I asked the Babble Panel what they knew and thought about menstrual cups and let me tell you....we had some QUESTIONS! A little scary because we are also at the stage in our lives where we are supposed to have the ANSWERS for our daughters! Let's be honest. There are a lot more options out there when it comes to feminine products then there were back in our day. Tampons or pads. That was it. I consulted my menstrual cup expert friend (you don't have one of those?) who is a legit expert. As in you would get her on the phone if you called the phone number on the box of a particular menstrual cup brand to ask your question. Let me share with you all of the fun details I learned about menstrual cups over a fun dinner we recently shared together (sorry to the table next to us) and let's all get a little more educated on this particular feminine product choice.
Q- First of all I had to ask....what was the question you got the very most when people called the number on the box? Also- how often did people call you?? Don't we have Google for that now?
A- I mainly spent time answering emails and coaching people through tips and tricks and troubleshooting, but yes, they did also call the emergency line. It was primarily people nervous that they couldn't get their menstrual cup out and they just needed help relaxing. We would go through relaxation exercises and I would talk them through the anatomy of their body and explain that it cannot go anywhere.
Q- The real #1 question is why should we change from our normal tampon/pad boomer routine and get to know a menstrual cup.
A- Here are some of the main reasons...
Sustainability- an easy way to have a positive impact on the environment by not using disposable feminine products each month.
Healthier for your body- you would be amazed how many chemicals are in tampons that you are inserting into your body each and every month.
Saves you money in the long run (many last 12 years by FDA standards)
Get to know your body and your cycles better
You can use a menstrual cup up to 12 hours, so put it in and forget it (unless you have a super heavy flow)
More comfortable- not dry like a tampon
A little nod to the feminists because menstrual cups were the norm until the 1920s when men developed tampons.
Found this statistic from Saalt interesting...
Q- We are worried about not getting them sealed and having leakage.
A- It can take some trial and error to get the right cup. There are a lot of different sizes and a lot of variations. Multiple sizes, firmnesses and different products. The best way to get started is to take a quiz online to find the right product and fit for you. If you don't feel certain when you are taking the quiz, then reach out to the company and ask them before you purchase. They will ask you about your body and history to help guide you. Utilize these resources! Be patient. It might take some time. Wear a backup pad or menstrual underwear while you are getting used to it. If after the first few times you are still having issues, it might not just be the learning curve, but instead might not be the right product for you. The company will likely work with you to find the right one for your body. They want you to be successful too!
*Babbling Brooke here: I took this advice post dinner and went to Saalt's website to take the quiz and see what product was right for me. It was super easy and I was surprised by the outcome. If you are curious, definitely take the quick 2 minute quiz to see what they suggest for you and your body.
Q- We are concerned about inserting it and getting it out.
A- It definitely in some ways is really similar to a tampon. If you've done that before, you've taken that first step. Being comfortable with your body and being as relaxed as you can be helps. Just know that it can't go anywhere. It's impossible. You will always be able to get it out. You would never have to go to a doctor. It's okay. Just relax so you don't have a lot of tension and you're not fighting your own muscles.
Q- It's too confusing.
A- Put a Cup in It is an awesome resource. They have videos and just a lot of information about different products and how to use them. You can also follow them on IG: https://www.instagram.com/putacupinit/
Also https://www.instagram.com/periodnirvana/ is a great IG account to follow that has a lot of great information and visuals so you know that thing isn't going anywhere!
Q- We are worried about carrying it around.
A- Because it's so much fun to hide a tampon in your sleeve when you are going to the bathroom?! First of all, you can use a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours, so only during your most heaviest cycles would you need to be out changing it in public. But you can bring a water bottle into the bathroom stall so you don't have to worry about walking out of the stall. Yes, there might be a little noise when you are removing the menstrual cups, but we are humans and our bodies make noises, especially in the bathroom. Saalt also has these really cute Travel Kits that you wouldn't have to feel embarrassed carrying to the restroom or anywhere you are traveling.
Q- What about cleaning it?
A- They do sell menstrual cup soap, although it really isn't necessary. You can also boil it once a month after your cycle. Saalt Menstrual Cup Wash
Q- When should we teach our daughters about the menstrual cup and period underwear?
A- The best time is right when they start using feminine products because they don't know anything different and it is healthier for your child. It is helpful to teach them when you have experience yourself. Think of it from her perspective and don't force anything. Many brands have teen cups available. https://www.instagram.com/brightgirlhealth/ has a book and resources. Just read through everything yourself first as there is some information on fertility tracking too.
Bottom line from our conversation is that these products are better for the earth and better for our bodies. There are other products I didn't know existed like menstrual discs in addition to the menstrual cups and period underwear. During my research I learned more about Saalt and am excited about what they are doing and the products they are making. Plus they make it seem really easy to find the right product for you and even have a "Period Bliss Guarantee" if you don't love it, so it feels like a safe place to get out of the tampon/pad comfort zone and try something better for this momma and momma earth. We can do this. First step is taking the quiz.
DISCOUNT ALERT! All Babblers automatically get 15% off Saalt products when you use this link (it will automatically appear in your cart). That includes a discount on all of their menstrual cups and discs, period underwear, teen products and more. Visit Saalt's website and shop around!
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