So, I know that what I’m about to write may strike some readers strangely. Not that I have, or aspire to have, a large readership, but Google is a very powerful tool, and I am about to begin applying for jobs later this month (Hello, internet-savvy prospective employers! Please take this opportunity to notice my exemplar written communication skills as well as my inclinations toward health education, environmental and cost efficiency, and advocacy of options. ). I know that posting about *lady things* is kind of gross—you should have seen my mom’s face when I told her about my new toy. Priceless. Still, I have chosen to proceed, as I do believe I have become a part of something life changing and revolutionary.
A few years ago, one of my college friends was given a menstrual cup for her birthday, and while my initial thoughts weren’t the most open minded, I’ve since warmed up to the idea and bought one for myself. The cups are squishy silicone. You fold it and slip it up in there, then it pops open and collects your flow. Let me (...er...someone else) paint you a picture:
I read somewhere that it can make things easier during that time of the month, and I’m very, very open to that. There are lots of reasons this is a great product. Let me outline them for you:
Cost Efficacy
In the past, I’ve spent about $12 per month on my hygiene products. My cup cost $34, which means that it will have paid for itself by only the third use. Seeing as how I can use this thing for up to 15 years (read: until 40), I’m saving up to $2,160. Boyfriend has bet me $5 that I’ll lose it by then (and, let’s be honest, I’m sure I will), but as long as I have it until June, I’ll still save money.
Environmental Impact
The average “menstrual lifespan” is 41 years. I don’t know about anyone else (except my suitemates from my dormitory days), but over the course of one cycle, I usually fill a small trashcan with the discarded bits and the toilet tissue it takes to properly cover them. In that same 41-year timespan, a woman could use (and throw away) as few as three menstrual cups. Given that they fit in the palm of your hand and have discreet, minimalist packaging (the one I bought did, anyway—just a bag, a few staples and a sheet of instructions), that’s SO much less trash that’s going to accumulate somewhere.
Health Benefits
Most pads and tampons contain bleaches to make them pretty and white. Others contain perfumes or blood-absorbing chemicals. These things can irritate your skin and lead to UTIs. Cups are made of medical grade silicone (or sometimes latex). Your body doesn’t break it down or absorb it. Every box of tampons comes with a TSS warning…my cup didn’t, because it doesn’t carry those risks. My favorite health benefit, though has to be that, unlike with tampons, which can scratch and dry out the delicate vaginal lining and leave behind fragments, the cup is removed smoothly with nothing left in there that nature didn’t intend.
I’m not going into details about the ups and downs of my usual cycle, but I never thought I’d say these words: I forgot I was on my period. Don’t get me wrong—this gadget definitely has a learning curve, and it felt a little funny for the first hour or so…but after that? Smooth sailing. I slept through the night, was in a car for several hours, and practiced yoga and zumba without feeling weird or icky. Honestly, I've thought about wearing my cup on the days leading up to my period just to see if magically takes care of my PMS. Wouldn't that just be idyllic?
Best present I ever got. I still have mine and it's been about three years give or take. I wear mine sometimes before, and it helps to relieve cramping that happens right before.
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