So — where was I? Ah, yes… periods! I have almost always had the most hellacious periods. A few years back, I stumbled upon some information online discussing menstrual cups. I was intrigued, but not enough to actually order one. Then a couple of months ago I was spending a little time researching options again, because the traditional feminine “hygiene” products just weren’t cutting it. In fact, I was convinced they were making things worse. So I revisited the world wide web of information on menstrual cups.

In case you’re not aware, a menstrual cup is a basically what it sounds like — a cup-shaped device designed to be inserted inside the vaginal opening to collect menstrual fluids. They can be worn up to 12 full hours with virtually NO RISK of Toxic Shock Syndrome (unlike the traditional products we’re used to!). Most of the menstrual cups I’ve seen are made from medical-grade silicone. They are washable and reusable. They are… A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Yes — I know — it maybe sounds a little gross at first, but it’s completely NOT! I wish I wouldn’t have thought that way the first time I read about menstrual cups because I’d have had fewer years of wasted money and added pain and discomfort.

I ordered a Moon Cup by The Keeper to try. Love LOVE LoVe this little thing! Then the next month I ordered a Lunette ‘Cynthia’ (which pretty much just means, ‘purple’) to try. Like that one too. I find them super easy to use, though some women cite a 1-2 cycle learning curve. YouTube is riddled with videos on different folding methods for insertion, but I found I was fine with the standard fold described in the product directions. Most menstrual cups are pretty much the same — there are slight variations on shape, size, and rigidity of the latex among the various brands. Brand comparison charts can easily be found on many forums and blogs, which was what I used to make my initial decisions on which menstrual cup to buy for myself.

I highly recommend giving a menstrual cup a chance. My last few periods have been cakewalks. I have less cramping, less irritation, less worry about leakage — and let’s not overlook less expense spent on the traditional products AND less waste!

Menstrual cups range in price from about $25 to $40 depending on brand. There are also disposables out there, though I’m not sure I understand that when a reusable can last anywhere from 2-10 years before needing replacement! Pay attention to sizing information, both brands I purchased (Moon Cup by The Keeper and Lunette) were available in two different sizes (one for pre-childbirth and one for post-childbirth).

So here are a few to check out:

Moon Cup – Size A MoonCup (See all Alternative Female Protection Products)

Lunette Menstrual Cup Purple Cynthia – Model 2

Diva Cup Diva Cup #2 Post Childbirth, Cup (See all Alternative Female Protection Products)

Ah, well. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with all the free-time I would have had anyway!

A little entertainment is in order, brought to you by TheThinkingAtheist:

I don’t normally like to resort to medicinal concoctions, but I really, really needed some sleep. So, it’s all good.

After a few weeks of reflection I have come to the conclusion that this blog needed a do-over. So, here it is.

I’ve deleted all prior posts and am starting anew with fresh thoughts and a much less hindered viewpoint. I’m tired of holding back. I’m tired of trying to please everyone. I’m tired of pretending. I’m tired of everything, basically.

We live in a world that despite the best efforts of the best people, we regularly get bogged down with societal “shoulds.” I don’t care what I “should” do anymore. I don’t care what I “should” think anymore. I don’t care if the whole world of “should” looks down at me as if I’m some outcast anymore.

I’m a good person. My real thoughts are valuable. I know who I am. I’m proud of who I am.

Take it or leave it. It’s your choice — and that’s the beauty of life in America — it’s always your choice!
(Except when it isn’t, but that’s a whole other post!)