There is so much I want to say about disability and menstruation. So much that I could never fit it into a single post. I have noticed that there is very little written about disability and menstruation generally and what little there is is most often not written by disabled people. As a result a lot of it is about control and often menstrual cessation in order to make the menstruating person more convenient for a care giver. This sometimes goes so far as sterilization of the disabled person.
The dearth of material on disability and menstruation from the disabled perspective likely has a number of influences that include the fact that menstruation is still unfortunately a taboo subject generally that people are embarrassed to talk about. Add to that the very idea of disability and sexuality is also still (somehow) widely denied. Which is, I suspect why so many nondisabled people feel so comfortable talking about period cessation as a reasonable solution to disabled people who have periods.
This focus on just stopping the whole business of menstruation is frustrating because it primarily marks the disabled body and its natural functions as too inconvenient. It also means that for those of us who do menstruate that we are left with disability specific information on how to deal with our periods.
It is the latter issue that I’m going to deal with now because the first issue while so important is just to big for me to handle right now.
I am going to talk about disability and the accessibility of alternative menstrual products.
Unfortunately, I am just one person with just one kind of disabled body and so nothing I say will have universal application. This is one of the reasons why we really need more disabled people to share their stories and experiences. If you have a different experience please share it in the comments or write your own blog post about it and share that in the comments.
Hopefully in spite of this I will have something useful to say or spark a conversation to get more voices heard because I really feel that it is essential to demystify and destigmatize not only menstruation and particularly disabled people menstruating.
For context (to see if what I say will translate well for you) I have left side hemiplegic cerebral palsy and am autistic. So most of what I have experience with is dealing with menstruation literally single handedly and the sensory aspects it entails.
I started menstruating when I was 11 and have primarily used pads as my go to menstrual product. I found tampons difficult and uncomfortable for pretty much my entire childhood and teen years. I only started using them rarely when I was well into my twenties.
I have never found pads to be particularly comfortable and couldn’t manage to deal with anything other than the thinnest option. I’m still not a fan of tampons. I find the uncomfortable but sheer pragmatism has forced me to use them occasionally. I am always hyper aware of them the entire time that I do.
In the last decade or so alternatives to the standard and and tampon methods of dealing with menstruation have become more mainstream (though they have definitely existed longer than that).
Alternative period products are generally washable and reusable and are considered to be both more environmentally friendly and more cost effective.
The oldest alternative period product is probably the menstrual cup
Image description: a comparison of 12 kinds of menstrual cups including variations from the following brands; Juju cup, Diva Cup, Lunette cup, MCUK, Sckoon, Femmycycle, Lily cup (produced by Intimina), and Me Luna (pic credit from Vitals can be found here)
I was told by a menstrual cup user that I would be unable to use menstrual cups because insertion requires two hands (they were referring to the portion of insertion that requires the menstrual cup to be folded small enough for insertion into the vaginal canal). I believed them for years.
A menstrual cup usually costs around $40CDN and can be used for a year or more before requiring replacement (see specific brands for life span as they differ from product to product).
Yet a curiosity ultimately led me to buy a Diva cup last year anyway. I can report that they can in fact be used one handed. They can be folded by bracing the cup against something (like your leg or other arm) and then inserted as per the basic instructions.
I can also report that I find the menstrual cup to be far more comfortable than tampons. I can’t even feel it when it’s inserted. If I can feel it, it’s a good indication that I haven’t done it correctly and should reinsert.
Intimina, the company that manufactures the Lily cup and Lily cup compact recently put out this infographic about the benefits of menstrual cup use
Unfortunately the graphic is so involved it defies an accurate image description. When I brought up this accessibility concern with the company via twitter, they created a more screen reader friendly version of the information which can be found here.
In addition to my Diva Cup, I also have a Lily Cup compact which folds up into a more convenient size to be carried in a pocket or purse (for when I don’t start my period in the comfort of my own home).
