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:
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.
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