Hello everyone, today’s blog topic is one I discussed on Facebook back in April. When the pandemic first started, we all believed it would be over by the end of March. When April came, the virus was still here, so I posted about how now would be a great time to try a menstrual cup.
Growing up, I remember having to deal with pads, tampons, and the embarrassment of blood-stained pants, talk about a nightmare. Oh, how I wished someone created a menstrual cup during my youth days.
Now, when I first heard about the menstrual cups, I was a little apprehensive. How in the world would that thing fit up there?
Curiosity killed the darn cat, and I purchased the Diva cup. Why? Because that was the only one everyone mentioned. Following my purchase, this contraption remained in my bathroom cabinet for over a year.
In 2020, the coronavirus hit the U.S.A, and everything including, food, toilet paper, and pads were flying off the shelves. It was a prank that I’m still waiting on Ashton Kutcher to come out and say we’ve all been PUNK’D! Due to pads and tampons being bought out, I looked in my cabinet and found the box. Well, here goes nothing. I tried the cup, and oh my goodness, it was the best thing ever.
Every woman should invest in a menstrual cup because it’s;
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to clean
- No toxic shock syndrome risk
- No odor
- Less leakage, if any
- Best for overnight sleeping
- The cup can last up to 12hrs
- They can last up to 10yrs before replacing and,
- You can now buy them under most FSA and HSA plans.
There are a few cons as well;
- It can be messy when cleaning the contents
- difficulty with inserting
- difficulty with taking it out, both are a learning curve
- If you have fibroid issues or dropped uterus this may feel uncomfortable or may not work for you.
- Sterilization of your cup after the last day of your period.
For me, the pro’s definitely outweighed the cons.
I have personally tried three brands, and below from top to bottom are my menstrual cup picks.
So why did I choose this order?
- The Saalt Cup was easy to use, very lightweight, comfortable (felt like nothing’s there), it had minimal leakage overnight, and yes, you can go the maximum 12hrs.
- The Diva Cup was easy to use, but I found it to be not as lightweight as the Saalt Cup. Overnight protection, however, was astounding.
- The Honey Pot Cup for me wasn’t very lightweight. I felt I had to replace this one every 2 to 6 hours. I would not recommend this product if you flow heavy, but if you have a lighter menstrual flow, this cup is perfect for you.
When using the cups, there is a learning curve. You have to determine which fold works best for you. Yes, there are a few different cup folds, and every fold is different depending on the person.
- U-fold
- Push-down fold (C-Fold)
- 7-Fold
- S Fold
Before using a cup, please always sterilize it the first time you open it (review user manual for proper sterilization). Each time you use the cup, wash your hands with warm water and soap.
Either squat or stand by placing one leg higher on the bathtub or toilet bowl. Make sure to relax (once you do it the first time, it because easier) Make the fold and insert.
Make sure to insert at a 45-degree angle, heading towards your tailbone. When the cup has unfolded, it will create a seal inside of you so it will stay in place and will not allow leakage, you should also not feel anything.
The hardest part of a menstrual cup is taking it out. The first few times will take a little while to get used to. I recommend relaxing and bear down as if you are giving birth, or you have to take a number two. I know this sounds weird, but this is by far the easiest way. Next, take your index finger and thumb, and grab the bottom of the cup (not the steam), pinch the bottom, and pull the cup out and dump the contents. Wash the cup with warm water and preferably a cup cleaning solution before reinserting. If you are in a public restroom, bring a water bottle that you’re not using to drink out of, and clean the cup over the toilet with the water.
I hope this helps anyone planning to try a menstrual cup for the first time. I’m not a menstrual cup expert, and I’m sure there are women who have worn these longer than I have, but we as women don’t talk about this enough. It’s as if this is a taboo topic.
Be advised, the cups come in various sizes. There are even cups for the teenage girl in your life. If you are interested in trying one out, I highly recommend doing a menstrual cup quiz online. The quiz I took, recommended the Saalt cup for me, and I will say it was spot on!
RediscoveringB 