HEALTH

Whether you are watching a cute makeup tutorial, jogging along a workout video, or procrastinating by learning the best ways to study, you are bound to come across an ad with “the best acne cream” and a series of before and afters. The real question is, what are easy, cost-efficient ways of getting rid of acne? 

Looking in the mirror, I know every time one pimple starts to go away, others appear in its place — a never ending battle. Searching for treatments for acne are not just cosmetic. Acne can be very painful when severe, can lead to permanent scarring, and can cause emotional distress. The first steps are to understand that you are not alone, and identify the cause of your acne. 

Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., frequently found on the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders because these areas have the most oil glands. Various types of acne include whiteheads (closed clogged pores), blackheads (open clogged pores), papules (small red bumps), and pimples (papules with pus at the tips). Acne can appear at any age, but is common in teenagers due to hormonal changes. Females and people using medications that contain corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium are more susceptible to acne due to hormonal changes as well. 

Causes of acne include excess oil production, hair follicles being clogged by oil and dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess activity of androgens (a male steroid hormone). Acne can also be aggravated by excess carbs (like your college bagel and chips diet), chocolate (like your go-to exam season stress-snack) and chronic stress (because stress hormones send oil glands into overdrive)! Additionally, constant contact with dirty phones, tight helmets or rough backpacks can also aggravate the skin and cause acne. Finally, the one cause that nobody likes to hear — genetics. Just like your blue eyes or brown hair, family history does influence whether or not you’re prone to acne.

So what can we do to get rid of acne and prevent further breakouts?

• Try to clean your skin with mild, oil-free soap to remove excess oil and dirt. (Do NOT scrub your skin, as this will aggravate the acne areas. Be gentle.)
• Shampoo your hair regularly and keep it out of your face. Bangs may cover the acne, but it will make it worse!
• Do not touch, squeeze or pick at the pimples, because this will allow bacteria to spread and oils to seep in. You are not Dr. Pimple Popper!
• Avoid makeup that contains oil.
• Wash your pillowcases and anything that touches the acne-prone skin.
• Remove makeup and clean your skin before bed. Do not recycle your late night look for the next morning, your skin will thank you for it!
• Shower after you exercise, there are other ways to glow!
• Eat a healthy diet (minimize refined sugar and avoid excess carbohydrates).

So now you know the main causes, preventions, and treatments for acne. If you have acne-prone skin, be sure to practice proper skin care techniques! Take a few minutes out of your busy day to follow these tips, so you can skip those acne cream ads with ease. 

Featured Image: Gabriella Cetrulo

If you are physically able to conceive, there is always the possibility of becoming pregnant after engaging in heterosexual sex. Even if you use contraception, the effectiveness has its limits. Don’t be shy! If you can successfully buy condoms or get a prescription for birth control, purchasing and taking a pregnancy test shouldn’t be any different. After all, there’s only one way to find out!

How does a pregnancy test work? 

A pregnancy test detects the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine or blood. HCG is only produced if you’re pregnant. When a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus, this hormone is released.

You can take a pregnancy test in the comfort of your own home. This method is colloquially known as “peeing on a stick.” A chemical strip on the test stick detects the presence of HCG in your urine. There are inexpensive tests available in any pharmacy, drugstore, grocery store, or convenience store. Most home pregnancy tests cost anywhere from $8 to $15. Every pregnancy test is a little different. Make sure to read all of the instructions first and then follow the directions carefully. Some may require you to urinate in a container and dip the pregnancy test stick into it. For others, the pregnancy test stick must be held directly in a stream of urine. Typically you can get your results within a couple of minutes. An at-home pregnancy test has up to a 99% accuracy rate when it is used properly.

Another option would be to take a blood test at a clinic or medical office. A sample of your blood will be drawn and analyzed for the presence of HCG. Sometimes, healthcare providers use a test that measures the exact levels of HCG in the blood. This analysis has a much greater sensitivity to even low amounts of HCG. Problems with the pregnancy can be identified if there is a drastic change in HCG levels. IIt may be more reassuring to be tested in a professional setting, but keep in mind that it will be far more expensive than an at-home test. Additionally, it takes longer to receive your results.

