I’m sure we’ve all probably heard of menstrual cups (period cups) by now. If you haven’t, you’re about to. If you have but still aren’t using one, I’m on a mission to convert you.
I’ve been using a menstrual cup for a little over a year and it has literally changed my life. And I don’t say literally a lot. But it has LITERALLY changed my life. Here’s why menstrual cups are so great and why you should be using one (after consulting your gyno, of course).
What is a menstrual cup, and how does it work?
A menstrual cup is basically a silicone cup that you fold, insert into your vagina, and seal around your cervix when you’re on your period. Once the cup seals around your cervix, it collects your flow. There are (usually) no leaks or spills because it essentially creates a vacuum seal that holds it in place. You simply insert the cup and go do your thing.
When you’re ready to empty it, just remove the cup, rinse it out, give it a good wash with fragrance-free soap and water, and put it right back in. It’s also a good idea to boil your cup before and after your period, just to be extra sanitary.
Is a menstrual cup hard to use?
It can sound a little intimidating at first, but it’s really not. It does require you to get super up close and personal with your vagina, but I’m a firm believer that we should all be doing that anyway. It’s important to know your body!
I got the hang of inserting the cup on my second or third try, but it did take some of my friends a few rounds to figure out the proper placement. Each menstrual cup comes with a guide that will show you how to insert it and troubleshoot if you just can’t get it right.
What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup?
The most appealing benefit for me is that I’m not using and disposing of tampons or pads, so I’m creating less waste and helping the environment. According to OrganiCup, “The lifespan of the cup means potentially saving the environment from the packaging and material waste of more than 2400 pads or tampons per user.” That’s a shit ton of tampons and pads. You can change that by purchasing just ONE menstrual cup!
Additionally, most menstrual cups are designed to be worn for up to twelve hours. That means you can put your cup in before starting your day, go about your business, and empty it before you go to bed at night. No more changing out your pad or tampon every few hours. No more doing that thing where you stand up and ask your friend to look at your butt to see if you’re leaking. It’s a lifesaver.
Another major benefit is that you’ll save money! Instead of buying a box of pads or tampons every few cycles, you can use your menstrual cup for YEARS. Yes, years.
What’s the best menstrual cup for you?
There are SO many options on the market these days! My tried and true favorite is the DivaCup. I will note that I had some trouble with inserting it the first time, but that’s because of the shape of my cervix. I flipped the cup inside out, and now it fits me just fine. There are tons of other options though, and most cups come in a variety of sizes! It all depends on your flow and cervix placement.
Here are some of the most popular menstrual cup brands:
- DivaCup
- Saalt
- Lunette
- OrganiCup
I found a great quiz to help you determine which cup is right for you: Put a Cup In It- Menstrual Cup Quiz.
Long story short: You need a menstrual cup.
And so does your best friend. And so does your sister. Christmas is right around the corner, and a Diva Cup would make an AMAZING stocking stuffer. Or just gift it to a friend (or treat yo’self) anytime. There’s nothing that says, “I love you,” quite like a menstrual cup, right?