By Lily Raine
Have questions about menstrual cups? We did, too. Menstrual cups aren’t just a social media fad, in fact, they have become quite popular. These cups are cost-effective (bye-bye Pink tax) and much better for the environment than traditional tampons and pads. We wanted to de-mystify menstrual cups and answer many commons questions people have about them.
What Are Menstrual Cups and How Do You Use Them?
Menstrual cups have only become popular in the past couple of years, but have actually been around since the 1930s. Many people refused to use them in the past because they believed it could cause medical emergencies, but this theory has been debunked and menstrual cups have been deemed a safe period product.
In short, menstrual cups capture your period flow, rather than absorbing it. The cups are made of silicone, rubber, or latex and have a stem for easy insertion and removal. The cups are inserted through folding techniques and once they are inserted they should pop open to form a cup. The cup catches period flow for up to 12 hours and when you need to dump the contents, you can just dump it in the nearest toilet.
Do They Hurt?
They take some getting used to, but if you are normally a tampon user, they will definitely be much easier to learn to insert and remove. If you have never worn a tampon, they can be uncomfortable at first with the new process of inserting the cups- but once it is inserted properly, you might even forget you have one in! Many of the cups come in multiple sizes as well, so you can get one that best fits your flow and where your cervix sits. Brands typically offer a size guide so you can choose what size is best for you.
Are They Messy or Unsanitary?
This is a big concern for a lot of people. The cup shouldn’t be overfilling when you remove it unless you have an extremely heavy flow for the size cup you have. As long as you are carefully removing it, you should never experience a spill. You will be a pro at removing your cup in no time!
In general, this is actually a cleaner and more natural way of controlling your period. You’re even much less likely to be affected by toxic shock syndrome. Your blood is contained so there will never be any noticeable odor when using the cup. The cup is so sanitary, you can swim in it and it will stay in place without letting any blood out because of the suction of the cup! When your period is over, you can sterilize your cup in boiling water so it will be ready for its next use.
Why Are People Using Menstrual Cups?
Women use menstrual cups for many different reasons. They are much better for the environment and over the lifecycle of the cup, it is expected to save the earth from over 2,400 tampons or pads and their packaging. Menstrual cups are much more cost-efficient as well, although they are about $30-$50 for your cup, it can last you up to 10 years, saving you from many, many boxes of tampons or pads. These are especially great for keeping underprivileged girls in school, as they may typically have to skip school on their period because they had no way to control their flow.
What Are The Leading Brands of Menstrual Cups?
These brands are some fan favorites and the most popular ones on the market right now. There’s not necessarily one brand better than the other, as always when it comes to period products- it is about personal preference and what makes YOU comfortable!
OrganiCup, $28; Diva Cup $28.95; Flex, $50; Lena, $40; Saalt, $47.
It’s worth noting that the cups themselves are a tad pricy at the beginning, BUT they last five to ten years. In the long run, they will save you hundreds of dollars from avoiding tampons, and won’t clog the landfill. We view that as a major win!
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