Changing the way I feel about menstrual cycles forever

(This is a post about a woman's menstrual cycle so if you're a male who feels like stuff like this are TMI then stop here.)

So I've heard about menstrual cups like the Moon Cup and Diva cup a few years ago. When I did some research on it, everyone who's ever used it spoke so highly of the cups that I became suspicious if this was one of those good to be true shams. Many have commented that the menstrual cups "changed their lives" and that "tampons and pads are evil money-making schemes aimed at taking advantage of women's menstrual cycles". Despite all these comments, I didn't purchase the product because they cost $30-40, which I found relatively expensive compared to tampons sold at Costco for $8 per box of 50. Plus, I've read that usage of the cup can get really messy because of the learning curve, so I never got around to trying it out.

Let me preface by saying I absolutely dislike periods because: 

1) mine tends to last really long

2) I get cramps 

3) they get in the way of daily activities (because you feel paranoid that it might stain your clothes) 

4) who in the world likes feeling like a leaking cow?

When I discovered that BC pills regulated periods really well, such as diminishing cramps and shortening the cycle period, I was convinced that BC pills are the solution to the modern day women's dilemma regarding menstruation (and birth control, of course). I was a strong advocate for BC pills until I discovered that it actually affected my mood and concentration levels i.e. I became even more detached to my emotions than usual. I rarely felt excited about anything, and that made John feel kind of annoyed or disappointed especially if he'd put in effort into a date or activity to cheer me up but I instead react with a lack of enthusiasm.

So off the pill I went and got so upset when my cycle reverted to normal (i.e. heavy periods and longer cycles. Why is it that my family is so unfortunate to have the worst of both worlds? I've heard most girls only have light periods and lasts 4 days max) I whined about it all day to poor John. The worst part was that I didn't have any tampons or pads on hand because I've been skipping my periods for so long that I don't check/restock frequently. The only thing that was available at the store was these super maxi overnight pads that might as well be diapers. They worked well for their purpose but I was still paranoid about leakage and didn't have the mood to do anything all day.

Out of desperation, I was willing to try anything that could alleviate the grueling process (yes, I find it that bad) so I got the Diva Cup. And OMG, I finally understand why those ladies have been raving about the product like it's the best thing since sliced bread. It's basically a silicon cup that acts like a rubber stopper in your vagina. The device has a really strong suction that prevents leakage while collecting the menstrual blood in the "cup". It's a simple device but when used correctly, you DON'T FEEL A THING. Yes! If you don't have cramps, you won't even remember you're on your period. 

Unless, the cup is full, there won't be any issues of leaking from the cup moving around...because it doesn't. Even if it does, it kind of just moves up your vagina which is not a bad thing since it's collecting the blood way before it can even flow down to exit/leak.  On heavy cycles you might have to replace it every 6-8 hours, otherwise, it doesn't need to be changed for up to 12 hours!

But ewww~ wouldn't it smell bad? Nope. Periods smell bad when you use tampons and pads because when the blood, "cotton" material, and air mix, bacteria starts to grow, which causes the smell. Since this cup just acts as a "rubber stopper" in your body, all it's really doing is delaying the discharge from leaking out of you until a later, more convenient time. No more having to bustle around doing work with the paranoia that you would overflow anytime. Don't you just hate it when you've been sitting down all day and then you have to get up and you worry what if so much has gathered that the pad or tampon can't even withstand the sudden flow? No? Just me? Lucky.

Well. This is only my second cycle using it but I am in love with it. The first time was definitely a challenge. Needed to watch a ton of videos on how to properly use one. Even then, I found it very messy. This time round the process is a lot smoother. 

If you are uncomfortable at the thought of reaching into or stuffing something up your vagina, then this might not be for you. But hey, someday a kid is going to come out of there anyway so might as well get familiar with it now? Also, if you've already used tampons the process isn't too different. Tampons are messy too, anyway. Tbh, anything period related is messy. So why not cut yourself some slack and switch over to menstrual cups so you can fuss less with your cycle? Then you can spend the time doing something more enjoyable or productive...like eating chocolate or stalking your favorite idol on Facebook.

I know the price tag seems expensive at first, and some users justify the price tag by claiming that you save a ton more from not having to buy tampons/pads for 3 or 4 years (that's how long the cup last on average). *I* think that just the fact that I don't feel like I'm on my period and that it's less hassle of changing/cleaning throughout the day makes up for its worth. Not having to replace it till 3 or 4 years later is an extra bonus!

So give it a try!