In today's market, an array of menstrual cups, discs, and underwear can be found on store shelves and across social media platforms. These products are often presented with captivating branding and carefully crafted messages that align with women's needs throughout their menstrual cycle.
With the influx of new brands, navigating the world of reusable period products has become a thorough investigative process. In this discussion, we delve into the evolution of reusable period care items, examining the significant influence of the internet on the industry. Furthermore, we explore how to identify the perfect product that suits your unique body, ensuring comfort and effectiveness during menstruation.
The Evolution of Reusable Menstrual Products
In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have been opting for alternative menstrual products, such as menstrual cups and discs, due to concerns about their health and the environment. The era of having only one menstrual cup option, like the DivaCup, is long gone. The market now offers a wide range of diverse options, including availability in major retailers like Target and Walmart. With a value of $785.13 million in 2022, the menstrual cup market is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2030.
What was once considered an alternative and niche product has now become mainstream, with approximately 200 FDA-registered brands catering to this demand. The advent of digital marketing has further propelled the growth of direct-to-consumer brands in this industry.
Kim Rosas, a menstrual cup educator and the founder of Period.Nirvana and Period.Shop, reflects on the past and notes a significant shift in the response towards menstrual cups over the past decade. She recalls that the reception towards menstrual cups was highly negative ten years ago. However, she believes that the growing trend of using menstrual cups or discs can be attributed to the increased discussions and understanding surrounding periods. According to Rosas, the more open conversations and breakdown of menstrual topics have made more individuals willing to try menstrual cups or discs.
There are several compelling reasons to embrace reusable menstrual products. Menstrual cups and discs can last from five to 10 years, significantly longer than disposable tampons and pads. They are often made from medical-grade silicone, which is free of fillers, hormone-disrupting substances, and biocompatible, meaning it doesn't release chemicals onto the highly porous vaginal skin.
Discovering the Perfect Fit: Navigating and Selecting the Ideal Product for Your Body
With the abundance of options available, the real challenge lies in finding a menstrual product that suits your body's unique size and shape. Many menstrual cups are marketed as either average or longer in cervix length, and as Kim Rosas emphasizes, "A cup that doesn't fit you internally is never going to work."
If you have previously experienced discomfort or pain while using a menstrual cup, it might be because you have a high cervix. During the day, the cup can shift higher inside the vagina due to muscle contractions and physical movements. This displacement can trigger a fight-or-flight response in your body, even though you logically know that the cup cannot get lost. Kim Rosas explains that our bodies don't always respond rationally like our minds do, resulting in muscle tension. Hence, selecting the right cup size for your body is essential. Rosas emphasizes the importance of having knowledge beforehand to avoid spending money on the wrong product or having a distressing experience.
The height of your cervix can vary throughout your menstrual cycle, so Rosas recommends measuring your cervix during your period, specifically on the first and last day. Take note of the lowest measurement when inserting a finger into your vagina until you reach your cervix, which feels similar to the tip of your nose.
If you struggle to locate your cervix, it likely means you have a high cervix. In this case, opting for a cup shorter than the measured length will likely provide the most comfort. Additionally, low cervix options can be found in stores.
For those with a low cervix, menstrual discs may be a viable alternative to cups. Discs are suction-free and easy to remove, but Rosas cautions that transitioning from tampons with applicators can be messy and requires adjusting to the new experience of manually inserting fingers into the vagina.
If self-measurement seems daunting, consulting with your OB/GYN during your next visit can provide approximate information about your cervix height. They can offer guidance on where your cervix falls on the spectrum from "low" to "super high."
Further Insights for Selecting Reusable Menstrual Products
Once you have a general understanding of the product size that suits you best, the following insights can aid you in finding your ideal fit: 1. Consider the compatibility of menstrual cups or discs with your lifestyle. While most individuals can master the use of menstrual cups and discs with practice, it's essential to note that certain disabilities can make insertion or removal more challenging. In such cases, Kim Rosas suggests exploring alternatives like cloth pads or reusable period underwear, which are still eco-friendly compared to single-use products. 2. Prioritize reputable brands over captivating branding. Look for companies that have garnered positive reviews and offer their products at reasonable prices. The menstrual product industry is teeming with white-label companies selling generic designs on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Amazon. However, high-quality menstrual cups and discs should typically be priced higher than a pack of tampons or pads. Rosas explains, "I won't say no one who starts a white label company cares about their customers or safety—but generally speaking, it's usually more about profit rather than engaging in a broader conversation about period health or environmental issues." Consult Rosas' database of reliable, ethical, and inclusive brands worldwide, and explore mindbodygreen's comprehensive selection of cups suitable for diverse bodies to discover vetted, high-quality products. While they may be more expensive, they are more likely to provide a better fit for your body and offer increased durability. Additionally, leveraging your health insurance can help reduce costs, as reusable period products are often HSA- and FSA-eligible. 3. Determine your preferences regarding blood management. For some individuals, a disc may be more suitable due to its suction-free design, facilitating easier removal. However, it's crucial to consider that using a disc involves more physical contact with your body compared to a cup. This factor should be taken into account when transitioning to a new menstrual product. 4. Foster ongoing conversations. "The wrong [product] can lead to a poor experience. If you didn't know there were other options, you may never try again and swear them off forever," highlights Rosas. By promoting open discussions and dismantling the stigma surrounding periods, it becomes easier for individuals to explore different options and seek advice from others. Engaging in conversations about menstrual cups, for instance, allows for a more informed decision-making process.
In conclusion, the reusable period product industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a substantial influence from digital marketing. As you consider transitioning to reusable options, it is crucial to explore products that cater to various cervix lengths and accommodate your specific lifestyle requirements. By doing so, you can find a suitable product that aligns with your needs and contributes to a more sustainable menstrual experience.
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