Why Switch to a Menstrual Cup? • The Rose-Tinted Globe

Welcome to a blog post that I never thought I’d write: why I love my menstrual cup and think every single human female needs to make the switch! I recently wrote a series of 30 ways to reduce your waste, and menstrual cups were one of my 30 suggestions. When writing the fourth post in the series, I realized I had a lot to say on why I recommend these so highly, so I decided to expand those reasons into this post. I’ve also included my top tips for beginners below.

Reasons why switching to a menstrual cup is one of the best things you can do:

It’s easier to pack for trips than a stash of tampons. It’s one small item. I have it and I’m good to go.
I’ll never “run out” and have to make a drugstore trip in the middle of the night. There’s no need to take stock of my stash, it’s always set!
It’s SO much better for the environment than the 7 billion tampons that go to landfills each year. This is the reason I originally decided to try a cup, and it’s still one of the major reasons that I recommend people make the switch!
It’s better for my body. Putting bleached cotton on your skin is never a great idea. Think about how much worse it is when it’s against the most sensitive part of you. YIKES.
It’s less stressful. I’m not thinking about how long it’s been since I went to the bathroom or how my finger kind of feels weird, and OHMIGOD do I have Toxic Shock Syndrome? (I can’t be the only one who used to freak out about that, right? Those articles in Teen Vogue really got to me back in 2002.) You can go longer without changing it out than you can with a tampon, and if necessary, can leave it in up to 12 hours. That means that I almost never need to use a public restroom to take care of my business, which is always nice to be able to avoid.
I’m not worried about cotton strings hanging out of my bikini at a waterpark, pool, or beach. (I am still worried that a shark will eat me…even in a pool…but that’s a different issue.) It’s comfortable and makes me feel confident while swimming.
It helps me realize what’s normal for my body. My cycle is way more regular since switching to a cup and I experience way less cramps. I’m able to see exactly what’s happening (weird, yeah, but also cool…#hippiebullshit) and get to know my cycle.
Think of the money you’ll save! Tampons are expensive. A cup is a bigger investment upfront but should last you for a minimum of three years and could last up to ten years. I’m sure you can think of something more fun to buy with your money than tampons, right?

Tips for Menstrual Cup Newbies:

Know that there are different styles/sizes and purchase wisely.I remember seeing a Diva Cup for the first time in a Target aisle on a shopping trip with my mom. I mentioned wanting to try one and I think her eyes popped out of her head.It’s important to note that cups come in several different sizes: if you’ve never given birth, you’re going to want to start smaller. Don’t just grab the first cup you see. Invest a little time to find the right shape/size/length/style for you. (My personal preference is a cup from MeLuna). I have both the regular and the stiffer sport version. I like having the stiffer sport cup for hiking, running, swimming, etc.
Pro tip: I also definitely prefer the ring style handle over the ball version. It is INFINITELY easier to grab onto.
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, read horror stories about people trying to use them for the first time, or worse, getting them “stuck”.
I did this before I first used mine and it took about ten different blog posts praising cups to talk me down. That’s another one of the inspirations behind this post; hopefully I can help just one person realize that you are in fact smart and capable enough to use a menstrual cup.
Get in the shower.
If you are worried about a possible mess, or not being able to relax, or really anything, just hop in the shower. You can relax in the warm water, have your own concert with the good shower acoustics, and just generally fling shit around without having to worry.
Realize that it may take a few times to get it right.
You might have to experiment with your favorite type of fold, pace and angle of insertion, or whatever else it takes to make you feel comfortable with it. A lot of us took our time with mastering tampons, and this is no different. If it doesn’t feel right, adjust. If you are nervous about leaks, use a backup (like Thinx or reusable pads, which I’ve written about and provided links to here), and check it more often than you normally would. Practice makes perfect.