Periods are a fact of life for women of child-bearing age. We don’t always like to talk about it, but for a few days each month, we have to find ways to accommodate our period. The traditional way of dealing with menstruation is to use tampons or sanitary towels. These are both effective, but there are a lot of downsides, not least the cost to the environment. Menstrual cups are a new type of period product. They aren’t for everyone, but if you haven’t tried a menstrual cup yet, here are seven reasons why you should give it a go.
They are Cheaper
Switching to a menstrual cup will save you a significant amount of money. The average women will spend around $5,400 on disposable tampons and pads in a 40-year reproductive cycle. That’s a lot of cash. A menstrual cup lasts indefinitely, so once you have bought one, it lasts for years. The only time you might need a new one is after childbirth when you may need to switch to a different cup size.
Think of what you could spend that extra money on!
You’re Saving the Environment
Tampons and sanitary pads mostly end up in a landfill. The US Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that women generate more than 62k pounds of used tampons and pads. That’s a lot of waste, all of which can take years to decompose. Disposable sanitary products are also full of toxic chemicals, which leech into the soil and contaminate the environment.
Using a menstrual cup is much better for the environment. In fact, you can even use your menstrual blood as fertilizer! Yes, that’s a pretty gross idea, but trust us, it’s great for your tomatoes. Just water it down first.
They Safer for Your Vagina
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a serious, life-threatening condition. Yet we put ourselves at risk of TSS each time we wear a tampon. The female vagina is a delicate environment and the slightest imbalance can cause all kinds of problems, including TSS. Women who wear tampons for too long are at risk of developing TSS, whereas menstrual cups are safe to use for up to eight hours.
Treat your vagina with kindness and use a menstrual cup instead of a tampon.
You Can Wear Menstrual Cups for Longer
It’s a real inconvenience having to change a tampon or pad every four hours or less. The last thing you want to do is draw attention to yourself by leaving a meeting early to make an emergency trip to the ladies’ room. The great thing about menstrual cups is that you can wear them far longer.
Just think, you can enjoy an uninterrupted night’s sleep without worrying about changing a pad or tampon!
Fewer Leaks
Leaks are a real concern for many women, especially on heavy flow days. There is nothing worse than realizing your tampon leaked and those smart white jeans you are wearing now have a nasty stain around the crotch area. Many women double-up with a tampon and a pad, but even that isn’t a fool-proof method. Menstrual cups can hold up to one ounce of liquid, which is five times as much as a tampon. If properly inserted, menstrual cups don’t leak. Period.
Live your life without worrying about embarrassing leaks!
One Cup for All
Women are usually forced to keep a collection of different tampons and pads – super-size tampons and extra-thick pads for heavy days all the way down to panty liners for the end of your period. Menstrual cups can accommodate every stage of your period, which gives you tons of extra room in your bathroom cabinet.
Make use of the extra room. Stock up on cute nail polishes and lipsticks. You can spend all the money you’re saving!
They are Great for Fitness Queens
Grueling workouts and periods don’t always mix. It’s not easy to focus on your gym session if you are concerned your tampon might be leaking. And if you love to swim, it’s downright embarrassing when a tampon string makes a break for freedom. Ick.
Menstrual cups are ideal for fitness enthusiasts. You can wear your cup all day and if you do need to empty it, access to a ladies’ room isn’t essential.
Menstrual cups are a wonderful invention. Have you tried one yet? Tell us more!