After about three hours, I felt too aware of it and uncomfortable, so I took it out and just went back to the DivaCup. This reusable silicone disc is designed to be placed higher inside the body than a menstrual cup, so it is more comfortable and creates a more effective natural seal. I squatted over the toilet but I couldn't get it out. This disposable menstrual disc from Flex Disc offers you worry-free protection for up to 12 hoursthe same level of protection as five or more super tampons. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast.
It was a lot like using an o.b. Its available in two sizes Size A (for women who have not given birth or for those who have given birth by C-section) and Size B (recommended for women who have given birth vaginally or for those who have been diagnosed with a weaker pelvic floor). Most women would agree that the whole period thing gets old pretty quickly. They feel just like any pair of underwear and are available in multiple styles and designs too! By the end, I hoped to learn which choice was really best for me. I couldn't feel it at all. Medically speaking there is not a specific type of patient that should consider a menstrual cup. Your email address will not be published. Designed to accommodate heavy periods, they are super absorbent and prevent leaks and odor. It also has measuring markings to show that it holds up to 0.5 ounces of period blood at a time. It can be worn up to a maximum of 10 to 12 consecutive hours and should be emptied and rinsed a minimum of two to three times daily. A lot. According to Ana Cepin, MD board-certified gynecologist and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City you usually can wear these cups longer than other single-use cotton-based period products (between six to 12 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is and the cup's size). "Unfortunately this tends to be trial and error," she says. Easy, and no great mess. If you're confused about which size you need, Portland-based board-certified ob-gyn Jennifer Lincoln, MD says that sizing usually depends on quite a few factors, including the amount of flow, how low your cervix is in your vaginal canal, and if you've had a baby before. Anyone who has tried to buy tampons recently may have discovered these essential products seem to be among the latest in a long list of items affected by the supply chain crisis. Posted June 23, 2021 by south ave & filed under Women's Health. Finally feeling well enough to go into work, I headed to the nearby Whole Foods pharmacy in the morning and picked up the DivaCup I'd been dreaming about trying for days, but hadn't been able to procure at my local Brooklyn pharmacy. Of course, this has a lot to do with the cramps, fatigue, bloating, other uncomfortable physical symptoms, and overall inconvenience that goes along with menstruation. Rif Care, a BIPOC women-owned feminine care brand, recently launched a line of biodegradable feminine care products made with hemp fiber. "That wasn't so hard," he said matter-of-factly. Now, time to put your newfound period cup knowledge to good use. All Rights Reserved.Email: admin@putacupinit.com As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Since it's a flatter shape, you can also wear this disc during sexual intercourse without worrying about opening up the flood gates, which is why Dr. Lincoln says this disc is one of her top recommendations. After THINX, I felt gross wearing a pad. A lot of women love this option for its affordability, sustainability, and ease of use. We truly believe a cup is the best internal protection, but there are options that dont contain the toxins found in traditional products and its worth switching to a safer option for comfort and health. So I just grabbed my usual Maxim organic tampons, and decided I could buy the other products later. But it had all been absorbed what was this sorcery?! The Honey Pot Menstrual Cup is meant to replace your single-use period products for up to a full year. This means that you can have mess-free sex on your period while using a disc. Put A Cup In It provides the best period education you were never offered with trusted resources, positive education, advocacy, and an inclusive community. Below are a few of our favorite brands. Don't be embarrassed that you bleed embrace your period! As you might have guessed, I'll be using a menstrual cup during the day, and the occasional pair of THINX panties from now on. If you have tried a cup but are having trouble, we recommending taking our quiz to see how the result cup compares to the one youve tried, and joining our Facebook community to see if they can help you troubleshoot and get it working for you. Scared that a cup might mess with my IUD by accidentally making me pull at the string (highly unlikely, and though my OBGYN said it shouldn't be a problem, you should exercise extra caution). FLEX is available as a subscription in packs of four, eight, or 12 discs monthly, depending on the needs of your cycle. It is made of soft silicone that softens with body heat, and forms to the body for comfort. If you're a beginner, the following reusable menstrual products might just convince you to break up with your tampons for good. Reusable or Disposable There are reusable and disposable models. As for cleaning your cup during your period, Dr. Lincoln says you can clean it with fragrance-free soap and water, "and if you're out and about, it's okay to do a quick rinse with water in the sink and re-insert." "It's best to see what the company's guide recommends based on some or all of these factors to see which size is right for you." Sexy, even (and nowhere near as big as they look in the picture). The DivaCup is one of the most well-known of menstrual cups. Pros: Reusable for three to six months, great for the environment, truly all-natural, Cons: Felt exactly like having a sponge in me, has to be changed every three to six hours, has to be washed carefully and often. The company also makes menstrual cups and organic cotton tampons. When there weren't any, I soaked it in the DivaCup wash, and then wrung it out.
