It will be here before you know it – summer break!
Whether you’re backpacking across Europe, counseling a group of 13 year-olds or road tripping across the country, chances are you’ll need to pack period care protection.
When preparing for your much anticipated summer plans, your packing experience may go something like this:
Packing list: shorts, jeans, flip flops, t-shirts, bathing suit, hiking shoes, sunglasses, sundress, hair brush, rain boots and three boxes of tampons. Three boxes! Three boxes?
Revised packing list: Three boxes of tampons.
Looking at the already stuffed suitcase lying on your dorm room, you ask yourself: How will I fit three boxes of tampons in there?
Packing for a three month (or even one month) adventure can be challenging especially when you need to make room for pads and/or tampons. Over the years women have gotten quite creative with packing their femcare items, from stuffing tampons into boots and shoes to lining the sides of their suitcase with pads. But, at the end of the day if the choice is between tampons or your rain booths, tampons almost always win.
Let’s be honest, with all the adventure you have planned this summer, you don’t really have room for “extra baggage”. Three boxes of tampons is the equivalent of three pairs of shoes, an extra rain jacket and umbrella or your much-needed summer reading collection.
What many people don’t know is that filling half your luggage with pads and tampons doesn’t have to happen.
There are other options!
Years ago when planning for a summer trip, a friend introduced me to a product that has both changed the way I view my period and live my life. I can sleep with it, travel with it, swim with it and land in downward dog without the worry of leaks! It has also saved me tons of money because I only need to replace it once a year and it’s reduced my monthly femcare garbage total to zero.
So what is it?
It’s The DivaCup – a reusable silicone menstrual cup.
I know what you’re thinking – “ick”. But hear me out.
The DivaCup is a better period care option for women because it’s made from 100% healthcare grade silicone, can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, is comfortable and easy-to-use.
The DivaCup is all you need to pack for summer break activities. No leaks means no need to pack backup protection. 12-hour wear means no need to change your pad or tampon on long flights, train rides or all-day biking adventures. And because it’s reusable, all you need is one DivaCup, nicely packed away in its snug drawstring pouch.
Just you, your DivaCup and whatever adventure awaits.
In addition to its travel friendly features, The DivaCup is great for your overall health and the environment! Many of the products on the market today still have traces of chemicals and plastics – chemicals and plastics that we willingly expose our body to and throw out or flush, which then land in our waterways and landfills. Gross! Not to mention the unnecessary monthly cost of buying disposables.
When first trying The DivaCup, there can be a bit of a learning curve. Positioning is key; horizontally, at the base of the vaginal canal and fully open. For removal, simply pinch the base of the cup, gently remove and empty the contents. You can clean your cup with warm water and the DivaWash or mild, unscented, oil-free soap two times a day (every 10-12 hours), rinse and reinsert. If you find yourself in a public restroom (or the backcountry), potable water and mild soap is all you need! No hassle and no trace.
Want to know more? The DivaCup website is super helpful with tips for insertion, sizing and cleaning. You can buy The DivaCup and DivaWash at most health food stores and drugstores and search one close to you with their online Store Finder.
With The DivaCup, period care doesn’t need to be awkward, wasteful or costly. Just think… no more wrappers, leaks or hassle!
