This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at STU (CA) chapter.
When it’s our time of the month, that usually means it’s time to break out the tampons. But crazy as it might sound, it could be time you tossed your tampon and tried something else.
It’s surprising that so few women have heard of the menstrual cup. However, people are learning about its benefits all the time, which has given it a huge popularity boost. With its unbeatable price point, toxin-free and eco-friendly design, it’s a wonder that this isn’t in every girl’s cosmetic bag! You might consider switching once you’ve seen the facts:
- Because menstrual cups are made from 100% medical grade silicone, they significantly reduce the risk of TSS (aka Toxic Shock Syndrome) that is associated with tampon use.
- A menstrual cup is a one-time purchase of around $50. The average female will spend around $2500 in a lifetime on disposable feminine protection products. In the end, you’re saving over $2000!
- It’s estimated that the average female uses more than 11,000 tampons or pads in her lifetime. Or, she can use one menstrual cup. Menstrual cups thus eliminate tons and tons of waste from the environment!
- Menstrual cups usually need to be emptied only twice a day; once in the morning, and once before bed.
- Menstrual cups may help alleviate cramps, whereas tampons have been shown to actually aggravate and worsen menstrual cramps (say goodbye to popping Advil when it’s that time of the month).
- Menstrual cups are easy to use and once inserted, you don’t feel a thing. You’ll probably forget you’re even on your period.
- Menstrual cups eliminate the need to carry around extra pads and tampons.
- Unlike pads and tampons made of bleached and treated cotton, menstrual cups do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins.
- Menstrual cups are perfect for use during swimming and vigorous exercise or sport.
- A menstrual cup can be changed in the shower as part of your regular care routine. Insertion takes no longer than 30 seconds!
The most common brand of menstrual cup found in Canada is the Diva Cup, which can be found in health stores, online, and in some drug stores such as Guardian Drugs.