This Monthly Switch Has Saved Me $450 (Ditch Tampons & Pads Forever!)
My eco-friendly switch to the Flex cup has saved me over $450! Read more about this best menstrual cup below!
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.
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.
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 $29.99
I’ve saved over $450 since switching to this menstrual cup more than 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 $8.99/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! 🎉
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
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
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!).
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.
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?
This is the best reusable product I’ve ever purchased for myself and some of my friends agree:
“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
“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 in 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!
Flex Disc 12-Count $14.49 (reg. $16.49)
*Subscription includes 12 disposable discs per month. 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. They now also offer a reusable Flex Disc that you can save on as well!
“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, Hip sidekick
And Collin loves the Saalt Cup!
Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup
$29 on Target.com
*Target Circle Card members score an extra 5% off + free shipping, making your final cost $27.55 shipped!
“I’m a huge fan of the Saalt menstrual cup. 🙌🏼 If you’re still using tampons or pads, it’s time to ditch and switch. I love that I haven’t had to buy tampons in over two years (huge money saver and way better for the planet), and it’s leaked the least of any cup I’ve tried.
TMI but pro tip, when you’re taking it out, act like you’re pooping 😂 and when you put it in, do that same little push to help it fully expand so it’s sealed. It takes a few cycles to get used to, but once you figure it out, you’ll never look back.” – Hip CEO & Founder, Collin
Get your menstrual cup paid for through your HSA or FSA card!
Buying the Flex Cup? Head to the FlexFits FAQs page to learn more about how to use your HSA/FSA account to get your purchase covered.
Buying the Saalt Cup at Target? HRA and FSA cards are accepted in-store and online. To use one online at Target.com, add it as a payment method at checkout. For HSA benefits, pay with an HSA card, or use a credit, debit, or gift card, and submit your receipt to your plan administrator for reimbursement. Check with your insurance provider to confirm what’s covered and how to submit.
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
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.
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
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! ❤️
My ques.: How and how often do you wash/sanitize them?
Do you have to plan more showers on these days?
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! 🤗🩷
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!
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. 🥰
Great idea, but just not practical.
Here’s why I don’t like this product: When it fails, you’ll need to change your underwear, your shorts, pants or skirt, your sheets if it’s nighttime, and possibly your socks. Secondly, they may be great at home, but a no-go when out and about. In a public bathroom stall, there is no sink, so you’ll have blood on at least 1 hand that you have to clean up with flimsy toilet paper. Next, you have to get re-dressed with 1 hand because we know how effective that public bathroom toilet paper is. Finally, you have to (again, with 1 hand), grab your stuff, open the stall door and try not to touch anything until you get to the sink.
Please, don’t ask how I know.
Thanks for sharing your honest feedback on this product, AuntiEm! 🤗