Menstrual Cups - Have you dared to try one?

A person with a period throws away an average of 250-300 lbs. of period products in their lifetime — adding *literal* tons of waste to landfills. (Half the population has a period!)

"Menstrual Cups?! Have you dared to try one?" that was the subject line standing out in my inbox.

I had NOT dared, but it's been something I was considering for some time now. Challenge accepted!

Warning: Last chance...if the topic of feminine hygiene is making you uncomfortable or grossing you out, here is your chance to stop reading, but I do hope you keep on scrolling ;)



Why are cotton tampons bad? 


Cotton is often treated with pesticides and with it being such an intimate product it should be a larger concern for women. Rayon and rayon-cotton blends are widely used in the manufacture of tampons and most sanitary pads contain a blend of chlorine-bleached pulp, polypropylene, polyacrylates and plastic.
The average woman will buy more than 12,000 tampons in her lifetime! 


That’s a lot of waste and money spent


Yes, plus all the easy-glide plastic receptacle material being discarded too. So, although I had switched to healthier chlorine-free options, I didn't tackle the environmental or cost factor, which is why I finally decided to at least try making the switch to a cup.

What is a menstrual cup? 


Basically, period cups collect your flow and can be emptied into the toilet and then can be cleaned and reused again and again.

Menstrual Cups are Healthier! 


Cups are also made of 100% medical grade silicone, free from toxins, bleaches and perfumes, so healthier for you. The best reason of all, no life-threatening toxic shock syndrome worries as cups are non-toxic!!


I simply had to get over my initial ick factor response, but I'm glad that I finally did. Okay so the process sounds gross, but so is inserting and removing tampons. It's just that tampons are more commonplace, but hopefully not for long!

Cost-Savings & Eco-Friendly:

  • You can use a cup for up to 12 hours.   
  • Save yourself some money! One cup costs around $30 and lasts up to 10 years. See pricing options listed below.

Tips for Making the Transition Easier


I'll be honest I was a bit intimidated by the size and durability and stiffness of the medical grade silicone at first, but once I inserted it properly, it didn't hurt.

The first two times I tried placing the cup into position, I didn't have it high enough, so it was quite uncomfortable having it expanded near the opening. I couldn't understand how people online would say they could hardly feel the cup inside them. I was ready to give up, but luckily I didn't and now agree.

I tried one more time and found it best to wet the cup with water first for extra glide. Also, I liked the Tulip, punch down, push down fold best and not the C fold. It was also much easier to apply when I was seated on the toilet and not standing. These three added steps were the only way it finally started to work for me. Now, it was in the right place and I could no longer feel it. Also, after a few minutes, the silicon warmed and it got even more malleable. Once I figured it out, I felt liberated not having a pad or dry cotton sitting there!

In the beginning, I was also removing it too often when I really didn't need to. I typically have heavy periods, which is why I went on The Pill when I was younger, but found I only had to change the cup twice a day and that in itself was such a relief.  Best of all, it didn't leak and didn't feel as uncomfortable when like a tampon is full.

Doesn't sound sanitary? It is! You simply dump the collected contents and rinse with water after each use. Then, once a month you can boil the cup for a full sanitizing.

I swear, it smells and feels fresher than using tampons! There is no resulting scent from using a cup. Menstrual flow only begins to smell when it begins to oxidize from being exposed to air – as with sanitary pads. When using the cup, the menstrual flow is not exposed to air so you don’t have to worry about emitting an odor. Plus, no soggy cotton there.

Pair Your Cup with Thinx Panties 


Thinx period underwear absorbs up to 4 tampons’ worth. I know this sounds gross, but surprisingly it's not uncomfortable like a pad is, it's way better and not bulky either. The fabric is silky and the styles are nice too.

The cup should catch everything, but this will help any spotting or if your traveling and unable to change your cup as often. I also use THINX panties on the last
day without a cup. TIP: Don't try competing brands for less on Amazon, I did and they aren't the same. Make the investment.

Overall Thoughts


I'm never going back! Don’t be afraid of change, making the transition from tampons to cups is simple and is a positive choice for your body and your life.

Please note that while I received a free sample of the cup, I was not expected to or planning to originally blog about this. No strings attached (get it?). However, I've been so happy with the switch that I wanted to blog about it despite the TMI.

Which Menstrual Cup to Try:


Diva Cup is the most popular since you can find it at drugstores and sometimes they offer coupons too.

Ruby Cup and Pixie have a "Buy One Give One" program, setting themselves apart by donating to a woman in need for every cup sold. Each cup distributed in countries like Kenya, includes education on the female anatomy, reproductive health and Ruby Cup usage & hygiene too. So, you can feel even better about making the switch on so many levels.

I currently use the Lunette cup. Lunette's flat stem/handle is easier to pull and grip when removing. It comes with a carrying pouch too. Plus, the box that it is packaged in is recyclable and compostable. Lunette also makes a cup cleanser and to-go disinfecting and compostable wipes that you should invest in too, no matter what brand cup you use. They also have a starter kit with everything you need to get started.




Menstrual Cups - Have you dared to try one? Helpful tips and thoughts on making the switch from a real mom

1 comment

  1. I love my cup!! Started using mine a couple years ago and I've never looked
    back either. I think girls should be taught to use them from the first period on, so much less waste and they really are healthier in the long run.

    ReplyDelete