Yesterday I was waiting for Nerea to drive by and officially start our weekly meeting when I remembered I had to go and buy some sanitary napkins. As I am in wondering around the hygiene products aisle, two items caught my attention, a cleaner version of a sanitary napkin and a menstrual cup. I have chewed and digested the idea of trying a menstrual cup for months now. I bought one of the cups, a package of the sanitary pads and went home to wait for Nerea.
I never understand nor can explain what led to our menstrual conversation as we are on our way to having lunch. I bluntly told her I bought the cup and her response was “that is -basically- what I am using right now”. I was mind blown right then and there, someone so close to me could finally explain to me how to use it, insert it, the dos and do not’s, what and when is best, and even told me I bought the wrong size for age and flow. I felt so lost but enthusiastic to understand the proper procedures of this ecological way self-caring while menstruating. If you add up how much do you expend buying sanitary napkins or tampons a year, you could cry.
First and foremost, they are one of the most expensive hygiene products there are in the market. Have you ever guessed what happens to your sanitary products or where would they end after you discard them? Most sanitary products are lined with plastics to prevent leaks, wrapped in plastic packaging, and probably end up wrap in more plastic, at the nearest landfill. We menstruate for about forty years in our lifetime, forty years of trash going nowhere, forty years or more, and more expensive BS!
Thankfully Nerea and I agree that sanitary products are expensive as hell, and maybe the menstrual cup is not for everyone, but saving money it is! It is just sad that -even- as being the must ecological sanitary method there is out there, it is the enemy of females who lived without running water; there are parts in the world where menstrual products are not even accessible. For us -the lucky ones living with running water- it is a time to give mother Earth time to breath and recover from all that plastic slum.
But how do I insert the cup? How often should I wash it, change it, sanitize it? The questions are endless, but Nerea had a LOT of my questions answered in no time. I felt relief to be next to someone who uses it. Did I mention that already? Well, it is sort of scary to think about inserting something with little to no information to what I was giving into it. There is -basically- nothing to be afraid of. Just popped it in and let the magic happen, for that, I am going to let you rejoice with my conversation with Nerea, AKA, the best Beauty Editor ever!
Jarelis: So how long have you used the cup?
Nerea: I have been using the diva cup for about 4 months. At first, it was very scary because I -really- didn’t know what I was getting myself into. After extended research and massive determination, I picked up a cup at my nearest pharmacy. Since then, my cramps have been reduced, and my periods have shortened. I would never go back to using non-eco-friendly products like pads and tampons.
Jarelis: How do you insert the cup?
Nerea: There are various ways to insert the cup and the menstrual cup website has videos and images that demonstrate these. The most common folds are the c-fold and the half fold. My personal favourite has to be the half fold because the cup becomes very small, almost tampon like and the insertion becomes easier. It’s all about practice so the more you use the cup, the better you become at inserting the cup.
Jarelis: How do you wash it, and how often?
Nerea: I boil the cup before and after every cycle. Throughout the day, I remove it and rinse it to make it more comfortable if it becomes heavy. It is a very easy, messy free process that is greatly appreciated.
Jarelis: What do you love the most of it?
Nerea: What I love most about the diva cup is the fact that my periods have shortened since I started using it, from 5-7 to 3-5 days. They have also become more comfortable with the menstrual cup because I don’t have to worry about my period throughout the day. I know I can go full shifts without changing the cup, without worry that I will leak. At night I wake up leak-free and it -definitely- uplifts my hateful morning mood.
Jarelis: Would you recommend to someone else?
Nerea: I would recommend the menstrual cup to anyone who hates their period. Before the cup, my cycles were long, dreadful, and painful. Now, my periods are worry-free, short, and most importantly comfortable!
Jarelis: Have you received any negative comments when talking about the cup or such?
Nerea: Weird faces are a regular when I share that I use a menstrual cup instead of a regular old pad or tampon. The reality of it is that I didn’t -really- make the switch due to the excitement or “hype” that was built upon this product. I use this product because it makes me and momma earth feel good. I’m not harming myself by using products that could lead to deadly diseases like toxic shock syndrome through tampons, and I no longer have to deal with the mess of pads and leaky nights. So yes, negative comments and weird faces are made, but they don’t stop me from feeling a little better during my sensitive days.
There is still a taboo between woman whether the menstrual cup is better than a pad, or tampon, but it is an alternative for us and mother Earth. So, if you want to follow with this new shenanigan of mines, do not forget to follow us on social media for more!
PS; you can also donate to these organizations to help girls have access to sanitary products, so let’s donate, and spread the love for humanity!
Awkwardly Vain 