For most teenagers, periods are no cakewalk. Mood swings, cramps, acne, and bloating come with an overwhelming wave of anxiety and fear. Periods can be scary, and they can be even scarier for those with heavy bleeding or active lifestyles. If you are an active teenager with a soft side for the environment, silicone menstrual cups can be an excellent option.

People might tell you how cups are confusing, but they are not. Just like any new product, you might take some time to get the hang of period cups, but once you start using silicone menstrual cups, there’s no turning back. Menstrual cups offer better protection for relatively long hours, are cost-effective, and are generally more comfortable as they don’t slip or slide like pads or cause itching and irritation like tampons.

How to overcome the fear of using menstrual cups?

Menstrual cups for teenagers are still considered a stigma because even in the 21st century, adults are afraid of cups. Either they aren’t sure about how a cup works, or they shriek at the thought of reusing a sanitary hygiene product. Well, let us clear the air for something- your periods aren’t dirty, and if someone tells you otherwise, don’t believe them. If you want to help a teenager overcome their fear of period cups, here are some tips that can come in handy!

• Educate Them

One of the main reasons teenagers are afraid to use a menstrual cup is because they are unsure of how it works. Educating them about the benefits and how to use it can help reduce their fear. Show them videos and articles that explain the process, and answer any questions they may have.

• Practice

Practice paves the way for perfection, and this is especially true when it comes to using a menstrual cup. Encourage them to practice inserting and removing the cup when they’re not on their period, so they can get used to the feeling and get comfortable with the process.

• Be Supportive

Be supportive and understanding when helping a teenager overcome the fear of using a menstrual cup. Remind them that it’s okay to feel nervous, and offer words of encouragement throughout the process.

• Try Different Folds

Different menstrual cup folds work better for different people. Encourage them to try different folds until they find the one that works best. Some popular folds include the C-fold, punch-down fold, and 7-fold.

• Take it Slow

Take it slow while you are teaching a teenager everything about cups. Start by having them wear the cup for a few hours at a time, and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.

Conclusion:

Remember that you cannot normalize menstrual cups for teenagers in a single day. Progressive products like period cups need time, and if you want to make menstrual cups less scary for a teenager, ensure to tell them how menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon and that cups are the most efficient way of managing periods without harming the environment or contributing to the landfill/marine waste.