When I first moved to South Korea two years ago, I’d read that tampons were hard to find in the country, were expensive, and inconvenient to buy because they often came in such small packs. So as part of my packing list I brought along with me about a year’s’ supply of tampons in a mini period panic. That time of the month is one of those things you just can’t avoid and I didn’t want to be caught without the goods.
Mid-way into my first year, I started hearing so much about the convenience of menstrual cups and was really intrigued by the idea of a more convenient and environmentally friendly way to take care of Aunt Flo. I did a bit of research and took the plunge and I haven’t looked back since! Living and traveling with a menstrual cup is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I can’t believe it took me so long to jump on board.
It’s actually surprising how few women really know about the joys of traveling with a menstrual cup or who even think to consider it for their daily lives. It’s just something that’s not really talked about as with most ~womanly things~ and that’s a damn shame. My friends can’t get me to shut up about how much I love my menstrual cup so I thought I’d put together a guide for other ladies looking to make the switch.
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The Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Menstrual Cup
The Pros:
- Super environmentally friendly and zero waste
- Saves you money – no more buying tampons and pads each month
- Saves valuable packing space
- So convenient – you never have to remember to pick anything up at the store or hunt around while traveling to search for tampons
- Freeing, set it and forget it. You can keep your menstrual cup in overnight ad for up to 12 hours (depending on flow) so that means you only have to think about your period twice a day rather than every 4 hours with a tampon
- Extreme sports/adventure/swimming friendly
The Cons:
- Takes time to get used to and learn how to properly insert, but it really only takes your first or second period to get it just right
- Can be difficult to clean when traveling – you need clean water so if you’re off somewhere super rural or hiking, may be a little difficult to ensure complete cleanliness
- If you have a heavy flow, you may need to dump and clean it more often than the standard 12 hours
- May have to use trial and error to find a brand and size that works best for you
The pros so obviously outweigh the cons in my opinion. Most women when they first hear about a menstrual cup, feel a little grossed out by the idea of it. This bums me out. Why are we taught to believe that something that happens naturally every month and is literally the source of life is disgusting? So for some, it can take a little time getting used to the idea of seeing your flow directly, but it’s really not bad at all. Honestly, it feels way more clean and sanitary than a pad or tampon ever did!
So do I have you on board to the idea of traveling with a menstrual cup yet?! Good, now that you have your brand spanking new shiny beautiful menstrual cup (lol sorry I know a bit overkill), let’s go over some of my favorite tips for traveling with a menstrual cup.
Tips for Traveling with a Menstrual Cup
- Store and carry your menstrual cup in a clean, breathable pouch. Cotton is the most recommended material. I know the Diva Cup comes with one, but I’m not sure every brand does. It’s a good way to ensure it stays clean while stored in your luggage!
- Pack a mild, oil-free and fragrance-free soap that’s vagina friendly. You’ll want to stay fresh and clean each time you take it out, and a mild soap can help you do just that.
- Boil it clean after every period. This can be tough to do while traveling long term, but it’s not totally uncommon to find a stove or kettle with hot water in hostels or hotels. Do what you can to properly sanitize. If you’re traveling short term, this is something you can worry about once you’re home!
- Be sure to use only clean, safe drinking water. You don’t want to risk using dirty water that can make you sick since this is something that does go inside your body. I recommend using bottled water if you’re somewhere that doesn’t have clean water readily available.
- Consider bringing along a second. If you’re planning a long term backpacking or hiking trip somewhere that’ll make it hard to clean, it might do you well to bring along two. They are small and lightweight, so easy to pack.
- Being discreet isn’t as difficult as it sounds. For people staying in hostels/shared accommodation:
- Bring a water bottle into the stall and use toilet paper to clean up most of the mess before taking it to the sink
- Wash your cup with warm water and soap when you wash your hands, the blood should be gone by then and people don’t pay close enough attention to notice
- Use the bathroom early morning or late night while your dorm mates are still sleeping
- Embrace the period: Be fearless! They’re natural and we should stop being so embarrassed about them anyways. You’d be surprised how many travelers have already embraced them so you’re not alone.
Popular brands to choose from:
- Diva Cup: The Diva Cup is arguably one of the most popular menstrual cups on the market. It’s actually the one I personally use and I really like it. It came with a reusable travel pouch and is a comfortable silicon material that isn’t too stiff. I can personally recommend this brand.
The Diva Cup, Menstrual Cup Model 1
- Mooncup: The Mooncup is a British brand and one of my friends loves hers. It comes with a longer stem (the part that helps you take it out) that you can cut and adjust to your own needs.
- Lena cup: Another top seller, many women love the ability to choose regular or large and it’s a beginner’s favorite. It also comes in different color choices.
Lena Cup, Menstrual Cup size small
Tips for Choosing a Menstrual Cup
Sadly it’s impossible for me to really recommend one specific brand or model because everyone is different and has different needs. But it’s good to know that menstrual cups come in different shapes, sizes, and stiffness levels.
Some are marked as pre or post-childbirth or regular flow / heavy flow. Different brands also have different stem lengths and some folks may prefer longer or shorter ones for comfort. Just be sure to read the reviews closely for each make and model to see what other women say about them to help you with your decision.
I’m in love with the convenience and zero waste nature of menstrual cups and it really has made my life so much easier. I hope this guide for traveling with a menstrual cup has been helpful!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
Do you have any tips for traveling with a menstrual cup? Share below!