The Hiphugger model I was using claims to be able to hold two tampons' worth of blood, so I expected I'd at least feel like I was wearing a pad. Cost: $34 for Hiphugger model (other lighter-flow models retail for less), Pros: Easy, cute and comfy, they worked even on my heaviest flow day, no hassle, totally reusable, they donate a pack of reusable pads to charity when you buy a pair, Cons: Limited smell if you wear them a while, some slight wetness (again, if you wear them for a long-ass time). (The manual warned that there was a learning curve, and to try to start using it on lighter days of your period at first, but I'd already made my period bed.) They come in different sizes for heavier and lighter flow days, and smaller sizes generally for beginners or those of you with narrower vaginal canals. These undies are an easy menstrual solution you can just pull on, rewash, and re-wear for several years, if you care for them correctly. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Check out Bustle's new podcast, Honestly Though, which tackles all the questions you're afraid to ask. They will cut a bitch. Considering the fact that a menstrual cup is, well, a cup filled with period blood, removal can easily get very messy if you haphazardly yank it out. In my free time I enjoy gaming, great food, and making memories with my three rapidly aging kids. The reusable cup has three times the capacity of a super tampon, and can be worn up to 12 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow. The company has a wide assortment of underwear styles designed for different absorption capacities, so you have plenty of options. Dr. Lincoln says you should sterilize your cup when you first purchase it and after every cycle. I plan to use THINX when I sleep, or for those light flow days when I feel too dry to stick something up my junk, but still need protection. Its tampon-like pull tab was made with beginners in mind. While I did feel it in there, when I was done going to the bathroom, I simply washed my hands, went back into the stall, and pushed the tip back in, and couldn't feel it again. A menstrual cup is a reusable alternative to the common menstrual hygiene products, pads, and tampons. tampon, and once I got it in, I couldn't even feel it; the cup was even less noticeable than a tampon. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), How the Menstrual Cup Improved My Sex Life, Nixit Menstrual Cup Review | a new reusable disc. In addition to a full range of womens wellness services, we also offer safe elective abortions, birth control options, pregnancy dating, and more. Im a fully adult woman, closer to menopause than to menarche, but Im functionally asexual and have never had any form of partnered sex. Its made of 100 percent medical-grade silicone and is vegan-friendly. This cup can be worn for up to 12 hours and comes in two sizes (Slim and Full Fit) to keep you covered, no matter how heavy your flow is. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. 2022 Cond Nast. Switching over to reusable menstrual cups, which can last anywhere between six months and 10 years, can also help you save money in comparison to buying single-use tampons and pads on a monthly basis. Tired of riding solo? All Put A Cup In It & PutACupInIt.com content is Copyright Put A Cup In It, LLC 2017. Size Several factors need to be taken into account when choosing the right size for a menstrual cup. Being the menstrual cup advocates we are, we never imagined the day would come where wed write a whole post about alternatives to menstrual cups. I balanced my urges to propose to him on the spot and smack him, and settled on "See, that's true love." Thinking of switching to a menstrual cup? I put it back in and slept with it comfortably all night. At first, I could feel it, so I reinserted it again, pushing the tip of the cup a little further in so that it was "even with my labia," as the instructions said. Next up, find out if its possible to still get your period while pregnant. The flat stem is easy to grab and pull, and it also comes in two sizes to choose from. Not to mention, most of these cups (and all of the ones on this list) are made of medical-grade silicone thats safe to insert into your body, just like your favorite sex toys. Lighter menstruation days will call for Size 1, which is the brand's smallest cup size, whereas Size 2 is great for your heaviest days of menstrual fluid. Depending on your flow, the Ziggy Cup should be emptied two to three times per 24-hour period. Invented by a doctor, the FemmyCycle features a patented no-spill foldable rim, an easy removal ring for comfort, and offers up to 12 hours of leak-free protection. The v shaped, silicone and BPA-free cup can be used for up to 12 hours. I took mine out in the shower, and washed it out there though cold water is recommended for washing in general. Check out the companys other styles, including thongs and smoothing briefs. Something about it has kept making my stomach churn, making me feel queasy. retailers. It comes in three sizes that are based on individual anatomy Regular, Low Cervix (designed for women with lower than average cervixes or shorter vaginal canals), and Petite. The average woman produces a total of 62,415 pounds of garbage from menstrual products over her lifetime, and will spend over $18,000 buying them. These are apparently all the rage in Europe, and are made of real sea sponges as in, sea sponges harvested from the m*therf%cking ocean. I read Bustle's tips for inserting it the first time, skimmed the instructions, and wet the rim of the cup in my office bathroom. Switching over to one of these reusable cups from wellness brands like Saalt, Lena, and Flex will have you saying goodbye to period-product-related yeast infections and hello to more cash in your pocket. These biodegradable bamboo pads are better for the environment, saving the equivalent of 48 plastic bags per period. Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go see a cervix about a string. What makes the Flex Cup so impressive? Consumers in various parts of the U.S. have been reporting empty shelves where the tampons would usually beis anyone else having flashbacks to the great toilet paper shortage of 2020?and to make matters worse, there are reports that scarce inventory has triggered price hikes on the limited supplies some stores do have available. It was easier to stick up in me, for sure, but it definitely felt like having a sponge in me. Which one is right for you? So you'd think my period game would be on fleek. Self-taught graphic designer, website jack-of-all trades(ish), and writer. I was ecstatic. Since these cups are reusable, cleaning them regularly is non-negotiable. FLEX is a disposable menstrual disc that provides 12 hours of period protection (it is not reusable). I decided to buy a box of SoftCups, the disposable menstrual cups. And I happen to have a very large and thick vaginal corona. I like to think I know my fair share about alternative period hygiene. Every month is a sortied affair for me even though I love using the app Period Tracker, it still manages to catch me by surprise every time, and I end up scrambling to the nearest store to grab a box of organic tampons. I pulled the SoftCup out of myself which (this time) wasn't too hard and man, the blood was all over my hand. When its full, you simply dump, clean, and reinsert it. Its made with medical-grade polymer and designed to comfortably form to the shape of the body, making it ideal for women with active lifestyles. "You still may want to wear a pad [or panty liner] the first time you wear it with your full flow so you can make sure the fit is correct and doesn't allow leaks," she recommends. "Lastly, menstrual cups may protect the vaginal pH and flora which can translate to fewer bacterial or yeast infections," she says. That's a pretty wide time range, so when it comes to the length of use, Dr. Lincoln says to look out for any tears or holes to get an idea of when your product needs to be replaced.
I followed the instructions for cleaning the sponge for the first time, soaking it and checking for "hard surfaces." Its made of medical-grade silicone and offers up to 12 hours of protection. Scared that I'd open myself up to more risks of vaginal infection by using reusable products (also unlikely if you clean them correctly). Post was not sent - check your email addresses! It may not be perfect the first try, but it will work. As you feel more comfortable, you can start using it while out and about. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned. Dr. Lincoln adds that you can also stand in the shower when you're still learning so any spills are easily washed away. In addition to having a lower potential for TSS, cotton tampons contain less toxins. There is some good news thoughperiod products have evolved over the last several years, and there are now alternatives to the standard tampons and pads women have been stuck with for all of their lives. Menstrual symptoms make it hard for many young women to succeed at school and university. Vanished. Menstrual cups are probably the most popular and well-known tampon/pad alternative at the moment. On Day 4, I was instantly struck by a horrible period cold. These factors include your age, whether or not you have had children, and the amount of menstrual flow, says Gaitan. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with Menstrual cups have a stem that is used for insertion and removal, and there are different sizes to fit each individuals size and flow. Its textured pull tab makes removal a breeze, and it comes in three sizes to choose from. Its collapsible and includes a carrying case, making it super convenient for travel or stashing in your bag or desk so its available anytime you need it. Similar to a menstrual cup, a menstrual disc is inserted into your vagina to sit and collect menstrual blood. Sh*t was about to get real. But most of all, I was squeamish about putting my fingers too far up in myself it's the same reason I've been avoiding checking that my IUD string is in the right place every month, the way I know I should. When I rinsed them out in the sink (what you're supposed to do before throwing them in the wash) I saw that yes, indeed, I had been bleeding a lot. This cup also comes in two size options (small and large) for a secure fit no matter how narrow your vaginal walls are. I read the instructions on how to fold the SoftCup in half, and stuck it in me easily. 