A menstrual cup was tried at 18 when free period products were offered at university. Initial scepticism about fiddliness and invasiveness faded after a few attempts at insertion. A collapsible cup fits discreetly into a bag and is sterilised in a microwave-safe cleaning pot between cycles. Cups made from medical-grade silicone last for years, reduce cramps, avoid tampons' dryness and bulk, and eliminate many toxic chemicals found in disposable products. Annual savings exceed £120 and use significantly reduces plastic, packaging and waste from disposable period products.
I was used to spending 10 to 15 a month on period products, more if I was caught short and had to do a panicked dash to an overpriced off-licence. As an eco-conscious teenager I already bought non-applicator tampons but often wore a security sanitary liner underneath. It was an attempt to keep the endless worry of heavy periods at bay: will I leak, run out of supplies, or find a clean loo in time?
It took a couple of attempts to work out how to insert it properly but, once I did, there was no going back. Nearly five years later, my cup goes everywhere with me. These days I use a collapsible version, which can be folded down into a case the size of a tealight. It slips easily into my bag simple and discreet.
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