Don’t Fear the Cup

Disposable feminine hygiene products are something more women are ditching in favor of reusables, but many still fear the change. It’s understandable when we’re discussing an often stigmatized and sensitive area of the body, but I’ve been sticking to reusables for years and never want to go back. People with periods will tell you that they suck, but for me, these products have made it suck less. They are also more affordable in the long run and a stash of them can help those without regular access to disposables. Here’s a candid look at the products I’ve used. Hopefully, it will inspire you to try one out for yourself.

Menstrual Cups

If you’re already a tampon user, a menstrual cup is a great option. Like a tampon, it’s inserted into the body and makes activities like swimming and surfing possible during your period.

In my opinion, a cup is far superior to a tampon for several reasons. First, you can safely wear a cup much longer than a tampon. While tampons are not considered safe for overnight use or use over 8 hours, cups are recommended for 12-hour use. Toxic Shock Syndrome has never been linked to menstrual cup use either.

Most tampon users have experienced the uncomfortable, scratchy, dry sensation of tampon removal. Made from smooth, medical-grade silicone, this doesn’t happen with a menstrual cup. My Divacup is so comfortable, I sometimes forget I’m wearing it. It doesn’t disrupt my natural eco-system, and there’s no telltale string to hang out of your bathing suit either.

Some people will find it challenging to get the hang of using at first. I was one of those people. You have to be willing to experiment and get to know yourself to find the right way to use it for you. There are many different ways of folding the cup for insertion and some will be more comfortable than others. If you’ve never had intercourse, you may find that insertion is more difficult to get the hang of than with a tampon.

Having to empty the cup is something that may put many people off the idea. It makes you confront the amount of blood you’re losing and it can be a bit messy if you need to empty it in a public restroom situation. Since the cup is rated for 12-hour use, you don’t have to empty it frequently and most hold about an ounce of liquid. However, I have had extremely heavy…