In February 2018 I made the decision to remove my Skyla IUD and opt for a natural approach to preventing pregnancy (I now use a Daysy Fertility Tracker and have a $20 discount code) as I had been experiencing some pretty crippling anxiety and brain fog. Thankfully, within hours post-removal I was already feeling like I was on the path back to my normal self.
During those three years with my Skyla, I didn’t get my period like, ever. Now, due to an impending natural cycle, I was faced with the decision on what exactly I would use as feminine protection. For me, traditional tampons were out of the question after I learned just how many chemicals they contain. Yuck.
Another thing to consider was comfort and length of wear. Tampons should technically only stay in your body no more than six hours and they aren’t always the most comfortable thing, especially if you have to do some not-so-glamorous business in the bathroom (come on, we’ve all been there before).
That’s when I discovered menstrual cups, specifically the Ruby Cup.
Fun fact: did you know that one Ruby Cup replaces 12,000 tampons per woman?
At first, I was a little confused about how a menstrual cup actually worked. Like, you’re telling me I put this cup up there and it just catches everything? Yup, precisely.
I did experience a bit of leaking the first few uses but quickly realized this is normal and will stop once it’s properly placed. Period-proof undies are a great back-up in the meantime!
What I love most about menstrual cups, in general, is that you don’t have to worry about stashing 20 tampons in your carry-on during your next vacation. Simply bring along your cup and you’re good to go! Plus, unlike tampons, depending on how heavy your flow is, you can leave your cup in for up to 12 hours because a Ruby Cup can hold 3x that of a super tampon. I empty my cup first thing in the morning and before I go to bed at night. That’s it!
The Ruby Cup comes in two different sizes – medium and small.
Since the Ruby Cup is made from medical-grade soft silicone, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals, plastics, latex, toxins, or bleaches like you might run into with regular feminine products. Also, everything from Ruby Cup is certified Vegan – woo!
There are so many menstrual cups on the market, so what makes Ruby Cup different? Ruby Cup has a buy one, give one program that gifts a cup to girls in developing countries. This simple act alone is enough to empower menstruating women around the world and drastically cut down on waste from sanitary products.
Also, Ruby Cup offers a 120-day no-questions-asked return policy. That’s four months that you can try out your Ruby Cup to determine if it’s a good fit for you.
I’ve also found that, compared to other menstrual cups, the stem on the Ruby Cup feels a bit sturdier and solid which makes for easier removal. This feature is important because when you go to remove your menstrual cup, there is less tugging and pulling than a menstrual cup with a stretchier stem.
If positioned correctly, yes. They’re totally comfortable! So comfortable, in fact, I’ve accidentally left mine in for way over the 12-hour window because I honestly forgot that I had it inserted.
Like I mentioned above, Ruby Cup is offered in two different sizes – small and medium – and you select your size based on your flow heaviness and the position of your cervix. The different sizes ensure you’re getting a more comfortable fit than a one-size-fits-all menstrual cup.
Why yes, you certainly can! No, your cup won’t fill up with urine or your pee won’t go all over the place. Again, if it’s positioned correctly, you won’t even notice that it’s there. Also, unlike tampons that tend to get displaced when going to the bathroom (especially if you’ve gotta poo), Ruby Cup stays perfectly in place the entire time. No need to worry!
Working out with a menstrual cup inserted is no different than working out without one! Just make sure it’s properly inserted and feels comfortable.
I’ll admit, the first time I inserted my Ruby Cup – or any menstrual cup for that matter – I was a little hesitant. At first, it was a little tricky to find the right position so that it sits comfortably and prevents leaks, but after a few tries I figured it out. Personally, I squeeze and fold mine in half and insert until I feel a bit of suction. That way, I know it’s in place!
It took me a few uses to finally get the hang it, but now I can remove, clean, and insert my Ruby Cup in under 30 seconds.
Um, you enjoy the heck out of your vacation – that’s what!
All kidding aside, once you’re comfortable with your Ruby Cup (honestly, that was about two uses for me!), traveling is a breeze. Ruby Cup provides some helpful traveling tips about how to change your menstrual cup while on the move, but the main thing to remember is that you only have to empty it every 12 hours, so you might not even need to change your cup while out and about!
Also, you’re significantly cutting down on the amount of waste you produce, the amount of stuff you have to carry, and you don’t have to worry about being caught without a tampon!
Believe it or not, your Ruby Cup is designed to last you ten years! If you purchase one cup, the cost is equal to about six months of traditional feminine products, meaning you will save 95% over the course of a decade!
At the end of the day, the small learning curve that comes with any menstrual cup is worth the payoff in the long-run. Finding a convenient solution to feminine protection – one that saves me time, money, and waste – is a winner in my book. I feel empowered and have learned more about my cycle through the use of Ruby Cup. Also, it’s a great feeling knowing that for every Ruby Cup purchased, a woman in need receives one as well!
GET YOUR RUBY CUP
Disclosure: I received my Ruby Cup free of charge in exchange for this review. The opinions within this post are completely my own and are in no way influenced by my affiliation with Ruby Cup. This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small commission to help support my website should you decide to purchase a Ruby Cup through a link within this post.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Δ