2022 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Cost: $18.06 for a box of 10 (pricey because they are organic and unbleached, but you can find them for less online). Here are a few factors to consider: Material Most of them are made with medical grade silicone, however some could be made of latex. These dermatologist-approved treatments will help iron out fine lines and fill skin creases without the need for needles. On day two, my very early, light period disappeared. I was pleased to find that it wasn't difficult to insert the SoftCup. I went online and immediately ordered myself another pair. I mostly forgot I was wearing it all day, which is fine, since you can leave it in up to 12 hours. This cup is made of 100 percent medical grade silicone, and maintains natural pH, is hypoallergenic, chemical, and odor free. After my SoftCup experience, I wasn't scared the worst had already happened, and I'd survived. One of the most popular menstrual cup brands, Diva makes their products from medical-grade silicone with no added chemicals, plastics, or dyes. I've edited plenty of pieces about why menstrual cups are great, I can rattle off the names of all the alternative menstrual products out there, and I've even written about the risks of the chemicals that are in non-organic, bleached tampons. I don't want there to be any parts of my body I'm afraid to touch, or that my partner feels more comfortable accessing than I do. Ruby Cup also helps promote menstrual health in developing countries such as Ghana, Nepal, and Kenya with its Buy One, Give One program. Its reusable (for up to 10 years) and reliable: you can wear your cup up to 12 hours. Because not every womans body is built the same way, the Ruby Cup is a smaller size than the average larger cup, and is good for smaller or lower cervixes. Vitamin D Supplements Dont Lower Risk of Fractures, Study Finds, Discrimination Raised the Risk of Depression for Latino and Asian Americans in the Early Days of COVID-19. Not to mention, it's collapsible and comes with a matching carrying case so you can be prepared for any menstruation moment that comes your way. Cleaning is also easy wash the cup with mild soap and hot water after each use, theres no need for a special cleaning product. I haven't been. The products below are 100% organic cotton core tampons, which does not carry the same TSS risk as typical tampons which are made from rayon or a rayon/cotton blend. Then I tried to push it up me. Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission on items you purchase. Unlike traditional menstrual cups, this disc doesn't use suction to stay in place, meaning it'll involve a less messy removal process (as in, no excessive tugging when pulling it out) and a more comfortable fit. This pair of bikini underwear from Knix isnt just leakproofits also odor-killing, moisture-wicking, and super absorbent. The company offers monthly automatic refillswith quantities based on how light or heavy your typical flow isbut you can pause or cancel shipments at any time. Just as most of us found a level of success with tampons or pads, at one time, most people who try a cup will find that it works for them. I didn't feel like I was wearing a pad or even a pantyliner more like something between seamless underwear and a very comfy swimsuit bottom. A reusable menstrual cup are thicker and more durable and not meant to be worn during sex. It was clear that since this was a "medium day"-size sponge, and I was now on one of the light, final days of my period, this wasn't going to happen comfortably. And, much like with pads and tampons, there are many brands and features to consider. They can be more cost-effective than tampons and pads, and are eco-friendly, according to Gaitan. According to Dr. Lincoln, newbies should practice insertion and removal when they're not on their period to get used to the mechanics of a cup without making a mess in the process. Nixit's ultra-soft Menstrual Cup is more like a reusable menstrual disc that provides mess-free protection from day one to the final day of your period. Your California Privacy Rights. I assumed that maybe Day 1 had been a false spotting alarm, but oh, was I wrong. A few hours in, though, the cup was leaking again, and I decided it was time to take it out. What humbled me about this experience was how much time, money, and paper I've wasted by being afraid of trying these new products. Answer these questions to put a face to your period. MeLuna's Shorty is meant for those of you with low cervixes, which means your cervix is lower than the average cervix height. Its time to learn the terminology and technical medical speak surrounding your monthly bleed. The devices were found to be safe, cost-effective, reliable, and more friendly to the environment compared with other period products. Mini is meant for teens and those with a narrow vaginal canal; Size A holds the equivalent of a regular-to-super size tampon's worth of blood; Finally, Size B is meant for those who have given birth vaginally. Still, I was frustrated to have such concrete proof that I was more comfortable with him having his fingers up in me than I was using my own. This nifty innovation not only allows you to adjust its fit but also makes removal way easier and mess-free. All Put A Cup In It & PutACupInIt.com content is Copyright Put A Cup In It, LLC 2017. DivaCup's The DivaCup Model 1 is probably the most well-known menstrual cup out there, and that's because it truly works. Sign up for our Women's Health Newsletter! Options may also be limited by access to products and/or access to clean water to care for reusable products. Menstruation is finally eking out of closed bathroom doors and taking center