Did you know that the companies that sell you tampons aren’t even required to disclose their full list of ingredients? A woman that chooses to use tampons will use over 11,000 within her lifetime. Tampons are made up of a bleached cotton that can contain cancer-causing agents such as Dioxin or pesticides. That’s thousands of times you put yourself at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome.
So, what else is there? This past year we saw new alternatives such as the Thinx panties make their way across social media. But, there’s one alternative that’s been around for years that gets little attention – a menstrual cup.
For those of you that haven’t heard of or seen it before, a menstrual cup is a silicone cup that works to catch your cycle in a similar manner to a tampon. The cup is made up of 100% healthcare grade silicone which can be used in medical applications.
Thanks to one of our sponsors, DivaCup; I was able to test it out and give you a first-hand opinion. Up until this point, I’ve always favored pads over tampons. I was never much of a fan of putting such a harsh material in one of the most sensitive areas of my body. So with this mentality, I entered this with an open mind.
How It Works
The DivaCup is made up of a malleable silicone that folds with ease to be inserted in almost the same way you would a tampon. The cup creates an airtight seal that prevents leakage and can last up to 12 hours based on your flow.
Why They’re Great
Besides the fact that they’re eco-friendly, there are several reasons that make menstrual cups great. The DivaCup is long-lasting and has a possible lifespan of up to just over a year, making it a single purchase for the year that can save you a lot of money on feminine products. Since the cup is made of a safe silicone, you can wear it for long amounts of time without putting yourself at risk for TSS. A cup is also less drying than typical products which means you can use it before Aunt Flow even starts.
The Pros
I went into this with an open mind and it paid off. Not only is the DivaCup more comfortable than most feminine hygiene products, but because it is a flexible material it adjusts with your body movements. The Diva Cup is designed for an active lifestyle, which makes it great because it feels as if you aren’t wearing it at all. Another benefit I noticed was that it was odorless. Because the cup is worn internally, your menstrual fluid isn’t exposed to air which minimizes the chance of odor throughout the day. Since the DivaCup lasts up to 12 hours, I found it comforting that I never had to worry about leakage or having to change it in public.
The Cons
They always say practice makes perfect and this is something you definitely won’t master on the first try. Just like riding a bike, you probably will have some mishaps before you get it right. The actual removal of the cup can be a bit disconcerting in the beginning and be a more intimate process than the simple string removal.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I would definitely recommend this to a friend. Once you get past the initial awkwardness, it pays off. There are alternatives to the wasteful and disposable products we have come to know too well but never love. No longer do you have to worry about leaks due to a lack of easy access to restrooms or not having a spare feminine product when you need a change. Even without talking about the environmental or health benefits, the comfort of a cup leaves tampons in the dust. All I can say is, don’t knock it until you try it.