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But recently, various women in my life told me they were trying menstrual cups anddiscs.
I decided it was time to try out a few of the best menstrual cups for myself.
Menstrual cups are reusable feminine hygiene products.
Some brands say they can last up to 10 years.
(Though there are also some disposable menstrual cups available.)
global brand manager, Foreo
I wont liestarting this chapter felt intimidating.
Fortunately, Hearn has created theMenstrual Cup Quizyou can take to find out which cups to try.
I am 36 (hello, mid-thirties!
), have vaginally delivered a baby, and have a regular-to-light flow.
Yes, these details matter when finding the right cup for you.
The results: TheSaalt SoftandRuby Cupwere my top recommendations as the best menstrual cups for me.
I also tried theHoney Pot.
Heres how it went.
(I highly recommend learninghow to insert a menstrual cupbefore your flow begins.)
global brand manager, Foreo
The easiest method to get a period cup into your vagina is the U-shaped fold.
Once inside, the cup returns to its cylinder shape and creates an airtight seal.
This was easier said than done, and it took practice to get right.
That couldnt be right.
This size cup is recommended for higher cervixes and post-childbirth.
Celebrated for its comfortable feel, Saalt Soft is a pro first-timers cup.
The cup has the capacity of four tampons.
But I was convinced it would leak and felt nervous to go about daily life.
Spoiler: You really can wear the cup and live your life.
Period cups arent meant to just be yanked out like a tampon.
I read horror stories about cups getting stuck, so my nerves were on edge.
But, the gentle squeeze to break the seal worked for me, and the cup came out.
My take:This was a wonderful beginner cup to experience my first month of nixing tampons.
The websites directions are helpful and easy to follow.
This can be done for any cup with a straight stem to ensure maximum comfort.
Some cups, however, have a loop on the end for easy gripping.
Note that if you do feel a poking sensation, you might have inserted it incorrectly.
During this round, I was in peak summer mode and tested my luck swimming.
No leaks and no discomfort.
I realized my concerns were mostly mental.
I gave it a squeeze and slight twist and felt the seal break.
My take:I liked the sturdy feel of this cup.
It gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and do more while on my period.
For every cup purchased, they donate a cup to a person without access to period products.
Beyond the mission, the Ruby Cup made me feel like a seasoned pro.
The size medium inserted easily, and just like the other two, the material was firm but comfortable.
But it was a breeze.
I removed, cleaned, and reinserted the cup in just five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know when your menstrual cup is full?
According toDameperiod care, there are a few tell-tale signs that your cup is full.
The cup might start to feel heavy and your pelvic muscles will tire a bit form holding it up.
You might start to experience some leakage.
Can you feel a menstrual cup when you walk?
If youve inserted a menstrual cup correctly, it should feel no different than a tampon.
What are the disadvantages of menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups are clearlymore environmentally-friendlythan disposable tampons or pads that fill up your bathroom trash can.
They are also more wallet-friendly, since one cup can last several years.
That said, there is a learning curve associated with using menstrual cups and finding the right fit.
If the cup is too small, youll have leakage.
If its too big, it might be uncomfortable.
The dreaded leak felt like a nightmareIm talking flashbacks to middle school fears of a stain on your jeans.
But periods are a part of life.
The cup, I found, actually helped me normalize something thats been in my life for 20 years.
I hadnt expected this method of period management to be so empowering.
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