Aunt Flow, your monthly cycle, your period, surfing the crimson tide, Eve's revenge - no matter what you call it, most of us ladies deal with this dreaded affliction each and every month. Exactly one year ago I was introduced to something that has given me much more control than I ever had in regards to my monthly visitor...the menstrual cup!
Let's rewind 12 months, shall we...
Last May, something was completely amiss in my hormone world; I had cramps for the first time in my life (like really, really bad ones!) and was dealing with a flow that was so heavy I couldn't keep it under control. For the majority of my life I've had your average, run of the mill, 7-day, medium to light flow...so this was completely out of the realm of normalcy for me and forced me to do some research to find out how to contain this river.
After doing some research on how to naturally relieve cramps, I came across an article that caught my interest...it stated things like:
*The absorbant material in pads and tampons have been shown to lengthen your flow.
*The bleach & chemicals used in tampons throws off the pH level of your internal parts.
*Tampons have been shown to cause micro-tears in the skin as well as dryness.
*The average woman uses enough menstrual products in her lifetime to fill a bathtub.
What tha???
(courtesy of Google Images)
As a lifetime tampon user, all of these things came as a complete shock to me (I seriously hate to admit that, but it's true!)...I just had to know more! For the next several hours, I researched menstrual products until I could no longer stand it...how could I have not known about this before???
And then I saw it...a menstrual cup...what on earth is that??? Turns out this little invention has been around since the 30's and makes a comeback every couple of decades, but most recently, the Green movement has really given this little device the momentum it needed to make a huge impact.
So, what on earth is a menstrual cup, you might ask? It is a bell shaped cup made from medical grade silicon (one brand is made from rubber) that collects your flow as opposed to absorbing it. Even after a year of using this little gem, I'm still as obsessed with it as the day I brought it home!
Here are most of the current brands available online (courtesy of Google images):
What are the benefits of a menstrual cup?
*No risk of TSS!
*No absorption = no dryness and pH is not disturbed.
*Some women have noticed shorter periods due to no absorption.
*Some women have reported a significant decrease in cramping.
*Much better for the environment as there is no waste.
*The product can be used for years = mega savings!
*It can be worn for 12 hours at a time, meaning no more trips to the work restroom!
*No leaks (when inserted correctly) = a full, peaceful nights sleep!
*It makes travelling so much easier!
*Men love it because they are never asked to go down "that" aisle again!
Really??? With a list like that, who wouldn't want to try one? While I was slightly intimidated, I knew I had to do something to contain the flow I was dealing with at the time, so I decided to take the plunge. I was able to find the Diva Cup brand at both Whole Foods & REI - I think I saved $1.50 at REI so I got it there - you can also order them online, but I was in desperate need and couldn't wait.
Size of the Diva cup (courtesy of Google Images):
Many women are intimidated by the size, but to be perfectly honest, the size did not bother me...but the thought of getting my hands dirty made me a little apprehensive...I know, I know :) Since I was in such dire straits, I decided to buy a box of disposable gloves; this turned out to be the best decision ever. There are tons of YouTube videos, blogs (this one is excellent!) and forums to show you how to insert and extract this little darling as well as troubleshooting tips for new beginners...and trust me, there will be a learning curve, but most good things require a little practice. By the way, I only used the gloves for 2 months...I'm a pro now! :)
How it works (courtesy of Google images):
Ok, back to last May...I finally got up the courage to try this little baby & was pleasantly pleased with the results. In fact, within just 6 hours of using the Diva Cup I noticed a dramatic slow down - while this may have been purely coincidental, I choose to believe my new friend was the saving grace. Starting the very next month, my period dropped to 4 days and has remained at 4 days each and every month! Happy, happy, joy, joy!!!
Let me tell you, this cup makes travelling a breeze! While getting all of my last minute travel details ready one morning last August, my monthly visitor decided to pick that very moment to show her snarky face...are you kidding me??? I had to leave for the airport in 15min! If I had been using traditional monthly products I would have been up the creek...I had no stock under my cabinet, no time go to the store and was going to be in aiports, planes and rental cars for over 9 hours! I put in my trusty little friend and went about my day...3 airports, 2 planes and 1 rental car later, I checked into my hotel and of course, all was well in Womantown :) Talk about a lifesaver!
Since I have been using the Diva Cup I have only had 1 leak and that was due to me not inserting it correctly (ie. suction is your friend). But, to only have 1 leak in the course of an entire year is something to sing about...I mean really...can pads or tampons make that claim??? Negative, ghost writer!
Plus, to think of all the money I'm literally NOT flushing down the toilet each month, along with the fact that it's so much more comfortable to work all day at the office and never have to make that awkward visit to the restroom with my purse in hand. And the lack of trash I create is amazing; imagine...now, no one has to know! You never again have to leave any signs behind that you're in the flow; despite the TMI of this post, I am a pretty private person and would rather not leave my monthly trash behind in the trash can of someone I happen to be visiting. Since the cup only has to be emptied twice a day (unless you are experiencing a tidal wave) you can do it in the privacy and comfort of your own home; once when you wake up and once before bed is usually all you will need. Secrecy at it's best!
It's amazing how empowering this little cup is...it gives you the ability to handle your monthly cycle with privacy, grace and ease...when was the last time you heard those 3 words used to describe your period? It's true! I could not imagine going back to pads or tampons; in fact, my cup has already paid for itself three times over! I spent $38 and have saved a boatload of cash, time and frustration. Also, the sheer number of chemicals I am not exposing my body to makes me feel much healthier and stronger.
Keep in mind, not all bodies are made the same - which means that the differences in cup size and shape depend of manufacturers and may yield different results or fits. I have a friend who tried the Diva Cup and was just never comfortable (when inserted you should not really be able to feel it all- in fact, I forget about mine most of the time)...it just seemed too long for her. After she tried another brand that was slightly shorter in length, she was thrilled with the result. So, don't be afraid to research like crazy and try a different brand if the first one doesn't work well.
If you have questions or just want more info about menstrual cups, please send me a comment or message.
Thanks for reading and may the cup be with you! :oD
(Again, not my pic...thanks Google Images!)
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