This Monthly Switch Has Saved Me $450 & Could Change Your Life Too!

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More Womens

My eco-friendly switch to the Flex cup has saved me over $450! Read more about this best menstrual cup below!

Woman holding black menstrual cup with savings sign

Ladies, this product could change your life as it has mine. 

Read why the Flex Cup is the best and has changed my life after 4 years. Make a better choice for you, the environment, and your wallet. And the Hip team agrees! See everyone’s thoughts over on our Instagram highlights.

As you may have seen, we announced a new non-toxic series! Every week we’ll be sharing a helpful guide to replacing products in your home with the best non-toxic products on the market.

Psst…we’ll be giving away one of EVERY product to TWO winners once our series is complete! 🤩


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Here are just a few of the chemicals commonly found in traditional tampons & pads:


  • 🛑 Dioxin from Bleach – Byproduct of the bleaching process to manufacture tampons and pads. Trace levels are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and endometriosis.
  • 🛑 Fragrances Undisclosed chemicals that can disrupt pH levels and cause neurotoxin exposure, allergen exposure, hormonal disruption, and a higher risk of contracting Bacterial Vaginosis or Toxic Shock Syndrome.
  • 🛑 Parabens Endocrine-disrupting chemicals that commonly cause skin sensitivities and allergies.
  • 🛑 Pesticide residue Chemicals in conventional, non-organic cotton feminine products. Exposure can lead to cancer and adverse effects on reproduction.
  • 🛑 Phthalates Endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can impact your natural hormones and lead to serious health issues such as lower fertility, development issues, and a higher risk of cancer.

Hand holding a black menstrual cup filled with water

What is a menstrual cup and how do menstrual cups work?

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup that’s made of silicone or latex rubber. It is designed to catch and collect your monthly flow, instead of absorbing it like a tampon or pad. Menstrual cups are endlessly reusable making them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.

flex menstrual cup on bed

Flex Menstrual Cup – $29.99 SHIPPED (regularly $34.99) 

I’ve saved $450 since committing to this menstrual cup 4 years ago. 😱🙌🏼

Menstrual cups are the ultimate eco-friendly product swaps for one-use feminine products. Years ago, I was buying this box of Tampax for $7.99/box. That means this menstrual cup will pay for itself in just a few cycles! 👏🏻

Better for you, the environment, and your wallet. 😍 Win, win, win! 🎉

hand holding black menstrual cup

Here’s why I think the Flex Menstrual Cup is the best feminine product swap you could make:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Made with body-safe, medical-grade silicone
  • No BPA
  • Can be worn for up to 12 hours
  • Lasts up to 10 years
  • ZERO cases of TSS with this product
  • Unique pull-tab design for easy removal
  • Easy to clean
  • No cup staining since it’s black

woman squatting down taking out yoga mat

There are many other life-changing benefits to making the switch too:

  • Use the bathroom without needing to empty or take out the cup
  • You can sleep all night without leaking
  • Travel-friendly
  • Exercise-friendly
  • Pool-friendly
  • 12-hour wearability

Hand holding two different sized black menstrual cups

The Flex Cup comes in two different sizes.

  • Slim fit (size 01) – ideal for light to medium flows (holds the capacity of two super tampons) and is great for first-time cup users.
  • Full fit (size 02) is ideal for heavier flows and holds the capacity of three super tampons.

I own both sizes and find them both useful during different days of my period and I haven’t had to replace either of them yet! They come with a cute discreet bag for storage and traveling and 2 disposable menstrual discs (not for me, but at least you know there’s another option included for you to try!).

finger pulling down on feminine product

This is the first and only menstrual cup on the market that can be removed like a tampon with its patented pull-tab design. This makes removal much easier than most menstrual cups. The silicone material of the Flex cup is comfortable and mine still looks brand new 4 years later since the black easily hides staining.

Having trouble getting it out? My Hip sidekick, Bryn, said to bear down like you’re having a bowel movement and it will come out much easier.


Here’s how to insert a menstrual cup.

hand folding a black period cup three different ways

Insertion can be intimidating, but it’s easy and quick to get the hang of once you’ve done it. I found this insertion video about the Flex Cup to be very helpful the very first time I used it. And there’s been no looking back since!

Want to know more about how to use a menstrual cup?

graphic image with numbered menstrual cup tips

This is the best reusable product I’ve ever purchased for myself and some of my Hip sidekicks agree:

Hand holding black menstrual cup next to savings post it note

“I’m about a year into having a cup, but I have already saved so much money! I absolutely love having the menstrual cup. What a genius idea! It took me a bit to get used to it as you really have to have everything in the right spot for it to work BUT once I got the hang of it, it’s easy!