As you might have noticed there are a lot of different menstrual cups which might seem overwhelming but this selection is useful because it means that there are options not only in the sizes and lengths of cups available but also in the materials used (which is good to know for people with latex allergies). A more comprehensive guide to the options available a buying the right one for you can be found here.
The other product that I want to talk about is period panties. The kind that have absorbency built right in and are designed to replace pads or at the very least panty liners.
The brand that I have experience with is Thinx. The least accessible thing about these period panties is the cost which ranges from $24-$38USD (damn the abysmal exchange rate) per pair so they are a significant initial investment. I however, love them. They are significantly more comfortable than pads and easier to put on as there is no finicking with packaging or sticky tabs that are as likely to stick to itself as it is to your underwear. Thinx are underwear and are put on and removed like underwear. There are no extra pieces or steps.
The company is careful to not guarantee that you can replace pads with their product. I have however found them to be quite absorbent. I have slept in their boyshort which is advertised for light days on a medium flow day without leaks and woke up still feeling comfortable.
Image description: a white woman stands in Thinx boyshorts underwear and a tank top.
I also appreciate that the boyshorts are gender neutral and Trans inclusive recognizing that it is not just women who have periods.
Image description: a man stands in Thinx boyshorts in profile. He has a tattoo that says happiness on his side. both images taken from the Thinx website here.
The most onerous thing about period panties is rinsing them out before washing them which does require some hand control. I get around this by putting them on the floor of the shower and pressing the blood out with my feet as I wash my hair and then hanging them to dry until I do laundry.
I only use the boyshort and sport styles and like them both. I also have a couple pairs of the hiphugger style but I only used them once. I find the lace uncomfortable and it gave me a rash (so beware of this if you have sensitive skin). It’s unfortunate because the hiphugger style is the most absorbent. I wish they would make an equally absorbent model without the lace.
If you are interested in trying Thinx you can get $10 off by clicking this link.*
Padkix is another brand that makes period panties but I have not tried them.
Since I started using Thinx and menstrual cups, I have given up using pads and tampons entirely and my periods are more comfortable and less eventful as a result.
I usually start using Thinx a couple days before my period is supposed to start to avoid unexpected public leaks (which are a thing I no longer worry about). I then use Thinx in conjunction with a menstrual cup.
I know that menstrual cups will likely not be widely accessible but I wanted to include them to confirm that they can be used one handed. I think period panties have the potential to be potentially useful to more people if only they weren’t so initially cost prohibitive. Particularly for people who find that pads set off sensory overload.
I hope that people find this helpful. I would also like to ask again that people whose needs differ from mine please share their own experiences either in the comments or in their own blog posts.
*This is not a sponsored post. The discount code is available to share for anyone who has previously bought Thinx. I do however get an equal discount for everyone who takes advantage of it.
How to Support My Work
So now for the very in-depth appeal for support for mu PhD. Please read through this, there are so many ways to help, including just sharing this blog post on social media.
Kindle ebooks read on my iPad are the easiest way for me to read and take notes unfortunately Amazon does not allow people to buy ebooks for others through their wishlist system. I have an Amazon Wish list anyway as some of the books can only be purchased in print or from third party sellers because they are out of print. If you could buy me one of the books that can only be had in print, I would greatly appreciate it. If you want to help fund the ebooks I’ll need you can buy me a gift card and send it to the following email address
The email is kimberleyjanephd@gmail.com
I will not be answering queries about my research through this email. It is solely a way for people who want to support my work to be able to do so. (this is a safety boundary). If you want to talk to me, find me on Twitter.
My research and supporting myself will get past the reading phase and there will be field work in my future. If you would like to help me fund my PhD in the long term you can
support me on patreon
buy me a ko-fi
send me money via paypal
send an e money transfer to the email above (if you have scruples about third party sites)
I also have a generic disability wish list of things that would just improve my quality of life
Thank you for your ongoing support. and just an FYI I’m changing my name socially to Kimberley Jane Erin. You can call me Kim or Jane but I prefer Jane. I am however, not the least uncomfortable with Kim so don’t worry about messing up.
