Menstrual Cup Tips

For years I struggled with menstrual products, and then I discovered menstrual cups.  But even after buying one, it sat in a drawer for years because I was too scared to use it.  Looking back, my only regret is that I didn’t try it much sooner!  Menstrual cups are a little bit of a learning experience, so these are some things I have learned along the way and to consider.

Not all menstrual cups are the same.

There are many menstrual cups out there.  They come in different sizes, shapes, colors, styles, and more.  Usually you can find each cup in a pre and post-birth size, but there are many variations in cups, so it can take a few tries to find one that suits you best.  Do some research before purchasing.

There is a learning curve.. be patient.

The first time I tried a menstrual cup, I was so scared that I tied a string to the stem because I was convinced the cup could get stuck and I wouldn’t be able to remove it.  That is not possible, but probably the biggest challenges are insertion and removal.. which brings me to the next tip:

Don’t have anxiety.

My first menstrual cup sat in a bathroom drawer for about 5 years because I was too nervous to try it.  I honestly thought there was a possibility of it getting stuck.  It just isn’t possible, and after trying the cup for the first time, the funny thing is that I cut the stem right off to make it more comfortable.  Don’t let other people sway you with horror stories.  There are some pretty dramatic stories floating around the internet that liken changing a menstrual cup to a crime scene – but not once have I had a spill.

It is not messy or gross.

I think disposables are messy and gross, but that is my opinion.  I can remove my cup without spilling it, no problem.

You may want more than one.

When I got my first menstrual cup, I thought the point was having just one, but it is nice to try more than one kind and to have more than one on hand.  I keep one in my purse and one at home.  Honestly, they are so little that it can be tough to keep track of them!  Plus I actually like different cups for different times in my cycle.  I feel like my stiffer cup is good for the beginning of my cycle, and the softer cup does just fine at the end.  And then there was the time I dropped one in a toilet.. So there are some great reasons have an extra!

You may quickly realize how much nicer a little cup is, compared to lots of disposables.

Menstrual cups are great for you and the environment.  You can’t worry about what other people think.

Everyone is entitled to choose whatever menstrual products they like, and a lot of people don’t hesitate to tell me how they think menstrual cups are gross.  No big deal, I brush it off.. everyone has differing opinions!

Remember all those awesome benefits!

Menstrual cups are amazing for so many reasons.. you can leave them in for 12 hours and not have to worry about TSS.  They are better for you and for the environment.  They are discreet. I personally find it more comfortable and I have much more peace of mind as far as not worrying about accidents.

Menstrual cups aren’t for everyone.. but chances are if you are reading this, you are at least considering it.  I hope if you try one, you love it!

 

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