11 Years with a Menstrual Cup: My Honest Thoughts

 

I can’t believe it’s been just over 11 years since I first switched from tampons and pads to using a menstrual cup. At the time, it felt all kinds of “crunchy,” & “holistic” which were odd back then in the circles I ran in.  Honestly a little scary and I was super freaked out that I’d get it wrong, but here I am, still using it, still thankful, and wishing I had known about them throughout my high school years!

If you’ve never heard of a menstrual cup (or if you’re one of my brothers and you’ve already hit that little “X” at the top of the screen, no hard feelings! 😉), let me give you the short version: A menstrual cup is a small, reusable silicone cup that collects rather than absorbs. You use it in place of tampons or pads.

When I first started, I gave monthly updates here on the blog to share how it was going. Looking back now with over a decade of experience, I can tell you, it’s been one of the best lifestyle changes I’ve made for myself.

Here’s why:

🌸 Pros

• Lighter bleeding & fewer cramps. This may sound surprising, but once I stopped using conventional products, I noticed my periods felt different; less cramping, less intense bleeding. Some research even suggests chemicals in pads and tampons can affect our cycles.

• Leak protection. I’m a heavy bleeder (thanks to PCOS), and the cup has never failed me. For peace of mind, I do pair it with a cloth pad, or my favorite choice, period underwear (which feels just like regular cotton underwear) if I’m out and about.

• All-day wear. Up to 12 hours, friends! That means overnight coverage without waking up in a panic at 2 a.m. to change.

• Budget + eco-friendly. One cup can last for years. No more late-night runs to the store, no more wasted packaging, & no more bathroom drawers bulging with pads. It’s a gift to your wallet and God’s creation.

• Portable & discreet. It fits in a small bag or pocket and comes with a little pouch for storage. Mine always has a home in my bathroom drawer, ready when I need it each month.

• No toxins. I don’t love the idea of chemicals sitting on or in my body every month. With the cup, I don’t have to think twice.

🌸 Cons

• Public bathrooms. Cleaning it on-the-go isn’t always convenient, but because of the 12-hour wear, it’s rarely an issue. A simple wipe and reinsert works if you’re in a pinch.

• Learning curve. Some women take a few cycles to get the hang of it. I happened to get comfortable right away, but it’s normal if it takes a little practice. As a tip, experiment on your heavier days, it’s easier to insert and you’ll notice the benefit quickly!

Final Thoughts

After 11 years, I still recommend the menstrual cup to every woman who is exploring a safer healthier option.

I know it might feel a little intimidating to try something new and something that isn’t so mainstream (the maxi pad and tampon ads dominate this area, because they thrive off of repeat customers and don’t value your health). Sometimes the best things in homemaking, motherhood, and womanhood come when we step outside our comfort zone.

God designed our bodies beautifully, and finding safer, simpler ways to care for them is just one more way to live with gratitude for His design.

Have you ever tried a menstrual cup? Or are you still curious (maybe even a little nervous) about making the switch?  There are many different brands, I suggest looking up the “Put a Cup In It” community for more info on sizing.  As a general rule, DivaCup Model 2 is for Post-Childbirth and DivaCup Model Cup 1 is for Pre Childbirth.