Getting personal

I would like to note that: Reading this blog is purely optional and you may choose to close the window of your preferred internet browser and stop reading at any point.

We Americans, I have noticed, have a fairly hard time talking about certain topics dealing with bodily functions. We are easily squeamish and tend to avoid those topics all together. In this blog post I would like to push your comfort level a wee bit and talk about…

MENSTRUATION!

Yes. It’s the joy of Aunt Flo’s visit each month that can get us out of phys ed class, give us sometimes crippling side cramps, and provide unflattering stains when unexpected. But it is a natural and normal process that all women must go through.

So why not have some fun with it?

I used to be embarrassed walking up to the supermarket or drugstore checkout line with a box of my preferred tampons or sanitary pads. My face would go red and I would feel the embarrassment of the cashier (and everyone else) knowing that I was at ‘that time of the month.’ Or, when going through my bag, a tampon would slip out and go bouncing along the floor for the whole world to see. Every guy that I’ve met turns his face into disgust when the topic is mentioned, as though we were talking about some rotting carcass. Yes, we are taught that a period is something to be dreaded.

And the infamous PMS symptoms… Cramps, bloating, and everyone’s favorite MOOD SWINGS. I cursed being born a girl, mumbling something about how guys had it so much easier…

But this month was different. I looked forward to the first sign of menstruation with gusto! I did the period dance, to ask the nature gods for a speedy arrival. I made many of my male friends uncomfortable with my constant chatter. Why?

Because I found the Keeper. By word of mouth, I was informed of the existence of a tampon alternative and, in my interest of living a greener life, I researched it. A small cup that sits snuggly in place of a tampon that collects the menstrual fluid and can be emptied a few times a day. It was at that moment I thought about the extreme quantity of waste produced by conventional products. Plastic wrapping, paper applicators, cotton products… month after month produce an unbelievable mountain of non-biodegradable garbage.

Meanwhile the Keeper is made with all natural rubber and can be rinsed, dried, sterilized, and reused for up to ten years! Imagine, also, the amount of money saved…

So I ordered one. With a 3-month money back guarantee, what did I have to lose? And then I waited rather impatiently for the arrival of Aunt Flo. Come on, come on!

Once the period started, the Keeper did take a little getting used to; I have to admit. Insertion, the feeling of something there, removal, rinse and repeat. But by the end of the cycle, I was a pro!

Now my period is not something to be feared, but something to look forward to. And it’s a plus to know that I’m doing my part to help the environment!

I hope I didn’t gross you out too badly! :)

Links:

www.keeper.com (also the Moon Cup, for those with allergies to rubber)

www.divacup.com (Diva Cup another alternative)