? COUNT ME IN!   So now that you know how easy it will be while you’re menstruating at the beach, start making some plans because with Lunette you are free to enjoy life as if you weren’t on your period! Swim until your fingers turn wrinkly and you have enough sand in your butt to fill an entire backyard. Oh, and if you’re one of those people who likes to pee in the ocean and skip the bathrooms that are miles away from your towel, pee away­ – your menstrual cup isn’t going anywhere ;). Get your very own Lunette menstrual cup here.