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Brace yourselves. I’ve decided to ring in the new year by going out on a limb. The topic I’m about to discuss is a bit outside of my comfort zone and could be outside of yours: a menstrual cup. I know that I just lost some of you, but please stick with me. This is for women and men (because you know women who might want to hear about this) and you can handle it.
What is Softcup? Bye bye tampons and pads.
Never heard of a menstrual cup? Softcup [2] is a flexible cup, worn internally around your cervix (do you know where your cervix is?), that collects rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It replaces the need for tampons and pads if used properly.
There are two Softcup options:
- Disposable which can be worn for up to 12 hours and is then discarded, and
- Reusable which can be worn for up to 12 hours and reused throughout one menstrual cycle.
My Softcup experience (without being too graphic)
When I was asked by Softcup [2] to try out their product I have to admit I was a little apprehensive. I have birthed children and been using tampons for many years, but I wasn’t sure I knew where my cervix was! I was also pretty happy with my box of organic tampons. Recently a few friends made the switch to a menstrual cup and swore they would never go back-so I was curious and open to giving it a try.
I decided to go with the reusable Softcup (rather than disposable) because it was the greener option. The first attempt at putting it in was pretty awkward-to the point where I had tears of laughter streaming down my face. A deep breath was required and it actually helped. My biggest fear was that once the Softcup was in it wasn’t coming out. Thankfully that’s impossible. Whew! There’s definitely a learning curve and I’m proving that practice makes perfect when it comes to Softcup. I have to say once it’s in properly (took me a few attempts) you can’t feel it at all.
Softcup is a green and eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads
I spend a lot of my time sharing small, simple ways to make a big difference. Switching from disposables to reusable [3] products-napkins [4], bags [5] and lunch boxes [6]-are simple ways to make a change that has a big impact on our pocketbook and the planet. According to Zero Waste Lifestyle:
A woman who uses tampons is estimated to go through nearly 10,000 in her lifetime. The thousands of applicators disposed of every day contribute to over-clogged landfills and blockage problems at some municipal sewage treatment plants……….Disposable pads have environmental implications….. Often they have plastic backing and are laced with perfumes and odor neutralizers, and may even have a rayon content.
Not only are the tampons and pads wasteful, but they generally come wrapped in plastic or paper which also gets tossed. That’s a lot of waste.
After using Softcup for one cycle I’m hooked. Going forward into 2012 I’m a Softcup convert.
There, you made it through my not-so-gory discussion. Are you hooked or at least open to giving it a shot (or passing the info on to any women in your life)? Thanks to the nice people at Softcup, my Softcup adventures will continue and there will be more info to come.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have been hired by Evofem, the parent company for Softcup, in their Softcup Brand Ambassador Program. This is a “sponsored post.” Evofem sent me a sample of Softcup and compensated me via a cash payment for this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers and only share my honest opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 [7]: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”