Yay Periods!

Oh YAY a period post!

Wait! Don't leave! Hear me out.

This is probably what most of you are using, either pads, tampons, or a combination of both.of both.

Of course all these products can be a pain, not only to use, but to buy, store, carry around, and dispose of.

Let me introduce you to a little known alternative: The menstural cup

There are lots of brands depending on where you live, the most popular being the Diva Cup (US) and the MoonCup (UK).

The cup basically works by being inserted while folded or rolled and allowed to expand in the vagina. Then it sits inside the vagina and collects menstrual fluid which is then emptied and rinsed out with soap and water.

Now I know what you're thinking...

You want me to RINSE IT OUT?

You're joking.

But there are actually a lot of positives (and its not even that gross).

Most (but not all) tampons and pads have various chemicals added, including bleach to make them nice and white (and in some case more absorbent) which cups are pure silicone.

No more carrying around tons of "extra supplies" that just clutter up your purse.

As far as being environmentally friendly, it's hard to compare going through hundred of tampons a year to a single piece of silicone. It is also much easier to maintain and keep hygienic than some of the reusable pads and sponges I've seen as "green" period products.

How am I gonna put that INSIDE me? It's so BIG?
I know it looks large but it is very easy to insert (I won't go into the nitty gritty, but there are plenty of youtube videos and help websites) and you do not feel it at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfHF0p7X4MI

This one is a bit shakier in terms of actual science but many women, including myself, report less cramps. This is particularly true is you get cramps from wearing tampons.

This is probably the main reason I initially purchased a menstrual cup. Periods are expensive as shit. I was spending at least $10 a month if not more. Most cups can be found on amazon for around $25-$30 so if you use it for at least 4 months you are already saving money.

Tampons, being basically a sponge, absorb EVERYTHING, and in case you didn't notice, you're body is supposed to have some moisture down there. Tampons can lead to dry vaginas which are no fun for anyone and have to potential to cause imbalances and even yeast infections.

THIS IS ACTUALLY THE BEST PART. You empty the cup twice a day. TWICE. Once in the morning when you get up, and once before bed. That. Is. It. No worrying about if I have enough time to run to the bathroom before I start leaking, no more calculating how long you've had a tampon in. The cup holds 1 oz of liquid, and the average period is only 1 to 1.4 oz, even with those who have very heavy periods I have never heard of anyone having to empty it more than 3 times a day.

Now I know some of you are still going to be grossed out by the reusable thing.

For you I suggest the softcup, which has a lot of the same advantages but is disposable. And ladies.....

It is the only product that you can have in during intercourse!

Thanks for reading, this is my first post.
Here is a kitten.
http://www.juju.com.au/pages/Benefits.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup
http://divacup.com/
http://www.squawkfox.com/2008/06/13/10-reasons-the-diva-cup-can-change-your-life/
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/ins-and-outs-menstrual-cups-151-how-do-they-differ-tampons-and-pads