Embrace Sustainability and Comfort: The Advantages of Reusable Menstrual Cups
As sustainability is becoming increasingly important, many are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products. One such product gaining popularity is the reusable menstrual cup. Beyond its environmental benefits, menstrual cups offer a plethora of advantages, from saving money to providing convenience during outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking. Let's delve into why menstrual cups are becoming a favorite choice for menstruators worldwide.
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Table of Contents
Environmental Sustainability
Disposable menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, contribute significantly to environmental pollution. The average person uses approximately 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime, which end up in landfills and oceans, taking hundreds of years to decompose. In contrast, reusable menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex, reducing waste and environmental impact. By switching to a menstrual cup, individuals can significantly decrease their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner planet.
Cost-Effectiveness
Financial savings are another compelling reason to make the switch to menstrual cups. While the initial investment might seem higher than purchasing disposable products, a single menstrual cup can last for several years with proper care. Consider the cumulative cost of buying tampons or pads every month over several years, and the savings become evident. Investing in a reusable menstrual cup not only benefits the environment but also your wallet in the long run.
Convenience for Outdoor Activities and How to LNT
For outdoor enthusiasts, menstrual cups offer unparalleled convenience during activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking. Unlike disposable products, which require frequent changes and proper disposal facilities, menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours without needing to be emptied. This makes them ideal for extended outdoor adventures where access to bathrooms and waste disposal facilities may be limited. Additionally, menstrual cups leave no trace, allowing menstruators to enjoy nature responsibly without having to pack out their used menstrual products.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a menstrual cup with a cathole for proper disposal:
Choose an Appropriate Location: Select a discreet spot away from water sources, trails, and campsites to dig your cathole. Follow leave-no-trace guidelines by choosing a location at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from water, trails, and campsites.
Dig the Cathole: Using a small trowel or shovel, dig a hole approximately 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The size of the cathole should be sufficient to accommodate the menstrual cup and cover it with soil afterward.
Empty the Menstrual Cup: When it's time to empty your menstrual cup, remove it carefully to avoid spillage. Squatting or sitting on a stable surface can make this process easier. Empty the contents of the cup into the cathole.
Clean the Cup: Rinse the menstrual cup with clean, filtered water to remove any remaining menstrual fluid, and reinsert.
Cover and Fill the Cathole: After emptying the menstrual cup, use the trowel to cover the contents of the cathole with soil. Make sure to completely fill and cover the hole to prevent wildlife from digging it up. Tamp down the soil to secure it in place.
Practice Leave-No-Trace: Leave the natural environment as you found it, without any evidence of your presence. Pack out any used toilet paper or wipes in a sealable bag to dispose of properly in a designated waste receptacle. Or if you want to ditch the toilet paper, you can use a Kula Cloth (you can use it with menstrual blood, just rinse and wash with soap!) or a reusable bidet.
Top Brands and Why They're Loved
DivaCup: One of the pioneers in menstrual cup technology, DivaCup offers a range of sizes to suit different body types. Its durable silicone construction and reliable leak-proof design have earned it a loyal following among users.
Join the Sustainable Period Revolution Here.
Lunette: Known for its soft silicone and comfortable fit, Lunette menstrual cups are popular for their ease of insertion and removal. Their vibrant color options and eco-friendly packaging also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
MeLuna: MeLuna offers a customizable experience with a variety of sizes, firmness options, and stem styles to suit individual preferences. Made in Germany from high-quality materials, MeLuna cups are praised for their durability and user-friendly design.
OrganiCup: OrganiCup stands out for its focus on simplicity and sustainability. Their cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone and come with a convenient cotton storage pouch. With a commitment to reducing period poverty, OrganiCup also donates menstrual cups to those in need.
Saalt: Saalt menstrual cups are crafted from medical-grade silicone and feature a unique shape designed for maximum comfort and leak protection. Their dedication to sustainability extends beyond their products, with a portion of sales supporting initiatives to provide menstrual care to underserved communities.
Using a Menstrual Cup for Beginners
Transitioning from traditional menstrual products to a menstrual cup may seem daunting for beginners, but with a little practice and patience, it can become a comfortable and convenient option. Here's a beginner's guide on how to use a menstrual cup:
Choose the Right Size and Style: Menstrual cups come in various sizes and styles to accommodate different body types and flow levels. It's essential to choose the right size based on factors like age, childbirth history, and cervix height. Most brands offer size guides on their websites to help you determine the best fit.
Sterilize the Cup: Before using your menstrual cup for the first time, sterilize it by boiling it in water for 5-10 minutes. This ensures that the cup is clean and free from any bacteria.
Find a Comfortable Position: To insert the menstrual cup, find a comfortable position that allows easy access to your vagina. This could be standing, squatting, or sitting on the toilet.
Fold and Insert: Fold the menstrual cup using a folding technique that works best for you. Popular folding methods include the C-fold, punch-down fold, and 7-fold. Once folded, gently insert the cup into your vagina, angling it toward your tailbone.
Ensure Proper Placement: Once the cup is inside, it should open up and create a seal against the vaginal walls. You can use your finger to rotate the cup or run it along the base to ensure it's fully open and positioned correctly.
Check for Leakage: After inserting the cup, check for any signs of leakage by running your finger around the base to ensure a proper seal. If necessary, adjust the position of the cup or try a different folding technique.
Wear for Up to 12 Hours: Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. Unlike tampons, which require frequent changes, menstrual cups can be left in for longer periods, providing hassle-free protection throughout the day.
Remove and Empty: When it's time to remove the menstrual cup, relax your muscles and gently bear down with your pelvic floor muscles as if you're having a bowel movement. This action helps to lower the cup within reach, making it easier to grasp and remove. Gently pinch the base to release the seal and pull it out. Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse the cup with water, and reinsert if needed.
Clean and Store: At the end of your cycle, sterilize the menstrual cup again by boiling it in water. Store it in a breathable pouch or container until your next period.
With practice, most beginners find that using a menstrual cup becomes second nature, offering comfort, reliability, and sustainability in managing menstruation. Don't be discouraged if it takes time to master the technique—experiment with different folds and positions to find what works best for you. If you plan on using it while camping or backpacking, it’s recommended that you try for at least 3 cycles before heading out into the wilderness so that you’ve comfortable with the mechanics. Once you've mastered the art of using a menstrual cup, you'll wonder why you didn't make the switch sooner!
Join the Sustainable Periods Movement
Reusable menstrual cups offer a myriad of benefits, from reducing waste and saving money to providing comfort and convenience during outdoor activities. With a wide range of brands and styles to choose from, there's a menstrual cup out there for everyone. By making the switch to a reusable menstrual cup, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying a comfortable and sustainable period experience.
About the Author
Shannon Keleher is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with a deep commitment to environmental advocacy. Her love for nature and adventure has driven her to adopt a sustainable approach to outdoor gear procurement, prioritizing reusable equipment whenever possible. As an advocate for eco-friendly consumer practices, Shannon is dedicated to promoting a mindset of sustainability within the outdoor community. Through her writing and advocacy efforts, she aims to inspire others to embrace eco-conscious choices and minimize their environmental impact while enjoying the great outdoors.