It’s time I really leaned into my identity as a scholar. I hope you’ll support me
crippledscholar 
Reblogged this on Spectrum Perspectives.
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I’m going to have to pay attention next time I use mine, but I think I use only one hand for diva cup insertion and removal, even though I do not have any limitation in using both due to disability, it just doesn’t require two hands for me.
Though I’m sure a lot of that depends on how one folds it. And there was a learning curve when I first got it to get used to the insertion and removal process.
I really want to try thinx but haven’t been able to afford them yet. I didn’t know about needing to pre-rinse them though. But it makes me wonder, what happens if you don’t? Even my non-fancy washer has a double rinse option (though that is after the washing), it’s hard for me to imagine that whole process would them with blood still…
For me, I’m not sure my disability really plays much role in periods. Though one benefit of my diva cup is being able to wear it longer. With medium to light periods I have gone over 12 hours without changing it. They say not to, but also state unlike tampons toxic shock is not a risk if you do. For me the longer wear is definitely good for fatigue since on weekends I often sleep more than 12 hours, especially when periods can add even more fatigue onto my normal.
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I find that if you’re using them as backup to a menstrual cup then they don’t need pre-rinsing but I’ve noticed that if you actually bleed on them, they should be thoroughly rinsed or they don’t get all the blood out
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I HATE my period. Hate, hate, HATE it!!!! If I could just get my uterus removed, I would. But I am single, and despite my insistence that I do not ever want to reproduce, no doctor will perform a hysterectomy.
I user a wheelchair and rely on personal assistance. I used tampons when I was able to independently insert them. Now that I no longer have that ability, I use pads. I tried Thinx, but even the largest size did not comfortably fit. And I am not obese – I weigh 134 pounds. But they were tight, and very uncomfortable to sit in for hours at a time.
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If you are in the US, there is a birth control pill that suppresses your period called Lybrel which is approved by the FDA and is now generic. It could be something to look into. Its less invasive than getting your uterus removed.
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In Canada, the drug is known by the name Min-Ovral 28.
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Unfortunately, some of the side effects of birth control pills do not mix with my disability. Based on prior history, I’m hesitant to try birth control. It would be the easy answer if I didn’t have my disability.
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That’s annoying! People don’t acknowledge how hormonal birth control is contradicted by a lot of health conditions and disabilities. That is why the anti-choice people who think that birth control eliminates the need for abortion annoy me so much. At least they aren’t like Catholics who are against BC as well as abortion. What about Essure, is that an option for you? Its basically a less invasive version of tubal ligation but I don’t know if a tubal eliminates your period.
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A tubal does not eliminate periods, and that is what I would really like. Seriously, next time I have to be knocked out – just take my uterus!
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Dear Kate period panties come in a much more diverse range of sizes, and I think they run large.
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Good to know. I’ll have to check them out.
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Depo provea stoped my cycle from occurring for 5 years straight.
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Thanks for talking about this. I’m currently trying to find a way to stop my periods because of a lack of usable menstrual products. I have difficulty with my hands especially fine motor skills. Increasing I’m needing my carers to insert and remove my sanitary towels which is something I find hard to deal with. I didn’t know about the pants, if it wasn’t for the washing that’d be an option but def one I’ll mention to other people
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I needed to stop my periods for medical reasons.
I am now on the progesterone only pill (Desogestrel) and no longer have any periods. Obviously it may not be a solution you want to consider due to potential side effects, but it is certainly one which works.
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Thank you for bringing this information to us all. I do not have this problem much anymore, as I have been in menopausal phase for several years and I am ashamed to say that I never realized how this could affect someone with a disability. I am disabled, but not where I couldn’t used something like this with much ease. I have actually never heard of menstrual cups. Yes, I have led a sheltered life apparently. Awareness of anything that affects someone with a limiting disability is half the battle to show others what we go through on a daily basis. Blessings on this journey.