stage. The Ziggy Cup is a reusable cup with a thin, flat-fit design that adapts to the body. Irregular Periods Tied to Increased Risk of Liver Disease, Smart Health: I Tried Period Underwear and Heres What Happened, Speaking Menstruation: A Glossary of Terms Used to Describe Symptoms, Tests, Treatments, and More, Real Women Tout Their Go-To Period Products, Menstrual Cups Are a Good Option for Many Women, Study Shows, Period Pain Is Linked to Missed School Days, Poor Academic Results, Study Shows, The Best Smoothies for People With Crohns, 5 Delicious Holiday Treats for People With Ulcerative Colitis. All internal protection has the potential risk, but these are safer and will not leave behind as many fibers as rayon. Lunette's Menstrual Cup has a textured rim that allows the silicone cup to sit in just the right place and come out with ease. even cardboard applicators can't be recycled. For every cup they sell, they donate one to a girl or woman without access to menstrual care products. I was caught off-guard, since my period started a full week ahead of the projected start date. User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Period sex can always be on the table (literally) when you use the Intimina Ziggy Cup. That said, I'm sure that I'll still use organic tampons and panty liners whenever I'm caught without the cup. I can see how I probably botched this by waiting to use it 'til my flow was so light and cutting it myself, but I was not a huge fan (though I may give another try during my next period). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They are comfortable, easy to wash, and affordable once you have a supply of them though there is clearly a startup investment. If firmer cups cause pain for you vaginally or push on your bladder, try switching to a softer option like Saalt's Soft Menstrual Cup. You've probably noticed that menstrual cups come in a variety of sizes, depending on the brand's offerings. He washed my blood off his hands, and I have to say, it was kind of romantic. All products and services featured here are chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But I slipped them on, and they felt awesome. Cost: $35 bucks for the cup and $12 for the DivaCup wash. Pros: Can't feel it, can be reused for up to 10 years, great for the enviornment, relatively easy to insert, easy to remove, can be worn up to 12 hours on super light or heavy days, Cons: If you're in a place where it would be hard to wash your hands or get to a bathroom to clean it once a day, that would be a problem, but other than that, can't find one, Jade & Pearl Sea Pearl Sponge Tampon, $22, Amazon. Longer-lasting makeup is just a spritz away. I started clenching up and getting frustrated and nervous, with that awful, stomach-flip feeling you get when something's in you that you don't want to be there. Its also rather funny since most people consider a cup to be an alternative to traditional products but here we are. I would try a different alternative menstrual product on each day of my period: my usual organic tampons, THINX period underwear, the SoftCup, a good old-fashioned maxi pad, a menstrual cup, and the sea sponge. Like, less-than-a-tampon couldn't feel it. These insertable cups sit in your vaginal canal to collect menstrual blood from your cervix, rather than absorbing it the way other cotton tampons, pads, and underwear do. You can wear this leak-free disc for up to eight hours. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. A trailblazer in the industry, Thinx is among the most popular period underwear brands, and this style is their top-selling selection. and of course, online. As for who should consider a menstrual cup, its a personal choice. Actually, I just felt badass, like I was going to go kill Bill or something. This cup is created to mold to your own personal shape and comes in two sizes: small for light to normal flow and regular, for normal to heavy flow. This menstrual disc holds four regular-size tampons' worth of menstrual fluid for up to 12 hours. I could have kept wearing them even longer, if it wasn't so unhygienic. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. After attempting to pull it out and failing for 10 minutes, I started getting really freaked out, and called my boyfriend in the bathroom. Like, no wonder I've been intimidated by them. Is Your Data Safe With Period Tracking Apps? Different sizes are available for different levels of flow. Dr. Lincoln says these discs usually come in one size, which makes the sizing conundrum much simpler. 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Its the only reusable cup that can be worn during sex. Of course, avoid a latex cup if you are allergic to it, says Gaitan. The Lilly Cup is the first collapsible menstrual cup, and its compact design is ideal for travel. "Then, practice at home when you are on your period, starting when your flow is less, so any spills will be smaller.". A privacy audit for your phone is a must, especially if your state outlaws abortion. Every time I tried to grip around the SoftCup edges, it seemed to slip out of my grasp. If you have any questions or concerns about your period, or any other aspect of your reproductive health, South Avenue Womens Services is here to support you.
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alternatives to menstrual cup
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