My Experience Switching to a Menstrual Cup

Back in 2019, I wrote a scholarly paper. If there is anything you learn early on in nursing school, it's to write papers about topics that you’re invested in. And so I did, this paper was titled ‘A Feminist Perspective: The Public Subsidization of Menstrual Hygiene Products’. This paper was the kick-start to my change. I quickly realized I would be spending approximately $18,000 over a lifetime from the age of 13-51 on menstrual hygiene products. Not only that, but I then thought about waste disposal, environmental pollution, along with many other things. So I thought “how can I reduce my Carbon footprint?”, “how can I be more mindful of my actions and the impact they have on the environment?"

Bear in mind I travel for months on end and always found it extremely frustrating to pack tons of menstrual hygiene supplies and or stop at the nearest Boots or ASDA to stock up. I was ready for the change and the learning curve that came with it.

So I started my research. I always knew about menstrual cups but was too intimidated to even consider it, especially when my acupuncturist and naturopath recommended it. Like how do I insert it? How do I clean it? What size am I? What brand? What type of cup?!?! I get it’s overwhelming, but it’s 100% worth it.

For the most part, the design of a basic menstrual cup is the same across the board. I opted for the Athena Cup and have been loving it still 2 years later. What made the Athena Cup an easy choice for me and why I would recommend it to beginners:

  • Two sizes (pre-child birth/post child-birth)
  • Transparency
  • Short stem (perfect size that its easy to grasp, but not too long that you’ll have to cut)
  • Easy to re-insert and remove due to the air holes at the rim
  • Easy to re-insert and remove due to the air holes at the rim
  • Medical grade silicone
  • Almost zero to no leaks for me
  • Measurements indicated
  • Easy to clean and store in pouch
  • Flexibility

When I say I had so much faith in this cup that it wouldn’t leak... I mean it. Call me a risk taker for wearing it for the first time to the gym on day #1 of my period with white leggings.

I feel like my transition from tampons/pads to menstrual cup was actually very simple and I got a grasp of it within my one period cycle. Looking back I wish I started using a menstrual cup sooner because it has been a game changer especially for my menstrual cramps.

Pros

  • More manageable menstrual cramps
  • More in-tune with my body
  • Less concerned about my periods
  • Less time spent in the restroom (up to 12 Hours of wear)
  • Less dryness and irritation
  • No association with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
  • No chemicals contained versus pads and tampons
  • Reduced carbon footprint
  • Decreased environmental pollution and impact
  • Cost-effective
  • Fewer trips to the store

Cons

  • Learning curve
  • Fit
  • Size
  • Inserting/Removal

I would recommend everyone to try a menstrual cup even if you think it may not be for you. Things that are uncomfortable are that much more comforting in the space of your home. There really isn’t a better time to try a menstrual cup other than now :)

Yours truly,

ppk