Explore 2019 #240: Menstrual cups

Well, 😂😂😂 I imagine LaShawn Wiltz had beverages in mind with today's photo prompt, but I want to use this opportunity to issue a PSA about menstrual cups. Have you tried one? Years ago, I received a menstrual cup as conference swag and I was like, HELL NO. It felt foreign, messy, and complicated! I now realize that I was totally caught in the stigma cycle. Time to bust through.

Over the summer, a dear friend and I were commiserating about our periods and she RAVED about her menstrual cup. The more we talked, the more fired up I got. I immediately went home and bought a The Diva Cup to close the karmic circle of shunning the one I received years ago and OMG it is a GAME CHANGER. Here are 6 things I wanted to share about them: 1️⃣ Menstrual cups are not difficult or painful to use. I read the (brief) instructions and it's easy...literally insert and twist to create the seal. 2️⃣ I recommend wearing a liner at first in case you experience learning-curve leaking (or if you have a super heavy day in your cycle...day 2 is always a disaster for me!). Otherwise, no need! 3️⃣ It has been absolutely fascinating to see menstrual flow in its pristine form and I now have a totally new understanding about the actual flow of my cycle. 4️⃣ Using a cup will help you get more comfortable in dealing with your body...it's such a good thing! 5️⃣ I am beyond thrilled that I don't need to stockpile tampons anymore or worry about running out. 6️⃣ OMG REDUCTION IN WASTE FTW!

Seriously ladies, give menstrual cups a try. Now I want to start a foundation to distribute menstrual cups for free because I feel like they could move us towards menstrual equity. I wish I had opened my mind to them way earlier! If you have questions, please ask.