You’ve probably heard the hype about menstrual cups, but what exactly is the deal with them? Do they actually work? How could they possibly be more comfortable than tampons? Are they really more hygenic? Are they worth the money? Let’s find out:
For starters, menstrual cups have been around for awhile, in fact the first modern menstrual cup was invented in 1937. So why haven’t we heard of them in this widespread capacity before? Women have been using menstrual products in silence for centuries, but it is only recently that there has been a voice given to how we choose to menstruate. So here we are. There are also a ton of diffirent types of menstrual cups, as seen below. All these different brands have different designs as well as economic missions, and in order to pick the right menstrual cup for you, you should research what best fits your own comfort and lifestyle.Â
So, how exactly do they work? Although all these cups come in different styles, they are made from silicone, which helps maintain your vagina’s PH levels and stops your vagina from absorbing negative materials from the rayon and cotton that tampons and pads are made out of.
If the idea of inserting the cup seems painful to you, don’t worry about it. Because the cup is made of silicone, it’s bendable, and in order to insert each company will advise you on how best to fold your individual cup to insert. Once folded, the cup shouldn’t be much larger than the average tampon that you are used to. Once inserted, the cup will expand to its full capacity and stay in place by latching onto your vaginal walls.Â
As opposed to tampons and pads, which soak up the liquid, menstrual cups simply hold the liquid for up to 12 hours, at which point the cup is removed and liquid dumped into the toilet. By making the change to the cup, you change less frequently:Â only twice a day!Â
When you do remove it, you simply rinse it out with a mild, unscented soap, and re-insert it. Once your cycle is over, you’ll wash it again and soak it in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, ridding it of any leftover bacteria and store it until your next period! Â
Beyond the health benefits of the cup, there is a huge financial and economic benefit! With disposable products, you roughly have to buy a new box WITH a luxury tax every month, roughly costing you around $100 a year and $4,000 over the next 40 years of your cycle. By using a re-usable product you eliminate this financial woe and pay a one time fee of $30. Even if you decide to buy a new cup after a year for whatever reason, that’s still a serious discount.
The financial issue of disposable prodcuts doesn’t even begin to touch on the massive waste that is being created by those products. It’s easy to take out the trash and throw it into your dumster and not think about what happens after that, but the fact is that it goes somewhere and piles up in a landfill. With the cup there is no excess waste created and you can have your period without any negative economic effects.Â
Join the cup club! Get your period on, ladies.Â