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I wear incontinence disposable underwear on my period personally as a disabled person. I do not have incontinence though. I like the idea of the menstrual cups but I fear I would not have the energy to clean it or leave it in too long because I have Idiopathic Hypersomnia and I can fall asleep for a long time. Pads don’t work for me because they get scrunched up easily on me or I stick the wings in the wrong place or accidentally stick them together before I have the pad on properly. I would never risk tampons and TSS. I have enough health issues and I don’t think they are worth the risk for anyone who menstruates. I could try period underwear though my butt is flat and I have trouble with lots of stuff riding up my butt lol but I like that they are reusable. It’s very frustrating to me that Lybrel is not approved in Canada. Its a birth control pill that can suppress your period as long as you take it. There is Seasonqiue approved in Canada but it still gives you 4 periods a yr. I do not have the energy to deal with this shit.
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technically all birth control pills suppress your period and non birth control is built into the prescription to allow for periods. Some doctors will prescribe in a way that you can skip the periods. You could also check out the depo provera shot which is available in Canada and stops periods. Also the hormonal IUD Mirena often has period cessation as a side effect and is also available in Canada
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My doctor doesn’t want me to go on Depo because I am sedentary and it causes loss of bone density which is the last thing I need.
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I use depo. I have a neurological condition (Neuromyelitis Optica) and my menstrual cycle was making my symptoms flare hugely. The depo stops my period and therefore stops the exacerbation of my symptoms.
I’m aware though that it’s only recommended for use for 5 years, then a long break should be considered. Perhaps due to the bone density issues it can cause? That’s a concern for me as I am on long term prednisone, but I do take adcal d3 and alendronic acid to counteract.
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Update on Lybrel: I contacted sexual health centres, talked to two doctors and Health Canada and no one knew about it but I found out it is available in Canada by the name Min-Ovral.
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I’m able bodied for the most part. I have chronic fatigue and dizziness (for reasons currently undiagnosed). When I first read about menstrual cups, I felt incredibly guilty because I know there’s no way I could use them due to extreme sensitivity to pain in the area (in fact just reading about them and methods of insertion was uncomfortable so I skipped a bit of it). I care about environmental concerns, but have to use pads for the reasons stated above. Thank you for posting this as many might not realize these products and others may not be accessible to all.
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I typically use cloth pads that are reuseable and i find them much more comfortable than disposable pads. Also a lot cheaper. Sometimes i use sea sponges in place of tampons, which i find much much much more comfortable than tampons. Both of those methods are much older than the menstrual cup, by the way, which is a pretty new invention.
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I am also a cloth pad user. My wrists don’t bend in the right way to allow me to insert tampons (which I used as a teenager) or a cup. This was a problem for me because disposable pads tended to give me a rash, but then I discovered cloth pads and have happily used them ever since.
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Menstrual cups (at least silicone ones) can be used for as long as they remain undamaged. I have a menstrual cup that’s over two years old now and still looks brand new. As long as no outside force damages it I can see using my cup for well over 10 years. Silicone cups don’t degrade on their own and can be boiled or soaked in hydrogen peroxide to sterilize them (hydrogen peroxide also helps to keep them from becoming stained). A rubber cup (like the keeper) will degrade faster as it ages and looses elasticity (it also can’t be sterilized so if you had an infection while using one you would need to throw it out) and I don’t honestly know how much TPE (like the meluna) degrades (melunas are supposedly sterilizable too as it’s made of the same material used in hospital IVs in the UK).
If you can’t use cups you can use cloth pads! You have to be ok with handling bloody fabric and laundering them (much more convenient if you have an in home washer though you can use a wet bag that’s intended for cloth baby diapers to transport pads to a laundromat). But they’re so much more comfortable than disposables. You can get them in great fabrics like flannel and minky and you can do them one-handed because they use snaps or velcro to fasten rather than adhesives.
