If so many people in my life were making the switch, was I missing out by being stuck in my tampon rut? I decided it was time to try out a few of the best menstrual cups for myself.
Menstrual cups are reusable feminine hygiene products. These flexible, bell-shaped cups—typically made of medical-grade silicone—are inserted into the vagina, and instead of absorbing your period blood like a pad or tampon does, they collect the blood in the cup. After 12 hours, you remove the cup, pour out the blood, give the cup a cleaning, and put it back in. Some brands say they can last up to 10 years. (Though there are also some disposable menstrual cups available.)
If this sounds like a newfangled Gen Z invention, know this: The first usable commercial cup was actually brought to market all the way