I can’t believe I did it. A few days ago, I purchased my first menstrual cup. I arrived at that decision after being fed up with tampons and eventually pads. I got upset and frustrated after learning about all of the harmful chemicals that are used in the process of creating the tampons and pads that could potentially cause harm and deliver long-term damage to my body.

I stopped buying tampons altogether a few years ago and recently started purchasing only organic pads and panty liners, but I soon came to a crossroad with those as well. That led me to one other option that I had yet to try — a reusable silicone menstrual cup.

There are numerous brands that sell their own unique version of the cup, but I opted for the DivaCup. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s a reusable, bell-shaped menstrual cup that’s worn internally and sits low in the vaginal canal, collecting rather than absorbing your menstrual flow, according to their website.

I chose the DivaCup because I can purchase it directly from Target, and according to the company they are the only ISO 13485:2003 certified menstrual cup manufacturer and head office in the world. Also, there are a lot of product reviews and how-to videos for this specific brand.

Now that you have my background story, here are 5 thoughts that crossed my mind before and after I purchased my DivaCup.

**It costs how much?**

The retail price for the DivaCup is $39.99, but because I’m a thrifty shopper, I was able to get it from Target for $29.99 due to their price match policy; they honored their online pricing in-store. It took me awhile to dish out the cash because I thought it was just too pricey, but after considering my overall savings, I knew it was just too good of an item to pass up. Since it’s reusable (for at least a year or more), I literally won’t have to purchase any more items for aunt flow’s monthly visit. When you remember this, it’s clear that this is actually the cheaper option.

Do the sistahs use this thing?

Like most things in my life, I try to search for people who look like me that have used the product I’m interested in. Some things are taboo in our culture and sometimes you just want someone to relate to and be able to ask questions. However, I’m also not against being the leader.

What if I get the wrong size?

Yes, these things come in sizes. Luckily, the DivaCup only has two, which made it much easier for me to choose the correct size. But I was still nervous about my selection. What happens if I follow their suggestion and it’s still too small or big? Would I even know the difference? It’s not like I can return it, nor would I want to (some brands actually allow you test it out and return it).

Well, what’s the worst that can happen?

After making my purchase, I don’t know if I was more excited about not having to buy pads anymore, dealing with the headache of packing them when leaving home, or actually figuring out how to correctly use this thing. I realized that this could be the best purchase I’ve ever made in life or something I had to test out to get it off of my “what if” list. Worst case scenario, I’d be stuck using organic pads.

What did I get myself into?

Once I got home and took it out of the package, I spent what felt like hours watching videos and rereading the instructions. I kept shaking my head in disbelief that I actually bought it. I immediately thought, “what the heck did I just get myself into?”

I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I kept thinking I have to stick what, where? But after remembering I used tampons for years and had a natural childbirth, I was sure I could do this. It was perfect timing because I wasn’t due for my cycle for a few more days so I would be able to get some practice in.

I can say that for the first time in life I’m not completely disappointed for the arrival of my cycle. I feel like I have a new toy that I want to try out. I know, it’s not the best comparison, but it does explain how I feel. I’m still nervous because I’m sure it will take a few trial runs before I get it down. I just really hope that this will be a game changer; I truly want it to work.

**It costs how much?**

Do the sistahs use this thing?

What if I get the wrong size?

Well, what’s the worst that can happen?

What did I get myself into?

Have you tried a menstrual cup? Let me know in the comments below.

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