If you’re traveling and worried about being able to properly clean your menstrual cup you could try the soft cup. They are essentially disposable menstrual cups though they’re a bit more unwieldily to use they’re still possible to use one handed and can be thrown away once used. They sell them at my local supermarket but are also readily available on amazon and they’re not terribly expensive.
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Lunapads.com has period underwear. The prices are comparable to thinx and you can add cloth inserts for more absorbency.
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I have been a menstrual alternative fan and cup user for going on 10 years now. I’ve always advocated their environmental, health, and cost advantages. Honestly, until I read this, I had never directly thought about menstruation issues for my disabled friends. Menstruation is, like you said, just not a conversation most people have. I recently had double knee surgery, rendering me temporarily disabled. I was counting the days on my calendar and dreading dealing with my period during recovery. I have to say, having my cup made it a relatively easy process for a situation where my husband had to help. I don’t think traditional methods would have been as easily managed, but then again, I have a 10+ year cup using bias. Thank you for sharing your story. This is definitely something rolling around in my brain now.
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In terms of menstruation and disability the only time I ever hear about it – outside of ‘my daughter is disabled, periods are difficult, so I decided to chemically sterilize her so she [read: ‘I] didn’t have to deal with it’ – is from other Autistic people.
My sensory issues don’t cause too big of an issue with menstrual products, but certainly as a menstruator I appreciate ‘alternatives’ overall – cloth pads and period underwear are more comfortable and healthier than disposables, menstrual cups make periods far easier to manage. I will say one BIG advantage for me with reusables is the cost: I’m on disability, there is just no way in hell I’d be able to afford tampons and pads on my income (I have abnormally heavy flow), I was lucky enough to get my reusable menstrual products when I had money to spare or I’ve been using demo model menstrual cups for a few years (have won a couple too).
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Thank you for taking the time to write this and share with everyone! I use the diva cup and have been using it for almost a decade, once I learnt about an alternative then tampons I have never went back! There still is a rare occasion I have to use a tampon, in cases I started my period earlier or just completely forgot to pack my diva cup. I honestly had no idea of all these other options, especially for those with a low cervix! Thank you for sharing and getting this conversation started!
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I have Cerebral Palsy and I’ve never been able to get the cup out, without spilling blood all over the floor.
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I have used a cup for well over 10 years, and have always emptied it only once a day once past the initial heavy flow. I empty it in the shower once I’m onto only emptying once a day. I realize longer than 12 hours is against recommendations, but this has worked for me, for what it’s worth.
I’m trying to suppress m period now, though. I developed chronic pain a couple of years ago and it flares up a bit when I bleed.
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Thanks for this and raising my awareness about all things menstrual and I am two handed white woman. Good info I can signpost sign others too.
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I was overwhelmed by the variety of cups available and was concerned that I wouldn’t choose one that’d be comfortable because I have some retroverted uterus. I couldn’t afford to pay $40 something I couldn’t use. I ended up choosing sea sponge tampons instead, and was blown away by the comfort. It felt like using nothing. Once I got over the initial “Ick” factor, I loved them.
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For women who don’t want periods but can’t or don’t want to use hormonal birth control, another option is an IUD. I didn’t realize it until recently, but IUD users don’t get periods.
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I actually think that, that is a side effect of the mirena IUD which is hormonal. I don’t think it is something that happens with the standard copper IUD
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Not everyone who uses a hormonal IUD has their periods eliminated and frankly wish doctors would stop using it as selling point. Tried it reluctantly and it was absolutely horrible for so many reasons so I got it taken out. However I’ve been using a cup for a little two years now and I can say it has really changed my menstruation experience for the better.
PS: Not all who menstruate are women and not all women menstruate and more often those who don’t identify as a woman as myself might want to have their periods be gone for a various of reasons.
