Technology Diary 2: The Menstrual Cup

Having just begun my menstrual cycle earlier today, I have decided to write this week’s technology diary on an invention that has drastically improved the tumultuous relationship I have with my period; the menstrual cup. I first heard about this device through a friend whose aunt had gifted her one in our freshman year of high school. At first, I was utterly appalled by the idea of walking around town with a cup of blood sloshing around inside of me, and still, I was more than eager to get my friend’s feedback. Well, she loved it, and that was that, or, goodbye tampons, for the both of us, forever.

To provide a brief history, the first modern menstrual cup was invented by a woman named Leona Chalmers around 1937 (just shortly after commercial tampons hit the market in the 1920’s and those with applicators in the 1930’s) (“A History of the Menstrual Cup”). But an even earlier prototype, the Catamenial Sack, which never seems to have made it to commercial production, was patented in 1867 by a man named S. L. Hockert (“Catamenial Sack (American) from 1867”).

In my own experience, menstrual cups have proved to be an incredible alternative to tampons and pads. Environmental waste and cost are both drastically reduced with menstrual cups, most of which cost around $40 and last between 5 and 10 years, whereas tampons and pads require continuous purchase and disposal throughout a woman’s lifetime. In addition to having a negative environmental impact, tampons are harsh on the female body from being bleached and soaked in chemicals prior to use. And in terms of blood capacity, menstrual cups can contain up to four times as much blood as tampons can absorb, and yet, menstrual cups have never been connected to cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome. (“Why Use the Lunette Menstrual Cup?”).

Another aspect of menstrual cups that I feel is important to highlight is related to the more personal aspect of menstruation. Many women feel their periods are a hassle. I certainly feel burdened by the maintenance required to keep up with my flow. Nearly all my underwear is stained from past cycles, and my mattress, too, is permanently marbleized by various rings of red. And yet, after switching to the menstrual cup, these things stopped bothering me. The joy that comes from emptying a full cup of crimson fluid on the first day of my cycle, to the curiosity surrounding the murky globs of uterine lining that are discharged towards its end, add an exciting and empowering element to having one’s period, one I never expected would be possible.

Works Cited

“Catamenial Sack (American) from 1867.” Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health. Harry Finley, 1998. Web. 25 Sept. 2013.

“Early Commercial Tampons.” Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health. Harry Finley, 2006. Web. 25 Sept. 2013.

Heli. “History of Menstrual Cups.” Lunette. Lunette, 6 Mar. 2012. Web. 25 Sept. 2013.

“A History of the Menstrual Cup.” Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health. Harry Finley, 1997. Web. 25 Sept. 2013.

“Why Use the Lunette Menstrual Cup?” Lunette. Lunette, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.