I have been using a menstrual cup I purchased nine months ago and I don't want to use pads again. I haven't used a tampon as it's not common in my country and if it is available, it's really expensive. A pack of eight pads normally costs $1 USD while a box of tampons would be $10 USD. I thought that there are no other options whenever you're on your period besides the two I've mentioned. Then I came across a BuzzFeed video (I can't seem to find the video anymore but I found this alternative one where they each used different products). I then researched about menstrual cups and I was surprised that it has been around for a long time but for some reason, it's not as well-known like pads and tampons.

At first, I thought that it was too troublesome since it's easier to change napkins than having to put a cup inside of you then removing it after. But the thought of saving money and not having to change often got me interested. I googled where I can purchase one in my country and to be honest, I was put off a bit because of the price. The cheapest one is $10 and I wasn't quite ready so I held off. After a month, my partner asked me about it when it was mentioned in an article he read. I took that as a sign so I went ahead and ordered one made locally (it was also on promotion so I got it at a lesser cost). After almost a week of waiting, I finally got it. I was surprised at how small it is. Then I had to think about how will I insert it. There are different ways and at first, I tried the flower fold and opening it inside was quite difficult so I changed to the C-fold which was easier. Taking it out the first time was hard, and I also felt it got "lost" inside and it did take me an hour trying to get it out. I almost quit because of this but thankfully, I kept on giving it a chance. After two months, I know that I wouldn't want to wear pads again. I'm helping by reducing waste in the environment, helping myself avoid the hassle of constantly changing and never experiencing that uneasy feeling. I can exercise, swim and sleep without worrying. 

I gave my unused pads I bought to my younger sister. She's only 15 and I felt it's quite early for her to try a cup but I guess once she reaches 18, I might give her one. Whenever there's a chance, I share my experience with other women as I believe this would also erase their period problems the same as I have. I mostly talk about it when someone would approach me and ask for a spare pad and I would say I don't have any as I've been using menstrual cups which would make them curious and that's how I mostly share my experience.

If you're unsure about it as I was before, I'd recommend giving it a shot. There's a learning curve and it'll take time but it will be worth it. If I could, I would wear the cup everyday just so I can also stop using pantyliners but of course, my body would still need to breathe. As I've become used to it, I no longer dread the days when I'm about to have my period. If during a trip I'm expecting, I don't have to bring a bunch of pads or buy one in the country I'll be visiting, I'll just bring it with me... boil, rinse, insert, remove and repeat. That's how easy it has been for me (you can just boil it twice; before you use it on your first day and after using it on your last). So go ahead and Google, there are tons of brand, type, and materials available. I am thinking of purchasing a new one as I no longer use the stem but for now, I'm holding off.