Menstrual Cups & Discs
Did you know that quality menstrual care doesn’t need to be a luxury? In fact, menstrual care is essential!
Reusable menstrual cups and discs can provide you with a healthier, comfier period with little hassle and change to your routine. Living with monthly period can be hard enough! Why not make the switch?? It’s as simple as making the purchase on your next Target trip 😉 (but there are tons of small businesses out there too, I recommend!)
I personally have been a cup user since 2016. I walked into Walgreens to buy some more tampons and I was aggravated (perhaps hormonally driven as well, iykyk). I was aggravated with the cost, overwhelming selection, constant changes in labeling, the “I’m better… no I’m better” marketing etc. Then, up in the top corner of the rack I saw the Diva Cup. Just a two boxes left. No other brands there at all. Just those 2 boxes hidden up there. At the time, I had heard very little about the menstrual cup. But for some reason that day was THE day that I purchased my first cup and NEVER looked back. Why you may ask? Aside from the aforementioned aggravation, I was curious. I thought that if this worked, then why buy another tampon again? Why have to deal with the accumulating cost every month, or the “oh crap” moment when you run out in the middle of your cycle and you are wondering if you can make it to the store before you bleed through. Or what about that awful dry feeling of the cotton scrapping your vagina on the way in and out of a light period. Or when your brand new tampon becomes saturated with urine because you had to pee and forgot to adjust it, so now you have to replace it… an annoying waste. I thought, “why deal with that ever again if this cup works”. Let me tell you, IT WORKED! Sure, there was some trial and error with insertion but once I got the hang of it… ladies… it is a GAME CHANGER. Heaven on Earth.
Let’s go through some of the proven benefits of switching to a reusable menstrual option.
Pros:
🌱 1 cup or disc holds as much as 3 regular tampons - some even taut holding 4-6 worth.
🌱 less changes and trips to the bathroom needed - aka giving you more time to get to a potentially more comfortable setting if you are concerned about changing in public restrooms
🌱 you can wear up to 12 hours! TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is rare! Cups and discs are made with medical grade silicone material (even the disposable cups have silicone rings). There are no bleaches or fragrances that cause irritation.
🌱 1 cup can last 5-10 years! (with proper care)
🌱 a proper fit and you can barely feel it!
🌱 don’t have worry about messing up your plumbing iykyk
Now if my story and this list of benefits hasn’t convinced you to try out a cup or a disc yet, then read on. I hear a lot of cons and concerns and “sure, Katherine, but what about xyz”. So let me stay up on my soapbox of trying to switch every person out there with a vagina and still mensurating that the cons aren’t that bad.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Inserting and removing a menstrual cup or disc can be challenging for beginners. It may take some time to become comfortable with the process and getting the right placement and/or suction to hold. I also always hear “blood will go everywhere when I take it out!” My response - not if you properly release the seal before gliding the cup/disc out. Can there be spillage? Sure! But everything takes a little practice, no?
I also hear “but I don’t want to fish around in my vagina to get it in and out”… Let’s work on getting comfortable with our own anatomy. This is going to be so crucial with any pelvic floor recovery. Have I mentioned that 75% of people with vaginas have pain with penetration? That does not only apply to just intercourse. Speculums, tampons, cups all fall into that category. And ignoring the symptoms does not make it go away (more on this topic at later time). But if it is blood related concern? You are washing your hands anyways, right? Have you NEVER had to clean up blood from an oversaturated pad or tampon? Food for thought :)
Initial Cost: Although cost-effective in the long run, the initial purchase price of a menstrual cup may be higher than that of disposable products. But remember! You do not have to replace your reusable option nearly as often. We are talking years vs every month here, ladies. Some of my favorite options were only $12 - $30 to start!
Comfort Issues: Some users may experience discomfort or difficulty finding the right fit. It’s important to select the right size and type for your body. Correct placement is also a big thing to note here. It will not feel comfortable if not inserted correctly. Trial and error is your best friend. What’s great is that now companies are creating Teen or Mini cup options for petite anatomy but scale through Postpartum sizing.
Anatomy Tangent: let me go on a brief anatomy tangent here and tell you the vagina is VERY flexible. The canal and pelvic floor are muscles, just like the rest of your body. Fun fact- the vaginal canal can change shape in certain situations, such as during sex or childbirth. According to one 2006 study, the average length of the vaginal canal is around 2.5 inches, but can range from 1.5–3.7 inches.
If you are still having issues, I would recommend chatting with your pelvic floor physical therapist. It is possible you have some pelvic floor tightness or tension that may need to otherwise be addressed. You should do the same if you have no problem with insertion, but the cup/disc won’t stay in. That could be related to poor pelvic floor activation techniques; a disconnect with the pelvic floor muscles unrelated to the disc/cup itself.
Maintenance: Proper cleaning and sterilization of the cup are essential to avoid infections and ensure longevity. But it’s easy ladies! Make sure you are cleaning between (most) changes. Don’t be afraid if you don’t have access once during the day. Then make sure you are fully cleaning at the end of your cycle too! There are pH-balanced soaps and hot water cleansing steps. Each brand will have varying instructions. But honestly, a mild, unscented and oil- and dye-free soap will do the trick just fine too.
Now that has all been laid out for you, doesn’t investing in a menstrual disc or cup sound like a more affordable, cost effective, healthier, EAISER period?? It does for me! That’s my kinda luxury experience! Embrace your flow and make your time of the month easier ❤️🩸
If we have to deal with our periods every month, then WHY NOT make it feel better and easier??
Ask me your questions! I’d love to help!
~ Katherine
