Yes, most of us grew up on pads and tampons. However, there are alternatives that are both eco-friendly and convenient.
The Diva Cup is probably one of the most talked about alternative methods on the market right now. I’ll admit, figuring out the best way to insert the cup was a bit of a challenge. But once you get it situated, you can wear it for up to 12 hours! One diva cup will last you up to a year of use. Although, many women have claimed to use them for up to 5 years or longer. Think about how many boxes of pads/tampons that is! Also, there are many other brands of cups out there, but I’ve only tried the Diva Cup.
Like the concept of the silicon diva cup, Instead Soft Cups too can be worn for up to 12 hours. However, there is an added “perk.” You can have sex while wearing the Instead Soft Cup. Personally, I have never tried, but my BFF has and she reports, everything was “all good.”
Think cups are too much and want to stick to pads? Try washable pads. You’ll make the investment once and simply reuse. Brands such as Lunapads create cloth pads that you can wash after use. They typically come in sets of 3 or 7.
Period Panties
This brand has everything from period panties with cute matching bras to high intensity workout sets made with women in mind. But back to their period panties! DearKate panties are designed with a patented leak-proof, moisture-wicking technology that will hold three teaspoons of liquid and replace up to 730 pantyliners per year.
We’ve already covered THINX here but this underwear line remains one of the most popular brands on the market and is already sold out.
Do you use any of the alternative types of period protection? Would you try?
I’ve used soft cup since high school and I love it. A bit of a learning curve but it’s been great for the 10+ years. I would wear a liner in case of leaks. I cloth diaper my newborn so I am actually going to transition to cloth pads and liners. Amanda Nix has great YouTube tutorials on how to make them. Can’t wait to start sewing!
I have used the Diva Cup for about 6 months now and it has seriously changed my life. I wear a liner just to be safe but it really is amazing and stays put if you insert it correctly.
I’m a cup user! *raises hand* I couldn’t go back to conventional methods now!
I have been over a year now! I’m 27 and wish i knew about this when i started menstruating at 10. never going back to pads!!!
Cups aren’t suitable for girls and teenagers who have just started their period as you are still growing plus the flow changes.
Not true. They can use smaller cups. Try the small Lunette, or even the Ruby Cup. For each Ruby Cup purchased, one is donated a girl in Africa who doesn’t have the means to purchase sanitary items for her period (and often has to be absent from school during that time).
Same here
Lunette in the house!
How does the Diva Cup work eactly?
I meant Amy Nix for the DIY cloth pads on YouTube.
I use a Blossom Cup (similar to and less expensive than the Diva cup). As long as it’s placed correctly it’s perfect!
There are probably videos on this but: it’s basically a cup that catches the blood. You fold the cup to insert it, and you pull on the stem (I always had to twist mine a bit first) to take it out. You then empty it, wipe or rinse it off, and put it back in. Just as with tampons, if it’s inserted correctly you won’t feel it and you shouldn’t experience any leaks but it’s a good idea to wear a liner just in case. I used the Diva Cup off and on for a few years after my fibroid surgery.… Read more »
Diva cups don’t hold as much as other brands. They’re kind of narrow. My lady cup large holds much more.
Thanks for sharing..i have fibroids too…try the Softcups it might be a better fit for you. Let us KNOW.
Fortunately I have reached that age where the periods are fewer and farther between…and it is glorious. Absolutely GLORIOUS. 🙂
i’m pregnant now, and don’t anticipate another period for another year and some change, but i plan on looking into the washable pads and the diva cup. thanks for this!
I, personally, prefer the natural brands. I like the chlorine & fragrance free, organic cotton pads and tampons. The tampons come without an applicator which is really nice. Natracare is a great brand and its affordable.
I’m not shutting out Diva Cups though.…can’t knock it, till i try it!
I have fibroids and I’m tired of using Depends! After reading this article, I tried the Softcups disposable! The insertion part wasn’t bad and no leaks but use a panty liner anyway. I had to “fish” for it to take it out but found it, a, bit messy but tampons can be too. I HAVE to get use to them but I like them!!! 🙂
Yay!!!! I’m glad you gave the Softcups a try! They changed the game for me when I initially started out using them and I haven’t looked back since. If you decide to try the diva cup, it’s less “messy.”
Thank you so much! I really wanted to try the diva cup, but I couldn’t find them at my local stores here. I will have to buy it online soon.
I cant get with the idea of a period cup. Its not for me but the other stuff is an interesting idea
i dont get how it can stay in place
Same way tampons stay in place.
Mine moved up and down, it’s important to get one that doesn’t hurt and fits well. Diva cups are often too large for pre-vaginal birth and virginal women. I no longer use mine because it leaked and hurt to use.
It forms a seal around your cervix.
I have been using a Lunette cup for a year and it is the TRUTH! I use a liner as backup, but I will never go back to pads & tampons.
I use period panties and cloth pads, along with ob tampons but menstrual cups do not work for women with vaginismus at all(They are painful to use). I used my lunette for 4 periods worth before giving up. I found my cheaper period panties for the last few days on amazon for $25.
Thank you for this post! I’ve tried Diva but don’t like it much. I want to try the cloth pads.
i tried the soft cup and i hate it. it was a terrible mess
I as all excited about an awesome alternative to pads and tampons at an affordable budget until I got to those last two items :C/ Soooo $34–36 minimum PER pair is considered cheap and affordable? What tax bracket does this website think their average readers are in? Ivanka Trumps? Smdh