Ever since I first experienced my period (that fateful morning before a sixth-grade field trip to the UN, when I wore red jeans and a panty liner—let’s just say it didn’t end well), I’ve been on a quest to make that monthly visit less of a hassle. I aim for less discomfort (three Advil at the first sign of cramps), more energy (bedtime by 10 PM on day one), and definitely less mess. Despite my growing comfort level with my cycle—having dealt with it over 300 times—I still find myself a bit squeamish. I strive to make my period as low-key as possible, which is why I often ignore my eco-friendly instincts and follow a friend’s advice: “Your period isn’t the time to save the planet.” So, I stick to brand-name plastic applicator tampons. No cardboard or o.b. tampons for me when dealing with the monthly flow.
This is why I’m baffled by the women who swear by the DivaCup.
For those unfamiliar, the DivaCup is “a reusable, bell-shaped menstrual cup designed to be worn internally and collect rather than absorb menstrual flow.” I’ve heard fans rave about its cost-effectiveness (that’s appealing), its ease of use (really, a tiny cup of blood is easier than a tampon?), its eco-friendliness (considering the constant flow of blood, is a reusable water bottle really the answer?), and even the idea that you can have sex with it in (not true).
While I respect DivaCup users’ comfort with their own bodies, I have a lot of questions for them (and for other brands with similarly condescending names like Bella Cup and Mami Cup).
- How do you remove it without creating a mess?
It’s a small vessel filled with blood and uterine lining! How do you avoid a disaster? What if something goes wrong when you’re out and about? I can handle a little tampon leak, but a full cup? No thank you. - What happens when it reaches capacity?
The DivaCup promises 12 hours of leak-free protection. But what about hour 13? If a tampon gets too full, the string can get messy. I can’t help but imagine a blood fountain scenario. - What’s the public bathroom routine like?
So you’re in a public stall, you take it out and dump it in the toilet. Then what? You need to wash it, right? How do you navigate that sink situation with your hands potentially dirty? And what about the other women around you? - How do you manage your nails?
I’m curious about your nail hygiene after handling a cup of blood. Do you carry a nail brush? What’s up with potential germs? - What’s actually in the cup?
I know it’s a bit graphic, but I genuinely want to know the ratio of solids to liquids. - Do you put it in the dishwasher?
I once ran a toilet plunger through the dishwasher, and I was told to toss the whole thing! How clean are dishwashers really, and can one item contaminate the rest? I’d love to know if you’re really using a toothpick to clean the cup’s holes. - What about odors?
According to the DivaCup website, menstrual flow only develops an odor when it’s exposed to air. But what happens if there’s an overflow? I know I’m guilty of flushing tampons even though I shouldn’t, but I can’t deal with smells! - What if it gets stuck or falls out?
Even though you’re not supposed to have issues, what if it does? I can’t shake the fear of a lost cup while swimming! - Were you eased into it?
Did you gradually become more comfortable with your body, moving from pads to plastic applicators to o.b. to DivaCup? Or was it a leap of faith? - Do you miss shopping for feminine hygiene products?
I know the answer: you don’t miss the awkwardness of shopping for these items or the endless cost-benefit analysis between brands. But hey, I still order my tampons online! - Do you think I’m terrible for not trying it?
I sometimes feel guilty for not embracing my period more, for not being the woman who’s unfazed by menstrual blood. I want to be better, to reduce waste, but I’m just not there yet.
In summary, while I admire the women who confidently use the DivaCup, I’m left with many questions and a bit of apprehension. Perhaps one day I’ll bridge the gap and embrace this option, but for now, I’m sticking to what I know.
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