An unexpected find.
It's been years since I last bought pads. I buy liners every few months or so, perhaps 3x a year, and that's it - mostly through online shopping. I have to say that I do not go about the pads-side of the grocery when shopping and when I did the other day, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were menstrual cups on the display shelves!
Not a lot of women use the cup (at least from my circle, I know I am the only one) and I cannot over-emphasize the benefits of using it from hygiene, to ease of use, to environmental impact. I just wish I was able to convert them, but maybe it's not yet time. Or maybe I have not really tried hard enough.
Anyway, from what I know, menstrual cups are mostly only sold online hence unless one intentionally looks for it, then it could be that they'd never come across it. Having them on supermarket shelves promotes more visibility of such a great woman-monthly-partner which would potentially lead to more curious women who would be interested to know how it could change their lives.
Errr, too much curiosity though.
Having been using my cup for about 4.5 years, I thought it was time for me to start looking for a replacement. With proper care, menstrual cups can last up to 10 years. My Diva Cup is white - unpigmented silicone, and has been discolorated over the years of use (which is normal, but eh, ugly).
Sadly, while going through the stocks on the shelf at the store, I noticed some items that were deliberately opened - perhaps by those who wanted to know what it looked like before even thinking of buying it. Thankfully, there were lots of stocks and I was able to get an unopened one.
What's in the box?
Inside there are:
(1) menstrual cup
a carry pouch, and
an instructions leaflet which honestly is useless for any first time user.
Tip to any new user -- just head over to Youtube and immense yourself to lots of menstrual cup contents from why's to how to's to reviews.
The learning curve in transitioning to the cup from pads/tampons is high but I have to say that it is worth it.
The cup that I bought was purple, which would hopefully be more resistant to any discoloration later on.
I noticed though that the material is a bit stiffer (harder) than my current one - perhaps because it's still new and I honestly can no longer remember how my Diva Cup felt the first time. I'll find out when I finally get to try it when my period comes. I may have to cut the tip also as I did with the first one.
More women should know about it.
It's unconventional, but I believe more women should know and try using the menstrual cup. They being sold in supermarkets could be a good start, but I just hope like any new product, there would be someone there to promote the cup and give more information about it to more women.
Want to know more about menstrual cups? I shared my first-hand experience below:
17 Months on a Cup: Why I Am Never Going Back |  |
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Have you already switched to the cup? What made you do it, and how do you find your experience so far?
