sassybutton

[sassybutton]

[sassybutton]

How do I empty my menstrual cup in a shared bathroom?

Someone asked us:

Hi there! I have recently become interested in the Diva Cup, however I’m not quite sure about the emptying of it and if you rinse it out before putting it back in. The thing is, I’m in college with a communal sink and then the toilet is in a separate room with the shower. There is no way I can walk out of the bathroom and rinse my cup out in the sink when my roommates are there. Do you have any advice for this?

I know how you feel! I get cup anxiety, too — especially if I’m in a public place or with people who might not know exactly what a menstrual cup is. (For those who don’t know, a menstrual cup is a little silicone cup that you put in your vagina when you have your period. Some people use these instead of tampons or pads because they’re reusable, more eco-friendly, and save you money over time.) People can have all sorts of reactions to menstrual cups, and periods in general, but here at Planned Parenthood we know that talking about periods and the products we use to deal with them is a normal part of life.

Although menstrual cups seem to be the sensation that’s sweeping the Period Nation, not everyone knows what they are.  And yes, that might mean an awkward moment if you walk out of a stall holding a bloody cup.  One way to break down those barriers and feelings of insecurity might be talking with your roommates about menstrual cups.

Period blood happens. Let your roommates know that menstrual cups are one way to deal with it, and ask them to be cool. If they seem “meh,” tell them you’ll let them know if you’re coming out of the toilet to rinse your cup out in the sink. Then they can duck out of the room or just stay and deal.

If they don’t react maturely or if you’d still rather deal with it in private, you do have a few alternatives:

Rinse and reinsert your cup while you’re in the shower.

Carry a water bottle with you into the toilet and use that to rinse out your cup before reinserting.

Dump the cup contents into the toilet and clean out what remains with a wipe or tissue.

Be sure to follow all of the directions that come with your cup to make sure everything stays sanitary. Many brands recommend that you wash your hands, remove the cup, discard the contents, then rinse it with warm water and soap about twice a day while you’re using it. Cleaning your cup more thoroughly between periods — by boiling it in a pot with water for 5-10 minutes — is also a good idea.

If you try the cup and it’s not for you, don’t worry! They’re not for everyone. Tampons and pads are still there to help you keep your period blood at bay.

While we’re on the subject of periods, check out Spot On, our brand new app that helps you know what’s up with your menstrual cycle, birth control, and sexual health. Get it for free for iOS in the App Store (Android version coming soon)!

-Chelsea @ Planned Parenthood

[sassybutton]

Why do periods make you have to crap so much?

[sassybutton]

While we don’t endorse a particular menstrual cup at Scarleteen, we this review is super informative for folks looking for brands of menstrual cup to try.

[sassybutton]

Preserve Your Pads!

There are many methods for washing your reusable menstrual pads and strategies for avoiding stains.  Menstrual Mayhem’s pads are screen printed with dye.  The colors of the fabrics may age differently from mass produced cloth. To maintain the colorful designs of the pads and avoid stains, we recommend the following method.  

First, find a dedicated non-reactive container that won’t rust. A stainless steel pot, large glass jar, or plastic bin would all work.   Fill your container with a few inches of cold water (hot water seals stains). When you have a soiled pad, simply add it to the container.  If the pad is heavily soiled, rinse the pad in the sink before adding it to the larger container.  Change the water at least once a day or more frequently if it seems particularly murky. Once your cycle has ended, change the water one more time and add a stain remover.  We recommend Buncha Farmers Stain Remover, Ruby’s Red Wash, or Bac-Out Stain & Odor Eliminator.  Soak the pads for at least half an hour.  Pour out the water, place pads in a mesh laundry bag, and launder normally.  No special detergent is required, although an eco-friendly one is always encouraged.  You don’t have to launder the pads separately from other clothes, although to be on the safe side you should wash them in loads of dark colors. Pads can be hung to air dry or machine dried on a medium to low setting.   You can iron your pads on a low setting, but  avoid the snaps.  The snaps are plastic resin, they will melt under high heat. We recommend air drying your pads because it does not cause the pads to puff up as they do in a dryer so they do not need to be ironed.  Store laundered pads in a clean, dry place.  

[sassybutton]

New sets ready to go. Affordable multipacks🥳, include panty liner, light flow pad, medium/heavy pad and night pad and a bag to wash/store your pads in. Pre-order before Christmas for yourself or as gifts 🎁 UK ONLY!

#cloth pad #cloth menstrual pads #eco-friendly products #sassybutton #eco period proud #handmade #reusable cloth pads #women #washable pads #affordable #multipack #soft pads #heavy flow

[sassybutton]

Hand made eco pads. Made with a cotton upper and base. A zorb core and a PUL leak-proof lining.

#cloth pad #cloth menstrual pads #eco-friendly products #sassybutton #eco period proud #handmade #reusable cloth pads #women #washable pads #affordable #multipack #soft pads #heavy flow