Okay ladies, let’s talk menstruation.
(Men, feel free to skip reading this post if it makes you feel uncomfortable. It’s going to get real.)
We all know that buying tampons or pads can be really expensive. I’ve never added it up, but every time I was in the feminine products aisle at the store, I thought “Do they really cost that much?” Now, there is something to be said for buying them in bulk and buying off-brands, but today I want to talk to you about the menstrual cup.
I admit, when I first heard about the menstrual cup (brand name Diva Cup), it sounded really gross. I couldn’t imagine putting a cup in and taking it out all the time. I just wanted to stick with what I knew (pads and tampons). However, I had so many friends recommend it to me, and then had a friend give me an extra cup that she had (unused!) and so I decided to try it.
From the beginning, I was hooked! I love my menstrual cup.
Some of you may be wondering: what is it and how does it work? I’ll take a brief moment to explain.
In short, it is a little cup made of silicon that you insert instead of a tampon when you have your period. It catches all of your menstrual fluid and then you empty it and rinse it and use throughout your cycle. The way that it works without falling is out is these little holes in the sides that allow for some premium suction action to happen. You need to pinch it to break the suction before pulling it. There are 2 sizes: small is for anyone under 30 who hasn’t had a baby, and large is for anyone over 30 or anyone who has had a baby (due to the changes in your cervix). To clean it, you can boil it on the stove or soak it in a vinegar/water solution for a few minutes. Then you let it dry and put it away until your next period. Easy!
Now back to my experience.
I loved this new option that meant I didn’t have to carry back-up pads and tampons everywhere I went when I was on my period. I loved that I only had to change it every 12 hours, and that I was helping the environment. I’ve been using mine for 7 months, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the traditional pad and tampon route that I was taking before.
That being said, as with anything, there are pros and cons. Let me share mine with you.
Pros:
Cheaper than pads and tampons (a new one costs between $9-$30 depending on the brand)- One cup lasts for several years
- Easy to use (once you get the hang of it)
- Good for the environment
- Better for your skin/body than bleached cotton that is usually used for pads/tampons
- No risk of toxic shock syndrome that can occur with tampons
- Super comfortable (I barely notice when I have it in anymore)
Cons:
- If you buy a new one, it can be more money up front than buying pads or tampons ($30 or more if you want the Diva Cup brand)
- A little difficult to use sometimes – I’ve definitely had frustrating moments and a few leaks/spills
- It might gross you out to be that familiar with your menstrual fluid
- A little difficult to change in a public bathroom since you’re supposed to rinse it out after use
- I have never given birth, but some of my mom friends tell me it doesn’t work as well after you have had a baby since your cervix changes (just something to keep in mind)
In my mind, the pros far outweigh the cons. I have had a few moments where I leaked or had difficulty putting it in, but for the most part, it has been easy to get used to, and I don’t miss pads or tampons one bit!
Here’s an idea if you want to try one but don’t want to spend $30: ask someone you know well to buy you one for your birthday or for Christmas. Or, on the flip side, for your sister or friend’s next birthday, buy them one!
If you’re interested in buying one, here are some options on Amazon.com (note that the prices are in USD, Canadian friends!):
- 2 (small) cups by Bodybay- $8.99
- 1 (large) cup by Athena – $14.95
- 1 (large) cup by Pixie Cup – $15.95 (every cup purchased also provides a cup for women in need)
- 2 (large) cups by Duchess – $15.99
- 1 (large) cup by Diva Cup – $28.26
- 1 (small) cup by Diva Cup – $36.99
Let’s all stop spending ridiculous amounts of money on feminine supplies that clutter up our landfills and aren’t good for our body. Save money, treat yourself well, and save the environment.
Win-win-win!
Note: This blog was not endorsed by Diva Cup or any other menstrual cup brand. I wrote this simply because I think it’s a great money saving tip. There are affiliate links in this blog, so if you click on them and then buy from Amazon, I do get a few cents to support my blog. Thanks for considering the opportunity to change your feminine products to save money and help the environment!