WARNING: This post contains information about bodily functions and is personal.

Periods. And I’m not talking about the kind that go at the end of a sentence. Yes, I’m referring to your menstrual cycle.

Did you know there are other products you can use during period than tampons or disposable pads? More than likely, you already cloth diaper your baby (especially if you’re reading this blog), but are you still using disposable products for yourself? Maybe you don’t know what’s really available. Maybe you don’t know how easy reusable menstrual products are to use. Or maybe you’re grossed out by the idea. If you said yes to any of these, sit down, relax, and read on.

The Diva Cup is a menstrual cup that collects menstrual fluid. When being compared to a disposable product, it most like a tampon. It is inserted into your vagina and can be left there for several hours. In fact, 8-12 hours at a time. And yes — that is what I did for multiple days during my period! In the morning, I would insert it and then go about with my day. I could still use the bathroom without any strings, without it budging out of place, and without taking it out. In the evening, I would remove it, dump it, wash it off, and reinsert it. The cycle then would start all over in the morning.

The Diva Cup is really a handy little thing. It’s scary when you have no clue what it is or how it works. After a few uses, I felt comfortable and loved it. I really couldn’t tell it was in and I didn’t have to take a break from life to deal with everything that was happening below. I could have gone swimming, hiking, worked outside the home, or taken a road trip! Why is this such a big deal? Well, with tampons, you have the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if it’s left in your body too long. With using a menstrual cup, there have been no reported cases of TSS. When using disposable menstrual products, you’re exposing your body to unnecessary and harmful chemicals, creating more trash for landfills, and throwing your money away. Like cloth diapering, the Diva Cup is an investment and can save you so much money throughout it’s lifespan!

I highly suggest purchasing a Diva Cup for your menstrual needs. Your life doesn’t need to be put on hold because of Aunt Flo. 😉