After dealing with my period since I was 11, I always considered myself pretty well-versed in how to best manage the monthly floodgates. Switching my routine from tampons during the day and pads at night always seemed to garner me the most pain-free results. However, with the recent craze of more eco-friendly products, like organic tampons and other reusable period products, I decided to dig a little deeper into what options I had available to me.
The one product I kept hearing about was menstrual cups. I had always heard people mention how great switching to a cup can be, with benefits like a wear time of 12 hours and a lifespan of 10 years. But, the idea of shoving a small silicone object in my body was not something I was keen on trying.
Related: #ITriedIt: Nexplanon
To further educate myself and find out if trying a cup was worth it, I turned to the most reliable resource I could think of: YouTube. Samantha Ravndahl, a social media influencer, posted a series of videos comparing the best period cups and documenting her experiences using them. After listening to her blunt and honest advice, I decided to at least give one a try.
I settled on trying out the Saalt Cup in the size small. The body-hugging design, minimal packaging, their giveback program, along with their availability at Target were some of the reasons I decided to choose this brand. So, I ran down to the store and picked up my Saalt Cup a few days before my period started, excited to try it out for the first time.
Insertion
Before I tried putting the cup in, I made sure to read the detailed instructions, so I wasn’t posing any risks to myself. Next, I had to get familiar with the different styles of “folding” the cup: the C-fold, punch-down fold, and the 7-fold. These styles allow the cup to shrink to a smaller size for getting it ~all up in there~. Once I was feeling confident, I washed my hands and got ready for the big show.
I started by using the 7-fold because it was the easiest to grip with one hand. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I figured out that squatting in the shower was the best position to be in for an easy application. This way, you don’t have to worry about making a mess and the water helps as a natural lubricant. Once the cup is in, give it a full 360-twist to ensure that it’s properly expanded and the suction seal is locked in place for the next 12 hours!
During the first full day of wear, I was super paranoid and convinced that I’d inserted it wrong. But, each time I went to the bathroom, there was no leaking or dislodging. It was comfortable, reliable, and secure all day long.
Removal
At the end of the day, after a full 12 hours of wear time, it was time for removal. This was the part I was dreading the most. What if it gets stuck? Will I end up in the emergency room? What if spill it and turn my bathroom into a murder scene? Putting all of those questions aside, I took a deep breath, relaxed, and pulled it out.
Using the stem as a guide, just reach up and grab the cup. You first have to break the seal by pinching the base of the cup and then slowly pulling it out. Do *NOT* pull directly from the stem (This will only increase the suction and make it so much more painful.) Once removed, you empty the blood into the toilet and then wash the cup out with soap and water.
Final Thoughts
After using the Saalt Cup throughout a few cycles, I would definitely say it has changed my life for the better. If I could, I would go back in time and tell my younger self to stop wasting time and money stressing about my period, when I could have just switched to a cup. If you have been considering trying one out, I would highly recommend giving it a shot. If you’re having doubts, try checking out this comparison chart to see which cup will work best for you.
Happy menstruation, collegiettes! You’ve got this.