A Find: Menstrual Cups

Alternatives to tampons and pads that collect rather than absorb your monthly flow are a tad fruity. I picture women who live in communes and grow their own food using such methods. But there are some benefits to using menstrual cups. They can be worn up to 12 hours. You can have “clean sex” while using them and some brands can be rinsed and reused, which is better for the environment. I used disposable Instead Softcups, one of three brands I now know of, in place of gigunda overnight maxi pads. However, the cup leaked, putting Instead out of the running for my Karate Test. (If a bra, thong or feminine product can survive the rigors of my karate class, I’m wearing it.) Insertion wasn’t a problem, but trying to remove the cup was like digging for treasure. That sucker gets slippery after several hours of wear. A note of caution: You SHOULD NOT use a menstrual cup if you have an IUD. For me, menstrual cups are a great concept that doesn’t quite work as well in the execution. Find them at Drugstore.com where you can discreetly purchase all your feminine needs.