By: Allison Waldbeser
Ever since I started blogging for Lunette I catch myself *strongly* voicing my opinions about taboo topics such as menstruation, sex, and women’s health issues. I mean c’mon, it’s kind of hard not to, especially in this controversial time surrounding overall human rights issues!
Don’t get me wrong, not everyone agrees or considers these topics as important as I would like them to, but that’s okay! As long as everyone keeps an open mind, the worst that can happen is an “unfollow” on my social media channels (haha!), or a “this is so weird” comment. So, with that being said, let me give you a little piece of advice (or two) on how I talk about menstrual cups to friends, family, and strangers – without making them feel uncomfortable (hopefully).
When I get asked what I do for a living, I always anticipate the confused glare on their face with a pair of very wide eyes expressing their shock.
“Oh… what’s a menstrual cup?!” I simply describe exactly what its purpose is, and how Lunette is trying to change the world – one period at a time!
“It’s an alternative to tampons and pads that goes inside your vagina and collects your period blood!” ...Nothing is too graphic for me.
Okay maybe I'm not that graphic. Depending on the person, I usually say, “it’s an alternative to tampons and pads, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s better for your body!”
Then the usual, “oh, so how does it work… and where exactly does it go…?” (an Uber driver once asked me if you wrap the cup around you like a belt…like the cups some professional male wrestlers wear around their penis). Yeah...that's going to be a hard no.
Then I explain what it does and how to insert it. It also helps to throw in some facts about some common health risks related to other forms of period care that people are so unaware of – how about we stop with the scented tampons and vag cleansers? Some people think it’s an uncomfortable subject, but that’s exactly why we’re here – to BREAK THAT PERIOD TABOO! ;)
So, if someone gets extremely uncomfortable when you start talking about menstrual cups, simply explain why it’s a better alternative to other menstrual care products and why it will rock your period!
What do YOU say when someone asks what a menstrual cup is? Comment below with your stories!
I steamroll right through any awkwardness with sheer enthusiasm. “It’s a cup that goes inside! It’s the best thing ever. It’s awesome when I’m traveling so I don’t have to worry where to get supplies, it’s great at work because it has more capacity than a tampon so I can make it through long meetings. It’s not super cheap, but it’s affordable and pays for itself pretty quick, depending on how fast you go through tampons. I donated most of my stockpiled tampons to a women’s shelter. All cups are basically all the same, but there are subtle differences in shape and squishiness between the brands. And it can take a few tries to figure out how to use it. But once I did, I never looked back!”
By the time I run out of breath, they’ve recovered their equilibrium. Generally there are questions about how to get it in and out. Triangle fold for the win! I’ve blurted my cup enthusiasm at many people over the past 5 years. Periodically I get quiet asides from people who ended up adopting them, thanking me for letting me know it was even an option and not a scary one.