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Speaking of changing your menstruation experience for the better, several people I know have said that switching from conventional products (tampons or pads) to either organic cotton products or the cup has drastically reduced their menstrual cramping and discomfort. Considering the toxic chemicals used in the conventional products, I’m not surprised.
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Thank you for sharing this information. I am the mother of a 14 year old girl with autism and menstrual products/hygiene has been an issue since she started having periods. She loves to swim but has issues with inserting tampons so usually avoids the pool during that time. I thought her problem with tampons was that she wasn’t inserting far enough but I never thought about it being more of a sensory issue. I will explore the cup and see if it works for her.
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I have SPD and I hate tampons. The plastic ones are better because they’re smooth but I can’t figure out the right way to put them in. It’s like I don’t have muscle memory and knowing of my body the same way neurotypicals do. Period panties are my favourite method of menstrual care.
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I am also thankful to you for writing this. I read it sometime last week and I can’t stop thinking about it. I am the mother of a pre-teen girl who has cognitive and physical disabilities. As you might imagine, it has been on my mind a lot how we will handle her periods when they start.
Over the years we have considered various options for how to proceed. Whatever we choose, there are matters of health, hygeine, personal autonomy, societal issues (because she lives in society and is impacted by it), and likely a dozen other things I am not thinking of write now, to consider. And yes, we also have to look at the matter from the perspective of caregivers. That’s not to say it is the most important factor by any stretch, but it IS a factor.
From what you write here, choosing a method (whatever it may be) to stop, or manage menstruation is frowned upon. I get the sense that if we choose to take those actions we will be considered lazy, negligent, or worse–not that we will likely broadcast how we ultimately handle it. And yet, there are disabled people commenting right here who talk about the difficulties they have with managing their periods and how they would choose this or that to prevent it from happening. There are non-disabled people who choose to control their periods in various ways as well.
I don’t make any choices for my daughter lightly or without deeply considering her particular abilities, needs and desires–as best she can express them. I would bet most other loving parents/caregivers do the same. When the time comes we will assess the situation and make a decision when we see how she (and we) is/are able to manage it. We should consider the fact that due to cognitive and communication issues she can’t always tell us what she wants, but to presume she would rather have her period, is, in my opinion, just as bad as presuming she wouldn’t.
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I do agree it’s a complicated topic and one with different choices for different people. For me, tge important thing is that a choice is an informed one which includes being aware of pressures to stop periods and the history behind it.
Just a disclaimer, trisha, none of the following is personally aimed at you and may not be relevant but I think it’s an important part of the conversation.
As someone who is trying to stop my periods, I am aware that there is a strong history of forced or coerced decisions to do this for someone else. And if someone decided for me or suggested what I should do I would be angry and my autonomy would be challenged or stolen.
There are however situations where understanding and being able to consent aren’t always options however there are resources out there to help explain menstruation to people with learning disabilities etc. In one such resource there was a girl who everyone had assumed would find her period difficult to cope with but she managed as well as non disabled people and was proud of that. I’m struggling to find it again which is annoying.
I think it also needs noting that the methods to stop periods don’t always work, I’m still trying to find something that works for me abd thar has involved bi weekly periods which I find distressing and I know what’s going on and have chosen to try this method
There are resources out there to help parents who find them struggling to explain what’s going to happen to their daughters body
http://www.refinery29.uk/learning-difficulties-periods-women
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/zmfxn39
http://www.easyhealth.org.uk/listing/periods-%28leaflets%29
My Internet is playing up so i couldn’t find a few of the other resources I wanted but Google, there’s info out there about ways of helping to reduce distress or confusion or whatever around menstruation
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You are wrong, you are conflating LD and ID. You seem to be referring to ID. LDs do not effect your general IQ. They effect you in very specific ways such as reading problems for dyslexics. I feel the common conflation of LD and ID hurts both groups because neurotypicals are completely clueless to our needs, where they need to meet us etc.
