SuppliedHave you ever bled on a dick? I have. After getting a copper IUD inserted into my uterus, my body reacted unfavourably, causing me to spot blood for approximately three months — a time in my life I refer to as the summer I bled on four dicks. During this time, only one of my sexual partners was cool/horny enough to disregard the bleeding and keep going, and that was partially because he thought his penis size was the cause. Nevertheless, I bled and I felt shitty about it.
Flex is a new menstrual disc that was developed to work around the stigma of vaginal bleeding during sex, allowing women to get freaky without worrying about painting the sheets with their blood. Flex is made of a medical-grade polymer blend that forms to the natural shape inside of your body and creates a leak-free seal that collects blood, rather than absorbing it. Unlike a tampon or menstrual cup, Flex sits at the base of the cervix and prevents menstrual fluid from entering the vaginal canal for up to 12 hours — this blockage is what allows for a mess-free penetration. Keep in mind however, that in no way does this product act as a contraceptive and it should be disposed of
after use.
In an ideal world, where people weren’t as freaked out about blood coming out of vaginas — you all came out of vaginas and I don’t shudder at the sight of you — the “bleeding vagina” stigma wouldn’t exist and women could be having sex whenever they damn well pleased, bleeding or not. Alas, the average man will still quiver at the mere thought of period blood. I remember once hearing a guy refer to his girlfriend’s time of the month as “blowjob week” — and dude if that’s the case, you’d better be repaying the favour when she’s off her period or whipping her up desserts like Buddy Valastro from Cake Boss because damn.
Flex was originally developed so women could have a menstrual device that wasn’t uncomfortable or disruptive to their normal life or sex schedules. So, unlike with tampons, women should feel little to no cramping if inserted properly, because Flex is far more, well, flexible and is able to move with the contractions of your body.
Personally, after bleeding for three months straight and surviving, I’ve chosen to take a serious break from my period by continuously taking birth control. Yes, I know that sounds unnatural and unhealthy and would have you believe my body is probably backed up with enough menstrual blood that it will soon be coming out of my ears — cue the elevator scene from The Shining — but after doing some research and inquiring with my doctor, I’ve learned that this causes no short or long term harm and is actually a safe and common practice.
My goal isn’t to start a war-of-the-periods or to encourage you to take the same steps as I have. Every woman fights her own battle with periods in her own way and whether she chooses to use tampons, menstrual cups or free bleed, the result is the same: there will be blood. But for those women who want it, Flex is there to ensure that every cloud can have a thin polymer lining which will prevent you from raining blood on your next period-sex partner.
