If you're like 98 percent of people who menstruate in the U.S.,crossdresser with wife sex videos you probably use disposable tampons, pads, or a combination of the two. (This assumes, of course, that your state doesn't make it difficult or impossible to afford either product, given that 30 states currently tax tampons and pads).
But have you considered a menstrual cup or menstrual disc? Both collect blood rather than absorb it like tampons and pads do. And, unlike disposable tampons and pads, menstrual cups are often reusable. In fact, you can use them for up to 10 years, especially if you wash and sanitize your cup after each period.
Most discs (made of both plastic film and firm plastic for the rim) are disposed of after one use, but reusable discs (often made of silicone) are now available, says June Gupta, a Maryland-based women's health nurse practitioner and Planned Parenthood's director of medical standards. Some examples of silicone menstrual discs include the Ziggyby Intimina and the Nixit (though both are marketed as cups, they work exactly like discs). Anne Loreto Cruz, who reviewed menstrual cups and discs for Mashable, recommended reusable discs in particular, saying they were less wasteful and less stiff than disposable ones.
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How much do menstrual discs and cups cost?
Menstrual cups can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 (and a cup can last up to 10 years if you treat it well). Disposable menstrual discs can cost $1.50 per disc. Reusable discs can cost $40. With tampons and pads, you're likely to spend an average of $50 to $150 per year.
What do they look like, and how do I insert and remove each?
A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped object, often made out of silicone or latex rubber, that you put in the vaginal canal below the cervix. You place a menstrual disc a bit farther up your vagina than a cup, right outside the base of your cervix, says Gupta.
To insert a menstrual cup, you can sit, stand, or squat. Gupta references directions from the menstrual cup brand Lunette to help you: Fold the cup on itself to flatten it and then in half to form a "C" shape. Guide it rim first into your vagina. To ensure the cup is fully open, you can place a finger to the cup bottom to feel that it's round. The cup, when properly in place, is held by your vaginal walls but it may take a few tries to get it right at first.
"While inserting a menstrual cup may take some getting used to, most people are unable to feel it inside of them once it's properly placed — if it's uncomfortable, take it out and reinsert it," says Gupta.
There are different kinds of cups you can try, and each person will have their own experience with fit and feel. Cruz found it easiest to insert the Kind Cup, "because the asymmetrical silhouette of the cup makes it easy to fold into a narrow point."
To take a cup out, pinch the base of it to release the suction and, at the same time, pull the cup out. A word to the wise: Most cups have a stem, but it's there to help you find the cup's base rather than use it to pull out the cup.
To insert a menstrual disc, fold it in half and place it lengthwise behind your cervix. To remove it, insert a finger inside your vagina to pull the disc out. Don't be discouraged if you can't remove it on the first try, it can take some practice, says Gupta. Menstrual discs may be more difficult to take out than cups.
But, if you find it painful to insert or remove a disc or cup, Gupta says to reach out to your healthcare provider. The pain could be a sign of a medical condition or that your hymen is covering the opening to your vagina.
How long can I wear each?
You can wear a menstrual cup from 8 to 12 hours, or until it's full. A menstrual disc can stay in place up to 12 hours. Keep in mind, it can be messy when you remove a menstrual disc, because menstrual blood can spill when you take the disc out. But if you only have to remove it every 12 hours, you'll likely do this at the end of the day from the comfort of your home. Experiment with what works for you — dealing with a disc that spills blood may not faze you at all.
How do I clean menstrual discs and cups?
You'll want to clean your menstrual cup before using it. Boil a pot of water and then put the cup in the boiling water for 20 minutes. Watch the cup to make sure it doesn't stick to the pot and burn. Once your menstrual cycle is over, you can do this again before storing your cup for its next use.
For day-to-day cleaning, use a liquid soap that is both fragrance- and oil-free and run it under cold water. Overall, you should follow the care instructions included with your cup as each brand has different advice, according to the period education website Period Nirvana.
As for reusable menstrual discs, you should also boil your disc before and after each of your menstrual cycles, according to Period Nirvana. But, again, reference the care instructions that come along with your disc to see what's recommended.
Remember to clean your hands before and after you touch your menstrual cup or disc, as you don't want to transfer any harmful bacteria to it, which can make it way into your body, and vice versa.
Are they comfortable?
Both should be comfortable throughout your daily life, even during activities such as swimming. But while you can wear a disc during penetrative sex, the same doesn't go for a cup. This is because cups are rigid and may be uncomfortable or cause pain to your sexual partner, says Gupta.
Cruz says she barely felt any of the discs during sex but her male partner did feel the discs' rims. And if you use lube while wearing a disc, you'll want to ensure the lube's ingredients don't damage the disc (for example, silicone-based lube with a silicone disc is a no-no), says Cruz.
What if I have a heavy flow?
For people who bleed more, Gupta says there are menstrual cups and discs that have a larger capacity so you won't need to empty them out as frequently.
It's also common to use one period product over another depending on your flow at the time. For example, you might use tampons during the day and pads at night, says Gupta. If you use a cup or disc and are worried about leakage, you can wear period underwear, a pad, or pantyliner as backup, suggests Gupta.
SEE ALSO: 4 things you should know about period povertyBirth control considerations
Menstrual cups aren't recommended for people who use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, says Gupta. The suction from removing the cup can cause an IUD to move out of place, making it less effective at preventing pregnancy. While Cruz tried out a variety of cups, she's staying away from them while her IUD is in place.
However, menstrual discs are OK to use with IUDs because they don't use suction and, therefore, are less likely to cause your IUD to dislodge when removing the disc. Cruz thinks she'll stick with reusable discs for the long haul (though she says she may give cups another try when she no longer uses an IUD).
So, which is right for me? Menstrual cups vs. discs?
Menstrual cups and discs prevent an alternative to tampons and pads that's well worth considering. Cups may be better if you don't want to deal with the mess of a disc upon removal. Sex may be more comfortable with a disc than a cup, and there's less to worry about when it comes to IUDs.
There's a lot to consider, and in the end, it's up to you to determine what period products you find most comfortable and useful. You may have to experiment a little to see what works for you. Ultimately, says Gupta, whatever you choose is based on your lifestyle and the best fit for your needs.
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