I’ll be honest: I didn’t always feel great about my period. For years, it felt like something to dread, a disruptive and expensive inconvenience I just had to power through. I used tampons out of habit and pads when I was too irritated or sore. I accepted the discomfort, the waste, and the cost as just part of the deal of having a uterus.
Then one day, after yet another run to the store for tampons I didn’t even like, I stumbled across a mention of menstrual cups. I’d vaguely heard of them before—something about silicone cups you reuse—but this time, I actually paid attention. The idea that one product could replace all my disposable supplies for years seemed too good to be true.
But I figured, why not? I had nothing to lose… except, it turns out, irritation, waste, leaks, and a ton of money.
That one decision? It genuinely changed my life.
The Learning Curve Was Worth It
I won’t pretend I mastered the menstrual cup on day one. There was a bit of trial and error, some awkward moments, and a little learning curve with insertion. But it was never worse than fumbling with a tampon for the first time as a teenager. In fact, it felt empowering to take the time to learn how my body worked—something I realized I hadn’t really done before.
Within a couple of cycles, everything clicked. I found the fold that worked for me, figured out the best position for insertion, and learned how to remove it calmly and confidently. Once that happened, the difference in comfort was immediate.
I went from changing tampons every few hours and worrying about leaks at night to forgetting I was even on my period. Seriously—there were days I had to remind myself I was menstruating. That level of peace during my cycle felt brand new.
Comfort I Didn’t Know I Was Missing
Tampons always left me dry and slightly uncomfortable. Pads felt bulky, especially during warmer months. I didn’t realize how much low-level physical irritation I was putting up with until I switched to a menstrual cup and it vanished.
The cup collects rather than absorbs, so it doesn’t disturb your body’s natural moisture. It just sits there, tucked away, doing its job quietly. I wasn’t expecting to feel more comfortable during my period, but I absolutely did.
I also noticed fewer cramps. I can’t promise that switching to a cup will erase yours, but for me, it made a noticeable difference. I think part of it was just that I was less stressed and more relaxed, knowing my cup had things under control.
No More Running Out of Supplies
One of my favorite things about using a menstrual cup is how low-maintenance it is. I don’t have to stockpile boxes of pads and tampons or worry about forgetting them in my overnight bag. I just keep my cup in its pouch in my bathroom drawer, and when my period shows up, I’m ready.
It’s also a relief not to worry about creating waste. I used to feel guilty every time I tossed out used products wrapped in plastic and stuffed in the trash. Now I clean, reuse, and go about my day.
Over time, the savings added up. I’ve easily saved hundreds of dollars since switching—money I’ve redirected toward things that actually bring me joy. Not period supplies I tolerate.
Feeling More Connected to My Body
Here’s something I didn’t expect: using a menstrual cup actually made me feel more in tune with my body. Before, I mostly tried to ignore my period. With the cup, I became more aware of my cycle—not in a stressful way, but in a grounded, insightful one.
I know what my flow is like now. I know when it’s heavy and when it’s not. I can track the rhythm of my body without guessing. That knowledge gave me a new kind of confidence and self-trust that I didn’t realize I was missing.
I even started to feel a little proud of how I handled my period. For the first time, it felt like something I had figured out on my own terms.
If You’re Thinking About It, Here’s What I’d Say
If you’ve been curious about menstrual cups but feel intimidated or unsure, I get it. It’s different. It requires you to be hands-on. And yes, there’s a small learning curve.
But please believe me when I say it is so worth it.
You don’t have to be perfect at it from the start. You don’t need to be super crunchy or into zero waste living. You just have to be open to the idea that there might be a better, more comfortable way to manage your period.
And if you’re worried about choosing the right cup, you don’t have to go it alone. There are helpful tools out there, like MeLuna’s Period Cup Quiz, which asks simple questions about your flow, body, and lifestyle to help match you with the right cup. MeLuna also offers cups in a variety of sizes and firmness levels, so whether you’ve given birth, have a low cervix, or are an athlete with a strong pelvic floor, there’s likely a cup that fits you just right.
One Small Change, Big Life Impact
I didn’t expect such a small change to have such a big ripple effect. But switching to a menstrual cup gave me back control over a part of my life that had always felt like a hassle. It made my cycle more manageable, less expensive, and—dare I say it—more empowering.
It’s not just about convenience. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, knowing your body, and taking care of yourself in a way that aligns with your values. It’s a form of self-care I didn’t know I needed.
So if you’re sitting on the fence, wondering if a menstrual cup could be right for you, take this as your sign to explore it. Ask questions. Take the quiz. Try it out. You might be surprised by just how much you love it.
Because you deserve a period experience that works for you—not against you.
