Menstrual cups are trendy right now. If you’re like me, you were probably overjoyed when you heard about them. They are hailed as an affordable, environmentally friendly way to manage menstruation. If you’re unfamiliar with menstrual cups, they are a flexible cup designed for use inside the vagina during a period to collect menstrual blood. Most menstrual cups are made from silicone; however, some are made from rubber or contain rubber components. Although I am amazed by all the advantages, there are some significant disadvantages that I don’t think people speak about enough. Here are some of the kinks I wish I knew about the cup before I tried it:
Buying It
In the long run, menstrual cups make economic sense. One cup can last up to 10 years! However, the initial cup itself can be a steep purchase for many people. It may feel more sustainable to buy sanitary wear per period as opposed to getting the cup for the next few years, especially if you need to buy a couple of cups to find the one with the perfect fit.
Finding the Right Fit
Some people struggled to find the right cup. They usually come in two different sizes depending on your age and flow, so it can take some trial and error to find the perfect cup for you – despite what the package on the cup says.
Putting It In
I had used tampons for over a decade, so I was familiar with inserting something for my period. This is why I didn’t anticipate having any problems inserting a cup. The instructions were clear, but I ultimately felt they were oversimplified – there are several ways to insert the cup; however, I genuinely struggled to find the right one that didn’t leak.
Taking It Out
The cup is hailed for its suction, which in theory sounds like a fantastic aspect of the cup. However, I found that it made it painful to remove. The cup often leaked when I was wearing so the tight suction while removing it baffled me?
Emptying It
The cup is amazing because it can be worn for up to 12 hours. This is ideal for people with a relatively light flow, but that’s not the case for me. I have a heavy flow, and I needed to change my cup at least once throughout my workday. However, not all bathrooms have a basin within the stall to rinse out the cup and wash your hands – it’s not really something you’d want to do at the communal sinks outside the stalls.
Keeping It Clean
Some people find keeping the cup sterile an inconvenience. Unlike just disposing of a tampon or pad, the cup has to be sterilized after each cycle. It needs to be submerged in boiling water for up to three minutes before storing it away for the next cycle.
I understand all the pros of the cup, but I think it’s important to acknowledge the cons of it as well. I wish it worked for me as seamlessly as it does for other people. I was ashamed to say my issues with the cup because I know its groundbreaking potential. Although the cup is not my personal choice, I’m glad that people who menstruate have it as an option.