Hello my Lovelies!
About a year ago, I was introduced to menstrual cups. If you still haven't heard of them, they are reusable cups that you insert during that time of the month instead of the usual pads and tampons. Although they may seems rather intimidating, there are so many perks.
Custom-ability
Sure, pads and tampons have different brands and sizes, are designed for different thickness. But menstrual cups have far more variability. It measures for length, diameter, size, is there a lip on the edge or is it smooth, firm or flexible, volume, length of the string, material, etc. Each cup is designed to fit you and your body.
If you have absolutely no clue where to start click here for a quiz that can get you started. The website it links to also has loads of awesome information about menstrual cups and how to get started.
I know a few women who cannot use tampons anymore due to having multiple children to simple heavy flows. Through menstrual cups, they can accommodate for those changes.
Convenience
Menstrual cups are also so convenient. They can stay in for up to twelve hours at a time, and can hold a lot more than we think. I don't have to count the hours or go to the bathroom and hope and pray I'm not leaking. I change it once when I wake up, and once when I go to bed. I find the cup nearly 3/4 of the way full on my heaviest days after twelve hours and I've never had a leak. I don't really have to worry about it anymore, or changing the product in a public bathroom. I can bring it with me in my purse in its little pouch and always have it on hand.
I also don't feel it. This is one of my least favorite things about pads and tampons, you always feel it, or the pad is crinkling whenever you move. It moves with me when I work out or go out. Sometimes I almost forget I'm bleeding, and that is one of the best feelings while on my period.
Hygiene
Aside from changing it really only at home, menstrual cups are actually pretty clean. The majority are made from medical grade silicone and are at least rinsed off twice a day while in use. There are special products that can be used to clean them, while boiling them in water can often do a good job of sanitation after your period has ended.
Also, it doesn't make any noise opening the pouch like most pads and tampons. So I am a bit of a fan of that.
Eco-friendly
The sheer amount of waste that comes from periods is enormous. Normally I am a person who blames the corporations, but this is something that I can understand. We can reuse each cup for years, compared to each single use product which adds up to hundreds each year per person. It's not going to save the world, but it will do something. The real saving will come through protests and laws.
Finances
Look, periods are expensive. Pads and tampons have racked up a huge cost over the years. Add up every single product you've ever bought and it's a ton of money. A single menstrual cup is somewhere between 10-40 USD in a very vague estimate. Mine was about 25. Any lower is probably not that safe, and any higher, even into the thirties, is just excessive. But think about it, 25 USD for a decade, versus that same amount every month. It makes sense, and it saves you money.
Conclusion
Menstrual cups won't work for everyone. Some people have disabilities that require other means, some people have different religious beliefs, or personal ones, and some just don't like them. And all of that is perfectly fine. If you are not comfortable using them, then don't. There is no shame in doing what makes you the most comfortable with your period and your body. But if this seems like the sort of thing you'd be interested in, then check it out. Do you research and see what you find. Maybe it will change the way you have your periods.
Let me know how it works for you!
Ro
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