What the heck is a menstrual cup?
Let’s talk about period stuff — because let’s face it, it’s part of life, right? When it comes to managing Aunt Flo’s visits, there are a bunch of options out there. Each has its own advantages and challenges.
While you’re here, you should know a little about us. We’re ThriVe+, a pro-woman center where our goal is to empower you! We’ve got accurate medical info, resources, and no-cost services like medical-grade pregnancy tests, pre-abortion screenings, and STD screenings to help you along in your health goals. We’ve got your back, even when it comes to talking about our periods. After all, every woman deserves to feel confident and clean during her period. It’s something we all go through. So whether you’re here to learn more about what options are available or you’re thinking about switching things up, welcome! So, let’s talk more about the menstrual cup!
Which option suits you?
First up, we’ve got pads. They’re like comfy little cushions you stick in your underwear to catch the flow. Super easy to use and come in all sorts of sizes and absorbencies to match your flow. Many of us start out by using pads. And many women continue to use them throughout life! There are even cloth pads, which can be washed and reused (without the sticky parts).
Then there are tampons. These are cotton products that are inserted into the vagina. They can soak up the blood and get changed as needed, usually every couple of hours. They’re great for staying active because they stay put, even when you’re dancing or hitting the gym. They’re also discreet and can be packed away in your bag or pocket. Loads of women use tampons and love them!
Menstrual cups
But you might not have heard much about this one: the menstrual cup. It’s basically a reusable, silicone or rubber cup that you place inside your vagina to catch the blood. It might sound a little weird, but they’ve been around for a long time, and have recently become a lot more popular.
Why? Well, first off, they’re eco-friendly because you can use them over and over again. Plus, they might even save you money in the long run (since you don’t have to keep buying pads or tampons). And get this — they can stay in for up to 12 hours! No more constant bathroom breaks.1
And the best part? Once it’s in, many women say they can’t even feel it. It’s like it’s not even there. So you can go about your day without any discomfort or worries about leaks.
But, let’s keep it real. There are some downsides too. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of putting it in and taking it out, and can actually take a few weeks or months to get past the learning curve. You might find it frustrating and messy to figure it out. That’s okay. But it might be super easy for you, too.
It’s also important to be diligent about keeping your menstrual cup clean to avoid any infections.You can disinfect them with boiling water to make sure you kill off any bacteria.1
If you’re a teen, there are even menstrual cups made just for you now! Because they’re a bit smaller than some of the other menstrual cups, they might feel more comfortable and suitable for you.1
Changing the period conversation
Let’s get one thing straight: periods are a natural part of life. We shouldn’t feel awkward or embarrassed talking about them. Seriously, it’s time to break the stigma.
Let’s have some real talk about periods and women’s bodies.
The way our bodies work is incredible. We all deserve to be informed so we can make the best choices for our health.
At ThriVe+, we want to foster positive, informed conversations about sexual and reproductive health.
Thinking about trying a new menstrual product? Go for it! It’s totally okay to switch things up and see what works best for you. Maybe you’ve been loyal to pads but want to give menstrual cups a try. Or perhaps you’re curious about tampons but never got around to trying them—why not give them a shot?
Remember, your period journey is unique to you, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. So experiment, explore, and find what makes you feel comfortable and confident during that time of the month.
So let’s keep the conversation going, break down those period taboos, and embrace our bodies — periods and all. Because being pro-woman means being empowered with information about our health. Let’s own it, period!
If you think you might be pregnant or need STD testing, please call us up. We offer all our services at no-cost. We’ve got you!
Sources:
1https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/menstrual-cups-why-the-recent-increase-in-popularity/