When should I take a pregnancy test? 

You will get the most reliable results if you take a pregnancy test after you’ve missed your next period. If your periods are irregular or you have reason to believe you’re pregnant, wait until at least 14 days after having sex to take a test. You will not have measurable amounts of HCG in your blood or urine until then. At-home tests will vary, so take the test at the optimal time for that specific one. If you prefer to get your blood tested you must also consider the time delay to schedule an appointment with a physician. Depending on your insurance, you may even be required to see your primary care provider (PCP) before being referred to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). You must wait an average of 21.7 days for your first appointment with a PCP. For an appointment with an OB-GYN the wait time, on average, is 23.7 days if you are a new patient.

How do I interpret the results?

A positive result indicates that you’re pregnant. There are measurable amounts of HCG in your blood or urine. A negative result means that the test could not detect HCG in your blood or urine. This most likely means that you are not pregnant. Otherwise, you may have failed to follow the instructions on an at-home test. Did you take the test too soon? Did you check the expiration date? Did you dilute the urine by taking too many fluids before testing? There is no harm in testing yourself again!

However, there may be other factors that interfere with an accurate result.

Some medications may be responsible for a false-negative result:

• Promethazine, used to treat certain allergies

• Antihistamines

• Parkinson’s disease medication

• Sleeping tablets

• Some antipsychotics, including chlorpromazine

• Opioids, for instance, methadone

• Tranquilizers

• Anticonvulsants, including epilepsy treatments

• Infertility medication

• Diuretics

There are also extraneous causes for a false-positive result:

• Ovarian cysts

• Recent pregnancies

• An early miscarriage soon after a fertilized egg implanted

• An ectopic pregnancy

• Gestational trophoblastic tumors

• Menopause

• A deficiency of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an important antibody of the immune system

What are my next steps?

Should you test positive, get in touch with a healthcare provider. If you used an at-home test, you may consider taking the test again to confirm your results before scheduling an appointment. Make sure to communicate your intentions — do you want to proceed with the pregnancy or terminate the pregnancy? Take as much time as you need to make your decision. From there, your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with the appropriate options and resources.

Featured Image: Laura Alejo

We are warned continuously about STIs and told to take all possible precautions to avoid contracting them. However, beyond the general information conveyed in brief public health advertisements, we are rarely taught comprehensive information about STIs. As such, many people have cobbled together pieces of knowledge from miscellaneous sources, but do not have a complete understanding  of STIs. Hopefully, this article can fill some gaps and some common questions and misconceptions.

Common STIs

STIs can be caused by a wide variety of organisms, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. They can be transmitted through risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, it can also be transmitted through contact with infected body fluids or infected skin membranes. 

Some of the most common STIs are:

• Chlamydia (caused by bacteria)
• Genital herpes (caused by viruses)
• Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV) (some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women)
• Gonorrhea (caused by bacteria)
• Hepatitis B (caused by viruses)
• Syphilis (caused by bacteria)
• Trichomoniasis (caused by bacteria)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. 
• Other infections that may be sexually transmitted as well: hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus, molluscum contagiosum, Mycoplasma genitalium, hepatitis C, and possibly bacterial vaginosis.
• Scabies and pubic lice (sexual contact)

STIs caused by viruses usually cannot be cured, but treatment is still possible. Bacterial STIs can occur multiple times but they can usually be cured. Chances of recovery are significantly improved if you get tested and treated within 48 hours of a known contact with an infection

Risks

• Your age: Babies and older adults are at higher risks for most diseases, but STIs tend to most commonly occur in young adults.
• Your overall health: People with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer, HIV, etc. could have a higher risk.
• Medications you take: Certain medications can cause symptoms or make them worse. 
• Recent health events: Having other STIs, such as genital herpes, can increase your risk of HIV. 
• Your health habits and lifestyle: Eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel can all influence risk.

