Move along, guys. Nothing to see here, unless you find menstruation interesting. Ladies, don’t be grossed out. We all know we have to deal with this, and we all know how expensive and annoying it can be. I’m about to propose a solution to the first part. It helps with the second part, but there’s nothing that can truly resolve the annoyance factor. It’s called the DivaCup, and once you try it, you may never want to go back to pads and tampons again.
What Is A DivaCup?
It’s a small cup made of medical silicone that you use instead of a tampon or pad. You insert it to catch and hold the blood. Then after 8-12 hours (depending on your flow), you empty it, wash it with soap and water, and insert it again. You can sleep in it, exercise in it, swim in it, take a bath in it, etc.
DivaCup Advantages
If you’ve been using pads and tampons, then you’re probably sick of spending $5-10 on them month after month after month. Even if you buy big packs at Costco or Wal-Mart, you’re still shelling out at least $30 a year for these annoyances. And you’re not helping the environment either. The DivaCup is different on so many levels.
It’s Not Disposable. Because it’s medical silicone, it lasts for ten years. Think of it – no more tampons or pads for ten years. That’s 120 months. That’s a savings of $360-$1200! It’s also good for the environment. Other than the box it comes in, there’s no packaging to recycle or throw out. No more cotton and plastic filling the landfills or worse, clogging your toilet. Look at this photo of all the garbage produced by 35-40 years of menstruation.
It’s Cheap. The cup runs about $30. You can buy it at Whole Foods or order it from Drugstore.com to get free shipping and avoid sales tax.
It’s Convenient. Because you can wear it for up to 12 hours, you don’t have to worry about changing it at a rest-stop or in an office bathroom. You also don’t have to worry that you don’t have any tampons when your period starts. Just carry it with you when you think you’re cycle is about to start. You also don’t have to worry that everyone else in the office can see you carrying a tampon or your purse to the bathroom. It’s your secret.
It’s Healthier. Inserting chemical-treated cotton into the body can’t be healthy. The cup is cotton-free and chemical-free. Tampons can also disturb your natural pH, while the DivaCup does not. In addition, it may help you notice changes in your flow that you wouldn’t recognize with tampons. Marked increases or decreases can signal a health problem, so this is important information most women don’t have.
DivaCup Disadvantages
There are a couple of disadvantages to the cup:
It Comes in Two Sizes. There’s one size for women who are under 30 and have not given birth, and another for women who are over 30 and/or have given birth. So if you’re 28 and childless, you may need to buy a new one in two years.
You Have to Be Comfortable with Your Body. If you’re squeamish about blood or not comfortable with your genitals, then this isn’t the right option for you. However, this will force you to become comfortable with your body, which is healthier for you in the long-run.
DivaCup Alternatives
In addition to the DivaCup, there are a few other menstrual cups on the market. The Keeper is made from latex rubber. They also offer a MoonCup made of medical silicone. The Lunette is made in Finland and is also medical silicone. It’s a little more difficult for U.S. and Canadian women to get ahold of, but easy for Europeans to find.
If you want to help the environment, your body, and your wallet, consider buying one of these cups. It really will change you life.
