Have you ever been curled up on the couch with a heating pad while your uterus decides it’s time for its monthly protest?
You’re not alone, we’ve all been there.
Period cramps begin in the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, our bodies release hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. These compounds work locally within the body and tell the uterus to contract, shedding its lining. These contractions are what cause the cramping sensation we all know.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your tampon or menstrual cup are making those cramps worse, you’re not alone there either. So if cramps start in the uterus, where do tampons and cups fit into this conversation?
While internal period products don’t actually cause cramping, they can sometimes contribute to the discomfort.
Think about it, if a tampon isn’t inserted quite far enough, it can cause irritation or pressure that can make you think it’s making your cramping worse. Using a higher absorbency tampon than you need can also cause dryness and discomfort.
It is a similar story with menstrual cups. While some people find them very comfortable and forget they are there, others may notice pressure or general discomfort. Every body is different, and a cup that is perfect for one person, may not be perfect for another.
While internal period care products have not been proven to directly cause cramps, the materials used in some products may still play a role in how comfortable you feel. Some women might be more sensitive to certain material, fragrances, dyes, or other ingredients that can cause additional irritation and discomfort. If you have ever noticed your period feels different when using some period products over others, you aren’t imagining it.
Paying attention to how your body responds is an important way of finding out what period care products work best for you. It all comes down to fit and positioning. Sometimes it’s finding the correct size, shape, and placement. Sometimes it’s just realizing that internal period products aren’t for you, and that’s okay.
If tampons work for you, great!
If you love your menstrual cup, awesome!
If you realize you just feel better using external period care options like period underwear, that’s great too!
At the end of the day, it’s not about finding the period care product everyone else loves. It’s about finding the right option that makes you feel the most comfortable because your period is already enough. Period care shouldn’t make things harder.
At Her Bloom, our styles are made for the uncomfortable moments in life. Period.
