Period Cup: Savings & Benefits for Menstruation
- I was 18 when I first tried a menstrual cup.I was studying at the University of Edinburgh, coinciding with Scotland becoming the first country in the world to...
- I was accustomed to spending £10 to £15 monthly on period products,a cost that could escalate with unexpected needs.
- Initially, menstrual cups seemed fiddly, messy, and invasive.
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From Tampons to Tealights: A Personal Journey with Menstrual Cups
Table of Contents
- From Tampons to Tealights: A Personal Journey with Menstrual Cups
The shift in Scotland & Initial Curiosity
I was 18 when I first tried a menstrual cup.I was studying at the University of Edinburgh, coinciding with Scotland becoming the first country in the world to provide free period products. The university health service offered menstrual cups alongside traditional sanitary pads and tampons. I picked one up out of curiosity, and frankly, because it was free.
The Financial and Environmental Burden of Traditional Products
I was accustomed to spending £10 to £15 monthly on period products,a cost that could escalate with unexpected needs. As an environmentally conscious teenager,I already opted for non-applicator tampons,but often supplemented them with sanitary liners. This was driven by a constant anxiety: would I leak, run out of supplies, or find a clean restroom in time? Despite these precautions, leaks where frequent.
Overcoming Initial Skepticism
Initially, menstrual cups seemed fiddly, messy, and invasive. Though, after trying one, I discovered it wasn’t nearly as elaborate as I’d imagined. It took a couple of attempts to master the insertion, but once I did, I never looked back.
A Five-Year Companion: Convenience and Routine
Nearly five years later, my menstrual cup is a constant travel companion.I now use a collapsible version, easily folding down into a case the size of a tealight. It’s discreet and slips easily into my bag. Cleaning is straightforward: I sterilize it in a cleaning pot using the microwave. A few minutes is all it takes to ensure it’s clean and ready for the next cycle – practical, if not glamorous.
What are Menstrual Cups? A Comprehensive Overview
Menstrual cups are reusable feminine hygiene products made of medical-grade silicone, latex, or thermoplastic elastomer. Unlike tampons and pads, which absorb menstrual flow, cups collect it. This offers several advantages, including cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and potentially longer wear times.
Types of Menstrual Cups
- Silicone Cups: The most common type, known for their durability and hypoallergenic properties.
- Latex Cups: less common due to potential allergies.
- Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Cups: A flexible and affordable option.
- Collapsible Cups: Designed for portability, like the one I use, folding down for easy storage.
- Firmness: Cups come in varying firmness levels. Firmer cups are frequently enough recommended for those with heavier flows or who have given birth vaginally.
The Benefits of Switching to a Menstrual Cup
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings | A single cup can last for years, eliminating the recurring expense of disposable products. |
| Environmental Impact | Considerably reduces landfill waste compared to tampons and pads. |
| Longer Wear Time | Cups can typically be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow. |