Hi, I’m Ivy on the left - founder of Circlo.
For most of my menstruating life, I didn’t think I’d be able to use internal products. Even though my dad is a doctor and my mum a midwife, growing up in China, the topic was never really talked about, and I had very little guidance about my own anatomy. Moving to New Zealand brought some basic sex education in high school, but it still wasn’t enough to help me get past my fears and challenges when it came to understanding my vagina.
As I became sexually active, I experienced discomfort, anxiety, and eventually Vaginismus — where the pelvic muscles involuntarily tighten, making penetration painful or sometimes impossible. Tampons never worked for me, and I assumed cups just weren’t “for people like me.” I stuck with pads, telling myself they were good enough. But they weren’t — they were bulky, sticky, and stuffy, especially during hot summer days.
Becoming a mum shifted something in me. I started thinking differently about my body, my time, and the kind of world I want to leave behind for my child. While exploring more sustainable ways of living, I discovered menstrual discs, which felt more approachable than cups, and decided to give one a try. It wasn’t easy at first — my first removal took nearly an hour — but over time, it got easier and easier.
What surprised me wasn’t just the physical freedom, but how much simpler life became. No more constantly buying products, checking supplies, planning around my period, or dealing with bulky products and constant changes. It was better for my lifestyle — and much better for my wallet too.
That also made me realise how unfair it is that something as natural as having a period still holds so many people back. Period poverty affects confidence, education, work, sport, and everyday opportunities. Reusable products aren’t just better for the planet — over time, they can also be far more affordable, making them a more accessible option too.
Looking back, if someone like me — who once believed internal products weren’t an option because of my body and my experience with Vaginismus — could learn to use them and find freedom through them, maybe I can help others who feel the same.
Circlo came from this journey. I want to empower everyone with a cycle so they have the knowledge and the chance to explore what works for their body and their cycle.