ALSO, IMO: There is no excuse ever for sterilizing disabled people. None. You are being such an apologist for this horrible thing and in such a place, a great blog for that examines many important disability community issues.
http://www.ldac-acta.ca/learn-more/ld-defined/official-definition-of-learning-disabilities
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hejyork appears (based on the links provided) to be British in the UK Intellectual disability (as North Americans conceive of of it) is called learning disability. They aren’t conflating anything. They’re just using the words that are accepted in the UK. It’s just a different dialect of the language. I’m actually not sure what British people call what North Americans conceive of as learning disabilities.
The language of disability is not static or uniform across the world.
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Tricia just get her period panties. Disabled women overall in my experience tend to have rave reviews of them. I think assuming she would want it is more problematic than assuming she wouldn’t because disabled people throughout history have been victims of eugenics. That is not to say that all of us want to have kids but these people made no care to what our wants and needs were. They did it whether we wanted kids or not. We were not people, they did not care. All modern experience of disabled people is informed by our dark history because eugenic beliefs are still common.
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This is so useful. Thanks for taking the time to write it down.
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Knix Wear is a Canadian brand who makes period panties and they have free shipping in Canada after a minimum. In my own experience as well, period panties have been my most accessible option.
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Thx for making this blog. I only use the 7 fold to insert and remove my cup. I only use one hand to insert and remove my cup.
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I am a wheelchair user from India. I have motor sensory neuropathy and I have not been able to walk since 10 years. I get periods very infrequently but when I do it is very heavy. It is tough for me to set all day on pads. Tampons; I tried using once but I found even insertion very painful. I want to know about menstrual cups, are they painful like tampons? Are they soft and easy to insert?
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I was never able to comfortably use tampons, and eventually gave up on them – I’ve been using menstrual cups for over a decade now with no issues. (I can’t speak to use as a wheelchair user – I’m not one.) It takes a little practice to learn to insert them – and, more importantly, to learn what it feels like when it’s not in right and needs to be removed and re-inserted; I still so that once or twice per cycle.
Actual “softness” depends on the brand, but they’re always smooth, not rough/textured like a tampon and string. For the last ~8 years I’ve been using the Diva Cup, which is notoriously stiff, but almost unnoticeable to me once it’s in place.
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I’ve used pads since I was a teen and although I have no physical limitations.. I do have learning Disibility and Memory issues due to Attention. I have tried tampons once but I worry about forgetting to change it and I’m not that quick to change. I have kids, so pads are more quick for me. Thanks for posting this information for others.
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I cannot recommend the depo shot. In many cases it can severely ruin your hormone balance and either make you bleed for an extended period of time, (like me, who have had my period for about nine months straight now), or ruin your chances of getting pregnant for a while after you stop using depo. It is however helpful with cramps and other period symptoms if you want to risk it. Just be aware of these things, as doctors will often refrain from telling you.
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Fun Factory just started making an “Explore Kit” that has both cup sizes in high-grade silicone ($40, one size A and one size B). So if either you aren’t sure what size you need or you already know that what works on some days doesn’t work on others, that might be an option.
Their packaging is deliberately designed to be non-gendered, and if you already have a good idea of your size they also sell 2 size A’s or 2 size B’s (different colors, also $40).
(Epiphora did a recent review with detailed information on her site heyepiphora.com which is NSFW. The price I quoted is off shevibe.com, which is also NSFW.)
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I don’t understand how those giant cups can fit up there, but then I’ve always been too scared to even try tampons because they look so big and painful. I can’t imagine how it would fit. Yeah, I’m definitely going to have major problems with that if I ever find someone who wants to date me and I want to have sex with him. I prefer cotton reusable pads. They stay on with a single snap button and feel like you’ve got nothing but a thicker pair of underwear on. I also love the reduction in smell. There’s something about period blood and sweat mixing with the plastic regular pads are made out of that’s just so awful and stomach turning. It’s not anywhere near as bad on a cotton pad.
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