Posted by Karen Eisenbraun on Jun.30, 2009

©iStockphoto.com - gbrundin

Do you ever wish you had a greener alternative to wasteful pads and tampons? According to some estimates, a year’s worth of pads and tampons averages $96 and generates 80 pounds of garbage. Over the course of 35 to 40 years of menstruation, a woman will use the equivalent of one dump truck full of feminine hygiene products. The National Women’s Health Network reports that twelve billion pads and 7 million tampons end up in U.S. landfills every year.

Tampons carry health risks as well: the bleaching process can create trace amounts of carcinogenic dioxins, and tampons can leave behind dangerous fibers when removed. Even organic tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), can cause vaginal dryness, and still contribute to landfills.

A greener choice

There is an alternative: reusable menstrual cups. Made from safe rubber or silicone, menstrual cups are flexible cone-shaped devices that are worn internally. Unlike a tampon, cups collect — rather than absorb — fluid, making them safe to wear up to 12 hours. When properly inserted, cups are leak proof and undetectable. Menstrual cups hold up to one ounce (30 ml), which is three times the capacity of tampons or pads. Cups cost around $30 and can last for ten years if properly cared for, making them a far more ecological and economical choice than one-use disposable products.

Benefits of menstrual cups

Since cups are not associated with TSS, they can be inserted even before your period begins, making messy surprises a thing of the past. Cups can be worn overnight and are safe to use during activities such as exercise, dancing, or swimming. Unlike tampons, cups do not cause vaginal dryness and do not leave behind dangerous fibers. Menstrual cup users report that using cups does not result in the unpleasant odor associated with pads or tampons. Some women even state that using a menstrual cup has lessened cramps and bloating, and made their periods lighter. Others feel that being able to see exactly how much fluid they are shedding puts them more in touch with their bodies and gives them a greater understanding of their cycles, allowing them to actually enjoy their periods instead of seeing them as a messy nuisance.

How to use

Cups are folded and inserted into the vagina, where they pop open to create a vacuum seal that holds them in place. Simply remove the cup twice a day, empty the contents into the toilet, wash, and reinsert. To remove, grasp the base of the cup and squeeze, moving the cup from side to side to break the seal as you pull it out. Using the volume indicator lines on the sides of the cup, you will be able to see exactly how much fluid your body is shedding and learn how often to empty the cup according to your own personal needs.

Don’t get discouraged if inserting and removing the cup is difficult at first — many users advise giving yourself two to three cycles to become comfortable with the process. You may want to wear a pantyliner in the beginning in case of leaks until you determine the best positioning for your body. Some users prefer to wear cups higher in the vagina, close to the cervix. Others recommend trimming the cup’s stem to alleviate discomfort caused by the stem rubbing against the vaginal wall.

Where to buy

Menstrual cups are available online through several different manufacturers. You may also be able to find them at your local health food store. Many brands offer two sizes, with the larger size recommended for women who are over 30 or who have given birth to a child.

• Diva Cup is manufactured in Canada and comes in two sizes.
• The Keeper Inc. manufactures the latex Keeper and the silicone Mooncup, which are FDA-approved and the only menstrual cups made in America. Both come with a 3-month money-back guarantee.
• Miacup is manufactured in South Africa and comes in two sizes.
• Femmecup has a thicker rim than most other brands and is manufactured in the UK. Femmecup comes in one size.
• The Lunette from Finland comes in two sizes and is made of a slightly firmer material than most other brands, which some women find opens easier once inserted.
• Ladycup is available in two sizes and a variety of colors.

To view informative videos with insertion and removal tips, cleaning instructions, and brand comparisons, visit Menstrual Cup Info on YouTube.

For questions, comments, and recommendations from users, visit the menstrual cup community and support site.

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Posted under GDM Lifestyle.