Why I Made the BIG Switch to Menstrual Cups!
Yes, you read that right, I said... MENSTRUAL CUPS.
Never in a million years would I have thought that those words would come out of my mouth. For Heaven’s sake, my transition from pads to tampons wasn’t even my idea; but one that happened on accident while on vacation only because my cousin had nothing else to use (Thanks KK). Nonetheless, after a couple of cycles, I finally got comfortable using tampons and actually started to prefer them, leaving pads in the past completely.
However, after a few years, the use of tampons started to take a turn on my body. I found that now every time I used them, I would get bad headaches, my blood pressure would fluctuate, my cramps would feel worse and the muscles in my legs and arms would be extremely sore.
…at least 90% of the women mentioned that they switched to either the cup or ring to relieve the pain
So, like the sensible woman I am, I did what most millennials do in these types of situations. I headed over to WebMD, DUH, and self-diagnosed myself with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) as all of my symptoms matched the condition. For days, after my “diagnosis”, I binge watched YouTube video after video of women who suffered from TSS due to their use of tampons. In the end of each video, at least 90% of the women mentioned that when they switched to either the cup or ring, their pain was relieved and I was convinced that this was what I had to do too.
Now that I knew my “condition”, the cause, and essentially the treatment, I messaged my soul sister, Kendal, the only person I knew who used a menstrual cup, and asked her if the switch was really worth it. Immediately she persuaded me to convert and assured me that I honestly had nothing to lose, as her sister, a doctor, recommended the switch for her too!
Fast-forward 7 months later, and this lady is no longer a member of the “Tampon Team”! Sorry Sisters, I’m not the always prepared friend you can grab a tampon off of in those cases of emergency! I’ve made the switch to the “Cup Cult” and I’m never going back!
Don’t Really Know What a Menstrual Cup Is?
“A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid.” (Learn More Here)
YES, I know it sounds super crazy to stick a silicone cup up your vagina but ladies, here’s why I think you should make the switch too!
Savings
The costs of being a woman is high to say the least! We are charged almost 50% more than men for the same products just because we have a vagina! Cough, cough, Pink Tax, yeah that right there is some B.S!!
It would kill me to spend $12 - $16 on a box of cotton every month, for something I had no control over and that I was only going to flush down the toilet in the end. This would always make me question if schools and doctors could give out condoms for free, why couldn’t they do the same for feminine hygiene products? Last time I checked, sex is a choice, a period isn’t.
To put it in perspective, let’s do the math real quick… Best case scenario, I would end up spending $144 a year just on tampons, not including, feminine washes, wipes, etc. the average cost of a menstrual cup is around $30 and they can last for up to 10 years if kept properly.
So, let’s weigh the options, spend $144 or $30 a year. I’ll take the Smart Choice for $30 Alex, Thank You!
Pain Relief
Since making the switch, my “TSS symptoms” have totally subsided and all that remains is my regularly scheduled 2-days of cramps and the occasional pimple here and there. Though like tampons, the cup took me a few tries to get used to, it became much more comfortable to use than tampons once I learned how to properly insert and use it.
Environmentally Conscious
Every day I try to do my part and be a conscientious consumer, whether it be using metal straws, reusable water bottles, or trying to minimize my waste, etc. With that said, you should know that using a menstrual cup helps decrease your footprint as well. The cultivation of cotton requires a ton of toxic pesticides that are harmful to the earth and your body! Don’t think that just because it says “Organic” that its not harmful as well, these toxins still effect ecosystems in surface runoff.
If you don’t make the switch for anything else, at least try it to help save our planet!
Convenience
Gone are the days of having to travel with extra tampons in my purse or having to pack them when going on vacation in case Mother Nature decided to come earlier or later than expected.
Now all I have to do is throw my little discreet Diva Cup pouch in my purse or suitcase and head out the door!
Here are some Cup Options for You to Try!
DIVA CUP
LENA
SAALT
Tips + Tricks I’ve Learned to Help You!
Use the 7 Fold
Like many, I struggled inserting the cup at first but after consulting with Kendal and the INANET **Cardi B Voice, I found that the 7 Fold worked the best for me over the other methods. See How Here.
Insert in the Shower
I found that the easiest way to insert the cup was while I was in the shower. Less mess, less stress! Also, your hands are cleaner in the shower and there is less chance of you introducing bacteria to your vagina.
Use Unscented Soap Down There!
If you know me, you know that I am a STAN for any body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, etc., that is minty and tingly. Tea Tree, eucalyptus and mint are literally my best friends, but when it comes to the vagina, I’ve found that no scent is the best scent! Scented products can cause irritation and mess with your ph. balance, so trust me ladies stay away!