Symptoms and Treatments

The biggest question anyone might ask about STIs is,“How do I know if I have one?” There are some common symptoms that you should watch for. Symptoms differ between women and men. However, in women, the following symptoms are usually the most common:

In females, symptoms may include:

• New vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pain in the pelvis or lower belly
• Itching, tingling, burning, or pain in the genital or anal area
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts in the genital or anal area.
• Sores in the mouth or throat

If you happen to have experienced any of these symptoms recently, seek treatment as soon as possible or the direction of a healthcare provider. Certain actions, such as further sex, could aggravate an infection more. Some symptoms may not be as severe in some people as in others. In fact, some STIs are frequently asymptomatic. So, take precautions to not further spread infection until it has been cleared. It is safest to get tested even if symptoms do not become immediately apparent. Depending on your sexual activity, getting tested every 3 to 12 months or every time you switch partners is a good rule of thumb.

Prevention and Communication

If you are sexually active, ensure safety to the best of your ability. Make sure all of your immunizations are up to date and have safer sex. Although condoms are not 100% effective in protecting you from all STIs, they significantly reduce the chance of infection. Additionally, some STIs may take months before they test positive, so it is important to communicate openly with your partner about STIs. It is one of the best ways to prevent its spread.

Despite the stigma, it is important to talk to your partner about getting tested before you start having sex. Some ways to start the conversation would be:

• “I think it is important for us to be honest with each other.”
• “This is difficult to talk about, but I care about you and I think this is important.”

Further  questions you can ask your sexual partner would be:

1. Have you ever been tested for STIs? 
   1. If not, how do you feel about getting tested together?
2. When was your last HIV test?
3. Are you currently involved with anyone else?

It is normal to be worried about a partner’s reaction as there is often a stigma surrounding the issue, but assure them that you have the right intentions in mind. Support each other by getting tested together and stay healthy by engaging in sexual activities safely! Stay calm and know your facts when dealing with this topic. Just remember, communication and prevention go hand-in-hand. 

 

Featured Image: Mengxin Li for AARP

When my aunt was 44, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. To her, it was completely unexpected, but when her doctors heard her family history of ovarian cancer, they thought otherwise. They sent her to a genetic counselor, who recommended testing for breast cancer susceptibility (BRCA) gene mutations. Two weeks after testing, she found out that her results were positive for a BRCA1 mutation.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes that repair DNA. When both copies of one of these genes are mutated, they cannot properly repair DNA to suppress tumor growth, which leads to cancer. When one copy is mutated, there is a much higher chance that that person will develop cancer, as the chances of one gene copy randomly mutating is significantly higher than two. Because of this, people with a BRCA mutation have a significantly higher chance of getting breast cancer: women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a 72% or 69% risk, respectively, of developing breast cancer by age 80. 

In women, BRCA mutations increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as fallopian tube, peritoneal, and pancreatic cancers. Men with BRCA mutations have an increased risk of breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. BRCA mutations are present in all ethnic groups, although the prevalence of these mutations in specific populations is heavily researched.  For the US population, the probability of inheriting this gene is about 1 in 400. 

Because my aunt was younger than 45, her diagnosis was immediately flagged as unusual, and more likely to have a genetic cause. This, coupled with her family history, led her doctors to recommend genetic testing. She talked through her options with a genetic counselor, who ordered the test. Because she was younger than the higher-risk age threshold for breast cancer, her test was covered by insurance. The test itself was a blood test, and she got her results back in just over two weeks. It searched both her BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and found a mutation in BRCA1. 

Both my aunt’s brother (my dad) and her sister (my other aunt) also chose to get tested after hearing these results, as they each had a 50% chance of also having this gene. While men have a much lower chance of developing cancer due to these genes, my dad knew that if he had a mutation, it could be passed on to his daughters. In contrast to my aunt’s testing procedure, which was largely arranged by her genetic counselor, it was more or less up to my dad to work out insurance and how to get the testing done. After about four months of negotiating, his insurance covered the test, and his results came back about two weeks after the blood test. Rather than searching for any mutation, this test specifically looked for the same BRCA1 mutation that had been found in my aunt. 

