Twistie Cups – another option in menstrual care
TAWANA Johnson always had a desire to create a product for women that would make their lives a bit easier.
And so when she migrated to the United States of America two years ago, she came across menstrual cups and thought of her experience trying to access them in Jamaica.
“While in Jamaica I saw menstrual cups online but they weren’t accessible to me. I didn’t see the need to purchase a cup for US$30 and pay taxes plus shipping costs, so I left it alone. But when I came to the US I tried it out and my life changed. I now have more comfortable periods, there’s no longer that wet diaper feeling, I have way more flexibility, I don’t miss out on opportunities like going to the beach or an event because I am fearful of a leak, and I can go through a full day without worrying,” she said.
“So I thought, what if I made this option available to Jamaicans? I decided to launch it with the help of a team of individuals in Jamaica. I did a focus group and a test group and decided to launch Twistie – on the go, reusable menstrual cups in Jamaica,” Johnson said.
Twistie Cups, which are available at York Pharmacy and Liguanea Drug and Garden Store, cost $4,500 to $5,000 and guarantee each woman up to 12 hours of protection. Johnson advises women to adjust based on their individual flow.
“After a certain amount of usage you begin to understand your cycle. If on your heaviest day you fill up easily, then every eight to 10 hours you remove, empty in the toilet, wash with mild soap and reinsert,” she said.
The cups are available in two models — the first meant for teens, women who have never given birth, and those who experience a normal flow, while the second is for women who have given birth and those who experience a heavy flow.
The Twistie can be inserted by doing the ‘punch down’ fold, ‘C’ fold or ‘S’ fold, and inserting up to the stem to have a grip on the cup.
Johnson said at times the cup may travel upwards, but in those cases the woman should sit on the toilet or squat and push down on the pelvic floor.
With regards to monthly care of the menstrual cups, which can last a woman up to five years, Johnson said after a woman’s cycle has ended she should boil the cups for 20 minutes, wash, and store in a cool, dry place.
Other benefits, according to Johnson, include fewer harmful effects on the pH level of the vagina compared to tampons and menstrual pads which are bleached and scented; they are environmentally friendly, reusable and long-lasting.
Johnson said for those who may squirm at the thought of using a menstrual cup, “It is a backward way of thinking about a bodily function.”
Dr Ryan Halsall, obstetrician gynaecologist, says the cups are safe for use, and it’s a matter of choice for women.
