If you’re grossed out by period talk, this is not the post for you.
Let’s talk about the menstrual cup, ladies! Have you heard of it? Chances are you have, and there are two different types of people: the one who is entirely against it due to the “ick” factor and those who will not shut up about how great it is.
Guess which one I am?
Yup! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my cup, and I will never use anything ever again as long as I am a menstruating woman. I’m ok with saying it’s life-changing.
To start, here are my top five reasons why the cup is the bomb.
It saves you money!
They range in price from around $15-$40, so a little more investment upfront, but that’s it! One menstrual cup can last you YEARS. A box of popular brand tampons can quickly run you close to $10. Multiply that by 12 cycles, and that’s $120/year.
It’s convenient!
Have you ever randomly started your period and realize you have no pads or tampons on hand? Yeah, that’s the actual worst. Shoving toilet paper into your underwear so you can run to the store is not the most comfortable way to live your life. Your cup will always be there waiting for you. I do suggest having a backup in your purse or your office just in case!
It’s better for the environment!
Imagine all the waste you’re creating every time you use a tampon or a pad. You have the cardboard box, the plastic, the applicator, papers on the wings, the pad, the tampon, and then the toilet paper you use to wrap it up in when you’re finished. Now multiply that by every woman with a period. It adds up! If you want to do a little part in reducing waste, using a cup is a great way to start.
It’s better for you!
Did you know that tampon manufactures don’t have to report to the FDA what’s in them? Many companies use bleach, fragrance, dyes, and other toxins in their products, and you’re inserting those into your body month after month. Now new companies are popping up that make cleaner products, but they are few and far between. Cups are made from safe medical-grade silicone, so you don’t have to worry about putting damaging chemicals into your body.
It saves you time!
What’s that? Does it save time? Cups aren’t associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome, and therefore you can leave them in longer, plus they collect more fluid than a tampon absorbs. What does all of this mean? It means you can leave that cup in for up to 12 hours. If you have a more substantial cycle, you can, of course, change it more often if needed. I dump and rinse mine in the morning and don’t have to bother with it until later that evening. How great is that?
The small downfall of using a cup is the learning curve to using it properly. It took me about two cycles to feel confident using it and knowing it won’t leak. Of course, as always, you want to wash your hands! This is the theme of 2020, and it applies here!! You’re about to get very close and personal with yourself, so please make sure your hands are clean. Also, relax! When you’re stressed, your body tends to stiffen, making it difficult to insert.
You will fold the cup and insert it into your vagina. If it feels uncomfortable, there’s a chance it’s too low. Just use your finger to push it up a little further. If it still feels awkward, try removing it and reinserting it.
To remove, you will first wash your hands. Insert your fingers into your vagina and feel for the stem. Carefully pull it down far enough to pinch the base, releasing the suction and pull it out. Dump the contents into the toilet or shower. After removing my cup, I wash it with warm soapy water and reinsert it.
I have videos linked below for more in-depth instructions on Ways To Fold Your Cup, How to Insert, and How to Remove.
Women, their vaginas, and cervix’ all come in many different shapes and sizes, as do menstrual cups. Don’t be disappointed if one doesn’t work well for you. Try something else. Once you find your match, I assure you there’s no turning back!
Have you ever used a menstrual cup? Would you ever use a menstrual cup?