Knowing about this has greatly impacted how my family understands our medical history. Because BRCA genes are dominant, meaning only one copy of the gene is required to have an effect, each of her daughters has a 50% chance of having this mutation. They will have the option of getting tested once they turn 25, and while she is concerned about them, she was also relieved to hear that both of her siblings tested negative. My grandmother, their mother, tested positive, and she has told several close family members, who can make the choice to get tested or not. 

Additionally, my aunt’s positive test results informed how she approached cancer treatment. While she could have opted for a lumpectomy, she chose to have a double mastectomy, since BRCA genes put women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer a second time. She would absolutely encourage anyone in a similar situation as herself to get tested, since it is important to make the most informed decisions possible. Whether one is considering getting tested due to a cancer diagnosis or not, it is important to be as prepared as possible, and have a plan for how to approach the future regardless of the outcome. 

While breast cancer is rare in young women, it is important to start conducting self-checks early. Monthly self-checks can detect cancer early, when it is more easily treatable. For more information, visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam

 

Featured Image: Julianna Brion

As we transition through the depths of adolescence and beyond, it is important for us to learn how to best navigate the healthcare system and take a more proactive role in taking care of our health. Though it may seem intimidating to schedule an appointment with your OBGYN, taking preventative measures and detecting problems early will increase your chance of successful interventions and reduce costs in the long run. After overcoming your ‘young and invincible’ mindset, an important question remains: what kinds of health screenings should a young woman in her early 20s be aware of? 

General Physical Exam

This is where anthropometric measures including but not limited to your height, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol profile will be examined. Weight could be a determination factor for many conditions, including obesity. High blood pressure and cholesterol also put you at higher risks for heart disease. It is recommended that you perform a general checkup once a year.

Pelvic Exam

Did you know that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide? Fortunately, it is also highly preventable since the cancer develops over time and is likely to be detected via screening. Most serious progression of cervical cancer occurs among women who have never had a Pap test or have not had one in the past 3-5 years. 

Generally, these tests should be performed once a year, starting from the age of 21. During a pelvic exam, the doctor examines your reproductive organs (e.g. vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, rectum, and pelvis) for any abnormalities. 

Image: Lucy Han, Teen Vogue

A Pap test, otherwise known as Pap smear, may be performed to screen for cervical cancer. During this test, the doctor will use a speculum to collect a sample of your cervical cells and send them to the lab for further examination. Though the process is invasive and may cause you slight discomfort, it should never be a painful experience. Alert your doctor to any pain so that they can react appropriately. You should not have to endure the pain! 

Breast Cancer 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women ages 25-39 get screened for breast cancer at least once every 1-3 years, and once every year at 40 and beyond. During your visit, the doctor will perform a physical examination of your breasts by feeling or looking at the breast. They may also request for a mammogram to look at the X-ray image. 

In terms of demographics, breast cancer is more common in older women, though it is still present in the younger population. Did you know that 1 in 8 US women contracts the cancer in her lifetime? That is approximately 12 percent of US women!

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) 

If you are sexually active, you should ask your doctor about STI testing. Be mindful that some STIs may not exhibit symptoms. Some of these include HPV (Human papillomavirus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and trichomoniasis. An individual can contract an STI from just one sexual encounter with an affected individual who may appear to be perfectly healthy. Even more important is being aware of and dispelling the stigma that contracting an STI is a reflection of a person’s sexual behaviors. This stigma promotes harmful stereotypes and discourages people from taking precautions during sexual intercourse. It is also important to note that, condom usage does not eliminate the risk of contracting STI completely, although using them is highly recommended. In brief, a cognizant and cautious mindset is crucial in getting your body the repair and maintenance it needs.

