School’s out. Days are long. Vacation is (hopefully) on the horizon.
Summer means time for traveling, exploring and frolicking on a beach. Unfortunately, if you are a woman of a reproductive age, it’s also the time when you have to deal with increased chances of skin irritation down there due to warmer (or downright hot) weather.
Also, if you are traveling when menstruating (and periods seem to always pay a visit when you least expect them and when they can be a massive inconvenience), there are additional hassles.
Have you packed tampons? Forgot? Now you go to drop everything and run the store and get some! Going to the beach? Not today, says Auntie Flo!
Precisely because menstruating in summer can be a major inconvenience, it’s the best time to try a menstrual cup. Huh? If you’re not yet familiar with this device, let’s get to know it. If you were thinking of trying it, hopefully, you’ll give it a shot.
Even though menstrual cups have been around since the early 1930s, only over the past few years have they become a more popular choice for women.
Here’s why this summer might be the best time to get one.
Health & Safety (No Toxins)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require tampon and pad manufacturers to list ingredients on the packaging. Rightfully so, many women are concerned about reports of tampons containing bleached cotton, rayon viscose fibers, and dioxin. Genial Day menstrual cups are free of silicone, latex, BPA and phthalates. Our menstrual cups are made of medical-grade TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers), sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers. They are widely used in medical field and are known for their elastic properties. Genial Day menstrual cup is hypoallergenic and FDA registered.
Convenience (Think: Sunbathing and Swimming)
A menstrual cup can be worn up to 12 hours before it should be removed, cleaned and reinserted. Typically tampons or pads should be changed every 2 to 6 hours. The cup is especially convenient when traveling or engaging in beach activities. It’s perfectly safe to swim and – if it’s your thing – you can even sunbathe naked or go skinny-dipping: unlike a tampon, no one is going to notice your menstrual cup.
Hygienic
Menstrual cup collects blood rather than absorbing it like a tampon. Which means harmful bacteria are not trapped inside your vagina. This means that you are less likely to develop a rash, skin irritation or yeast infection. As long as you empty out your menstrual cup at least every 12 hours, you should also be able to avoid any unpleasant odor.
Reusable and Recyclable
People often attribute disposable diapers for causing landfills to become full, but tampons and pads accumulate in landfills too. The menstrual cup is reusable and significantly reduces the impact on the environment. Depending on how it is worn and personal preference, one menstrual cup can last anywhere from 6 months to 10 years.
No Age Restrictions
Women of any age can use a menstrual cup, even before a woman has had a child. Our cups come in two different sizes. Medium size recommended for women under 25 years old who have not given birth vaginally, with moderate flow. Large size is recommended for women older than 25 years old or who have given birth vaginally, with heavy flow.
Affordable
While affordability subjective, considering how much women spend on tampons, a menstrual cup is a bargain. To be honest, you probably spend more on you latte every week…
Last Thoughts
The menstrual cup is a great natural alternative to tampons and pads. Its function is to collect the flow of your period. The menstrual pad is a medical device and a personal hygiene item. As such, it requires a certain degree of care. You must thoroughly rinse it each time you empty the cup. It is also recommended to inspect it periodically for any damage to prevent leaks.
Surely, there are situations when you may not feel like cleaning your cup or you may not be in a place where doing so is possible or convenient (think of a house of your new flame or the 4th of July party at your boss’s new digs). Therefore, we recommend alternating menstrual cup with maxi pads, based the situation.
If you are inclined to try it out, summer is the best time. If it works for you during travel, hot weather, and a beach outing, you’ll know the menstrual cup and you are going to be BFFs.
