Period Talk: Pads, Tampons, and the Great Menstrual Cup Debate

Why we don't talk about something that is a normal process for most bodies is beyond me.  Once a month (give or take depending on your body) the female body goes through menstruation until it ends.  The first time I ever had a period was at my grandparents house.  It is something I will never forget because I was wearing white shorts and it was around Christmas.  Of course, right?  Anyway, I used to have the worst cramps.  I couldn't take Pamprin or Midol because, to be quite frank, it would make the clotting ten times worse, so I just lived with it.  As I got older the cramps stopped and were replaced with lower back pain throughout the duration of my period and sore breasts the week before.  The sore breasts were a sign that it was approaching, which I guess was a good warning.  Within the last year that has changed, too.  I still have the lower back pain and breast sensitivity, but now the cramps have decided to make a return.  They aren't that bad, but once in awhile it almost feels like a stabbing pain.

Image courtesy of target.com

These are a great option, especially
if you have a heavy period. 
Image courtesy of target.com

I have always been a pad user.  I prefer the ultra thin kind, with wings of course.  I used to buy Always, but I've found that I prefer the Target brand because they have a better adhesive.  Since my period, as of now, is heavy for the first 2-3 days then very light the rest of the week, I use the overnight extra-long with wings, then switch to the regular pads.  Some of my friends use reusable cloth pads for environmental purposes, but that's something I'm not quite comfortable with.  Would I try it?  Possibly.   

When I was younger there were times when I would use tampons as a protective measure.  They used to make curved tampons.  The applicator was curved for easier use, but they went off the market.  These days you can find them in all sizes, but no longer curved, which helped me a lot.  Due to the risk of TSS, I stopped using tampons altogether.  I also didn't like the concept of keeping a plug up there.  My best friend recommended that I try a menstrual cup instead. 

My first attempt at using a menstrual cup.  About 10 years ago I tried a brand called Instead, now called Softcup.  The experience was anything but pleasant.  It is great in theory, but it was far more uncomfortable than I thought it would be.  It was difficult to insert and even more difficult to tell whether or not it was in correctly.  On top of everything, I could feel it, so I said my goodbyes to menstrual cups.

The cup comes with a travel bag for keeping. 
Image courtesy of lenacup.com

 There are so many different cup styles out there that it was difficult to choose one.   After a lot of thought I decided to get the Lena, which looks a lot like the Sckoon Cup.  I purchased the small size, and had high hopes.  There are a few different folding methods, so I tried a couple of different ways, and the easiest for me was the 7-fold.  There were some things I noticed that were repetitive while reading about period cups.  One consistent thing with the cups is that it will feel like it "pops" that indicated it has suctioned to you.  I never felt that.  I made sure that it was completely open by running the tip of my finger around the base. 

The first time I used the Lena, I noticed I could feel it-- like when you don't quite have a tampon in all the way.  After some time I realized it was because of the stem.  I ended up having to cut most of it otherwise it would poke out, which one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever.  It took two cycles for my body to really adjust to the cup.  There are days when I don't feel like using it, but it's a lifesaver when I travel or have to go out somewhere, especially on heavy days.  No longer do I have to wake up several times a night to change, nor do I have to worry about leaking all over the sheets.  Now, there have been times in the first couple of days where I have had leaks, but that's simply because the cup fills up, and there's nowhere else for the blood to go.  That's a bit graphic but it does happen, which is why I use a liner or regular pad as added security, more so when I am not at home.  

I never thought I would be a period cup user.  Some of my friends think it's really gross, and I was one of those people until I found a cup that worked for me.  The idea that blood literally collects in a cup until it's dumped out is just as odd as having an absorption plug.  While I still think the blood should just be allowed to flow and expel itself from the body, we aren't always in situations where we can change pads whenever we please.  The cups are a safer alternative to tampons; they are more environmentally friendly, I don't have to buy pads as often (which saves money), and they hold more than tampons do.  A big question is:  How do I empty the cup when I'm not at home?  Do it the same way you would at home, except have some wipes on hand.  If I am in a public bathroom that isn't individual I empty the cup, clean it with a wipe, re-insert, and then clean up my hands with another wipe before leaving the stall.  As always, practice good hygiene by washing your hands after using the bathroom.  Sometimes I don't want to go through the hassle of re-inserting it because it can be quite messy.  I always carry extra pads in case that happens.      

There is a great app that I use to track my period called My Days.  It is available on the App Store and on Google Play.  You could also just use the calendar, but I really prefer the app.  Mark the day when you start and stop, and it will predict your ovulation, fertility, and your next period.

What do you think?

Stay beautiful!