Green Menstruation Sensation, Part 2: Deep-Sixing Tampons

by Andrea Millar — July 2, 2008

Truthfully, it took awhile for this tampon devotee to make the switch to something greener, and you may try out an alternative product and find that it really, really isn't for you. But at an initial investment of about $30 bucks, a successful switch to a menstrual cup could be the last $30 bucks you spend on, you know, "feminine hygiene products"--for 15 years! If nothing else, I urge all tampon users to ditch the plastic applicators unless you have a real, real good reason to use them.

Now, on to the cups! I remember when my roommate got one of these a few years ago, and I literally turned away going "ewwww!" when she brought it out to show a friend. Not my proudest moment. In the intervening time, I matured somewhat, and got cheaper: It's downright irksome to throw seven bucks of coffee money at little plastic sticks that fall out of your bag or conversely disappear completely at the most inopportune times. Once I got the cup, though, I was freed, freed!

That said, first timers will probably find that menstrual cups take a little getting used to. Basically, it chills up there, you feel it get full, you empty it and put it back in. In total, it probably requires less maintenance than a tampon--most of them hold about an ounce to two ounces, which will get you surprisingly far. They are a little more bulky than tampons, which is probably what takes the most getting used to. That, and the very distinct insertion technique: fold, RELAX!, insert, tug. However, you'll probably find yourself pretty much oblivious to their presence 90% of the time once you get the hang of it.

I have a Divacup, and I fully intend to test its 15-year lifespan. Like its brother (sister?), the Keeper, it comes in two sizes: one for women who have given birth, and a slightly smaller one for those who haven't. It's medical-grade silicone, but if you're not into that, the Keeper is made from rubber (this model lasts a mere 10 years). The Keeper Co. also makes a silicone model, the Mooncup (not to be confused with Mooncup UK). If you're not stoked on the larger size of the Divacup or Keeper, the Czech Republic makes the Ladycup, apparently more flexible and with a smaller capacity. And then there's the Instead, made in the US with a softer, pliable cup, and the Finnish Lunette...the fact of the matter is, there are so many cup models, you may be feeling a little bedazzled. One great collection of user experiences is found in the Menstrual Cup Livejournal Community, which has the dimensions and perks of just about every model made.

If cups really aren't your thing, there are always sea sponge tampons. These last for about 6 months, and while I'm not stoked on the fact that they're dried out sea creatures, Jade and Pearl makes some that are sustainably harvested and go for about 10 bucks. And, in a one-up of the current slew of cups, they're biodegradable.