What Is A Menstrual Cup?

At 19, a friend told me about The Keeper menstrual cup.  Twice in my life I had gotten Menorrhagia and wished I'd had a menstrual cup but I didn't know they existed.  Even still, it took me 3 years to come around to the idea and actually buy and use one.

It took 3 months for me to break-it-in as it were and then it was incredibly comfortable.  Most of the time I didn't feel it, and some times I would forget I was wearing it.  I often would still wear a reusable pad or pantyliner (just in case).  But the great part was not having to change it every time I went to the bathroom.  It doesn't absorb urine.  And it doesn't dry you out.  On light days I only change it twice a day.  There have been no known cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome with a menstrual cup.  I just use soap and water to wash my cup when I'm done using it for the cycle.  You can boil it or run it through the dishwasher, if it's made from medical grade silicone, like the Moon or Lunette Cup.

I just purchased my new Keeper (post baby size) and I've finally broken it in.  So I'm all set for the last 11 and the next 9 years (20 years total) and the cost has been around $80.  Plus I am not creating and throwing away all that garbage.  And I never have to pack anything with me when I go places because I'm already wearing it.  Some people complain of having to change it when out and about.  But honestly just wipe the edge with some toilet paper.  The only real danger might be dropping it in the toilet.  Then I would boil it.  Luckily this has never happened to me.

So to re-cap, it's easier, cheaper, more sanitary, less wasteful, environmentally friendly, and more comfortable.  Why wouldn't you use one?  Just in case you are allergic to gum rubber, what The Keeper is made from, there is also The Moon Cup and The Diva Cup and the Lunette Cup made from medical grade silicone.

My favorite shop for reusable menstrual products is Glad Rags.  I even was one of their "friend of the month" featured stories, and that's how I restocked my reusable pads for free.  But since I sew I also make my own.