What I love the most is that I feel so much cleaner during my period (a time when we can all feel a little BLAH and gross). The process of changing the cup can be a little disgusting, BUT once you are settled and have it in, you feel so good and clean! One thing I always hated about tampons is that I would have to change the tampon when I needed to pee (even if the tampon was not full). With the cup, you can easily just go to the bathroom as needed without having to change the cup! You almost forget you’re on your period. It’s SO amazing!” – Erica, Hip sidekick

“I began using the Flex menstrual cup last year and I cannot believe I’ve waited this many years to finally pull the trigger. The first time using it was definitely a bit of a learning curve, but by a few days in I felt confident and was sold.

By my second cycle, I didn’t even bat an eye at using it. It was like using a tampon that’s how ‘normal’ it felt to me. It quickly paid for itself when I factor in the tampons I didn’t buy my first two months. I am so thrilled and will be recommending this life-changing product to everyone I know.” – Melinda, Hip sidekick


Want to explore other options? Hip sidekick Emily loves the Flex Disc!

hand holding a clear and black ring menstrual disc

Flex Disc 12-Count $16.49
Subscribe & Save to get $2 OFF
Shipping is free
Final cost $14.49 shipped!

*Subscription includes 12 disposable discs per month. 

*Note that when you place an order for Flex Discs, you’ll be signed up for automatic refills. Pause, customize, or cancel anytime in your account settings.

“I was intrigued by the Flex Disc when I first saw their advertisement on social media and immediately ordered a box. The discs are easy to use after you get the hang of them. I can’t even tell if I’m using one after it’s in place. They actually let me forget about my period for 12 hours, which is amazing!

I do like that the discs are disposable, sometimes that’s more convenient for me than a menstrual cup. Flex offers auto-refill, which I find helpful. I hate having to run to the store just for tampons! And it’s easy to skip an order if needed. Overall, I like the Flex Disc much better than tampons and recommend giving these a try too!” – Emily S.


And Collin loves the Saalt Cup!

saalt menstrual cups lined up with their packaging against a beige background

Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup
$29 on Target.com

*Target RedCard members score an extra 5% off + free shipping, making your final cost $27.55 shipped!

The Saalt Cup is my favorite one that I’ve used, and I’ve tried at least four brands now. I don’t question if it’s inserted correctly, it’s perfect every time. I’ve had hardly any leakage and I can wear it for hours even on heavy days before needing to empty it. One tip: try and time it for when you’re in the shower, it makes it so easy! The team and I share our thoughts and more tips on cup usage over on Instagram – you can find all those conversations in this highlights section! – Hip Owner, Collin


Apply to possibly get your menstrual cup paid for. Here’s how:


The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) includes important provisions for users of health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), and specifically, menstrual care products are now considered eligible expenses. Examples include tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, or similar products.


To see learn more or to see about your eligibility, check this page for more information.

Thinx period underwear is a great companion for sleeping.


About the writer:

Sara is a self-taught blogger & photographer and brings 9+ years of experience to her craft. Her work has been featured in numerous esteemed publications, spanning building, travel, and fashion. Beyond her creative pursuits, Sara’s primary mission is to empower others to embrace a toxic-free & sustainable lifestyle.


Join The Discussion

Comments 95

  1. Ivy

    All natural functions of the body <3

    Short term diarrhea is usually not a cause for concern but diarrhea lasting more than a few days is something you should consult your provider about. Also, if you feel that your poop is abnormal you should also consult your provider.
    If you or someone you know struggles with pooping I recommend the squatty potty, the YouTube video is wonderful to watch.Bestt of luck and happy pooping.

  2. Rosebriars

    I’ve been a cup user for 8 years and have never looked back. Only thing that wouldn’t leak with my heavy menstrual flow. I use a Ruby cup – when I was trying to decide I went on cup forums and the thing that got me to choose is that Ruby cup donates a cup to girls and women in need where access to period products is prohibitively expensive and can cause girls to miss school. Rubycup.com

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      SO happy to hear you’ve had a positive experience with your menstrual cup, Rosebriars. 🙌 Good to know what brand you love and that has worked well for you! ❤️

  3. Ihearthip

    My ques.: How and how often do you wash/sanitize them?
    Do you have to plan more showers on these days?

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      GREAT question! It may be easier to remove in the shower. It is recommended to clean them every 12 hours and to do a “deep clean” and boil them periodically for 10 minutes to sanitize. The full instructions on that can be found on the product page when you click through “view instructions for use”. Hoping that helps! 🤗🩷

  4. Renee

    I’ve been using a cup for 6 years now, seriously life changing especially if you have clots. Don’t give up! I have a large one for heavy days and small one for light days. I cut the stem off so it’s more comfortable. I still have to wear a pantiliner since there will be a little residue on the outside of the cup that may make its way out. But if it’s truly leaking on a heavy day a pantiliner is still enough and you’ll just have to empty it more often but never as often as those dreaded tampons!

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      Wow, Renee! SO awesome to hear how big of a positive impact this cup has made for your cycle! 🙌❤️ Sure appreciate you mentioning what works best for you in terms of sizes for different flows and using a panty liner as a backup, if needed. 🥰

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