HACK YOUR PERIOD: The Cup
Hey there! It’s that time of the month *HAR HAR* where we discuss everyone’s favorite topic: PERIODS. If you missed the previous installment, you can click here for Hack Your Period: Thinx! My Thinx post sparked quite the conversation on instagram, which was shocking to me since I thought I only knew one person who had them. But because I’m the only one here talking about underpants and bodily functions (I’m sure my mom is so proud), I figured we should just keep this train rolling and talk about my personal favorite period necessity: the cup.
I’m going to make a bold statement: my period cup is my single favorite purchase of 2019. And I can say that honestly because I didn’t take in any rescue animals last year. This might sound extreme, but that’s how deep my love runs for my cup. It has honestly been a game changer for me. During the first few days of my period, I would go through a tampon in about 2 hours. Inconveniently enough, I couldn't always change it before a leak occurred, which resulted in a lot of unnecessary stress and general frustration. Also, it created a hell of a lot of waste and got to be kind of expensive. I had maybe 2 friends talk about their cup, but I was always hesitant to try one out myself. However, after not being able to track down my favorite tampons at Target (an unfortunately common occurrence), I saw a new product on the shelves that I impulsively purchased.
And that was the Saalt Cup *queue “The Hallelujah Chorus”*
Target had just started carrying them, and they were about $30. I’d spend about $15-$20 on organic tampons every cycle, so I rationalized that this would pay for itself pretty quickly if I could figure it out. I was determined to make it work. This is my honest to god review of the Saalt cup. I cannot vouch for any other brand as I haven’t tried them. Maybe I’ll start collecting cups and feature them in a backlit display case in my bathroom! Uh oh, did I just make it weird? LOL. Okay, stick with me!
First of all, let me say that my first cycle, I had zero issues whatsoever. Something I’m experiencing in my 30s is beginners luck. It’s such a strange phenomenon. Anyway, I started using the Regular Size Saalt Cup mid-cycle, and I slept in it, worked out in it, went to brunch in it...At first, I would remember it was in there and get all creeped out. But it truly was a gift to no longer be chained to my house or toting around a satchel full of tampons. The second time I tried it, I used it for my entire cycle. That was when I had a few issues. I sprung a leak here and there the first 2 days, but using it was still way better than using tampons. They say it takes a few cycles to figure out, and they aren't wrong. The first few times, I only had random leaks the first 2 days and then no problems. Any time I’ve had leaks since, it’s been within the first 2 days of my cycle (which are very heavy). I think I just need to empty the cup more frequently. Also, the cervix changes position throughout the duration of a menstrual cycle, so maybe that could also be the issue. Either way, I pair it with my Thinx undies the first few days of my cycle if I feel like I need a little reinforcement, and I’m good to go!
What I love about it
It only has to be emptied every 12 hours. As someone who used to have to deal with changing a tampon every 2 hours, this is unreal to me. I FEEL SO LIBERATED. Tampons are recommended to be changed every 6-8 hours.
No last minute trips to Target, the grocery store, wherever to buy organic tampons.
Not having to pay for organic tampons anymore.
ZERO waste! How often can you say that? Did you know that in the US, 20 BILLION pads, tampons, and applicators are dumped into landfills EVERY YEAR?
Easy to pack! I went on a weekend trip last summer, and I thought I might start my period but wasn’t entirely sure. I threw my cup in my carry on (in the cute little sachet it comes with!), and it took up way less space in my luggage than a whole box of tampons!
I feel better as a whole. One cycle, I went back to tampons because I had half a box still on hand. It was miserable. And honestly, I felt so ill — way more than normal. It could have been a fluke? But I think my body is so acclimated to the cup and because my flow was stopped rather than collected, I didn’t feel well? I don’t know, I think our bodies are eliminating during this time, and interrupting that kind of goes against that natural process. Not a doctor. Just something to think about!
What I don’t love about it
I mean, cleaning it can be a little annoying, but it isn’t really that big of a deal. If I have to have something negative to say, I guess that’s it. But I’m just used to it now. And cleaning it is way easier than remembering to empty the trash everyday so the dogs don’t get into it. We’ve all been there. Argh!
The Lowdown
The Saalt Cup has drastically improved my cycle. Other than occasional sickness the first few days, I tend to forget I’m even on my period. Truthfully, I’m mad it took me so long to make the switch, but again — no one was talking about it. And if you know me IRL, you know I won’t stop talking about mine because that’s how obsessed with it I am. That’s the whole purpose of this series: if you’re going to have to be inconvenienced for a quarter of the month every single month, you might as well find a way to make it more tolerable! This product is a total win for me.
Questions you might have
How do I know which cup to get?
Period cups are like snowflakes. There are many different kinds! I think this was my initial hangup. My friend Taylor sent me a quiz to help determine the best option for my body and needs. Ultimately, I ended up grabbing one off the shelf from Target, but if you want to take the quiz, you can do so by clicking here!
How do you get it in there?
There are a few different ways. Quickly shoving it up there and hoping for the best isn’t an ideal method LOL. There are different ways to insert the cup and make sure you get a good fit. Click here for some options! I think I typically do the C-fold, but there are a lot of good options here if you’re a beginner!
What is it made out of?
Medical grade silicone. Completely safe!
Does it hurt?
Nope! Inserting it, removing it, and wearing it have been completely painless for me. If you tried it and experienced cramping, you likely had it inserted too high. Try again! Also, Saalt and many other companies make a sensitive cup with more flexible silicone. That might be a better option for you.
But where does the blood…go?
It collects in the cup! It’s honestly fascinating (and this means something coming from someone like me who is grossed out by everything!). It’s a way for you to become intimately familiar with the ins and outs of your cycle, which is important should you have any sudden changes (which could be an indicator of an issue!).
Is it a mess when you change it?
It doesn’t have to be. if you remove it and keep it upright or don’t squeeze out all the contents of the cup, it’s actually pretty mess free. You just dump it into the toilet and flush it! If you’re a beginner, you can change it in the shower to prevent any challenges ;)
How do you change it in a public restroom?
Uhh, don’t? HA! No, I mean, you can. I haven’t, but it’s usually easy for me to time out a 12 hour window where I don’t have to deal with changing it. You can always use a family restroom if you need to! Or bring a bottle of water wth you into the restroom. I just try to prevent having to do this if I can.
How do you clean it?
Empty the cup and rinse with cold water, then rinse with hot water until clean. I usually just about blister my fingertips and then reinsert, but you do you! They make special washes that won’t damage the silicone or mess with the pH of your lady parts. PS if you purchase one directly from Saalt’s website, they’re currently offering a free cup wash with any purchase AND free shipping!
How many do you need?
Just 1! But Saalt launched a Sensitive cup after I purchased mine, and I kind of want to try that one now, too…
Where can you purchase a cup?
Saalt’s website, Target, Amazon, even the grocery store! Ban.do actually sells the Saalt Cup on their website now, which I think is super cool!
Final Thoughts
(Am I Jerry Springer?) Basically, just expect to fumble with it a little bit when you’re getting the hang of it. It’s okay. You’re not gonna die! Just wear all black and do your best! Or supplement with a liner or period undies. You can do it!