Other things you may want to discuss with your doctor

• Skin cancer
• Menstruation
• Birth control
• Acne
• Mental health

Last but not least, remember that you have the right to choose or decline any medical examinations you deem appropriate. A medical professional does not have the right to proceed with a medical process without your consent.

As a closing note, be attuned to your personal wellbeing so that you can give your body the care and respect it deserves. Afterall, your body is a self-regulating system, rarely demanding your conscious thought to its mechanisms. Getting annual checkups is like taking your car for a vehicle inspection once in a while. Furthermore, physical awareness will likely increase your incentive to make healthier and more active lifestyle choices, which further decreases your risks of disease or illness in the long run.

 

Art:  Laura Alejo

Did somebody say chemistry?! Before you pull out your periodic tables in a panic, you’ll be relieved to know that the only thing “periodic” going on here is menstrual blood. I’m sure that’s still not necessarily a sight to see either. There’s a common misconception that period blood is dirty or toxic, and in some cultures it may even be considered impure. Contrary to that belief, the blood you menstruate is just as “clean” as the venous blood that comes from every other part of the body and it’s harmless as long as you don’t have any bloodborne diseases (pathogens aren’t picky when it comes to manifesting in bodily fluids). I mean think about it, this blood came from an organ that must be hygienic enough to potentially sustain the development of a fetus. Bottom line: it’s just blood.

…But is it really? Yes and no. Here’s a rough breakdown of what makes up menstrual blood. This discussion focuses on the microscopic components of menstrual blood, but we won’t really go into detail at the atomic level. 

Blood 

Shocker. Consider it a watered down version of the “real stuff.” It’s worth mentioning that there is an entire color spectrum of menstrual blood. Deep reds and browns just mean that the blood has taken a bit longer to leave the uterus and has oxidized. Brighter reds indicate that the blood is more fresh. Most of the time, there’s no need to be concerned about the color of your menstrual blood, but you can always get a second opinion from a medical professional if you’re worried. 

Endometrial lining

Your flow may be accompanied by viscous clumps of sloughed uterine tissue. This occurs when an unfertilized egg fails to implant during the menstrual cycle. These clots may be uncomfortable to pass, but they usually aren’t problematic. In fact, their presence is considered healthy.

Secretions from the vagina and cervix

It’s pretty intuitive that these fluids find their way out of your body in the same direction and at the same time as the flow of blood. The majority of these secretions are mostly made up of water and electrolytes such as sodium or potassium. This ionic solution helps keep the pH low and prevents foreign bacteria from flourishing. 

Bacteria 

There are bacteria that naturally accumulate around the time of your period because your vagina becomes a more moist environment. One thing to note is that you may become susceptible to infections such as bacterial vaginosis when there is an imbalance of these bacteria. This may clear up on its own and if it doesn’t, there are antibiotic treatments available. 

Here’s what menstrual blood does not contain.

Coagulating elements

Although there are clots made up of endometrial lining, the blood itself has a low viscosity. It stays liquid because it lacks the proteins hemoglobin, prothrombin, thrombin, and fibrinogen. Additionally, menstrual blood contains less iron and blood platelets than venous blood. 

Smelly business 

Think about it. When you bleed from a wound on your arm is there any odor? Hopefully the answer is no. Everyone that menstruates will have a unique natural scent to their blood with varying degrees of intensity. The majority of this can be attributed to bacteria in your vaginal environment and a dash of copper in the blood. A really strong odor likely indicates that the blood soaked up in a pad or tampon has been sitting for too long and needs to be disposed of and replaced. Don’t be too hard on your menstrual blood when it’s just trying to give you a gentle reminder to tend to your needs every once in a while.  

Note: There are actually very few comprehensive studies that have analyzed the complete biochemical components of menstrual discharge in statistical significance. In this blog, the chemistry was kept to a minimum. What’s important is that you learned what’s actually leaving your body every time you menstruate.

 

Art: middlehouse

 

I first heard about menstrual cups when I was sixteen through a Buzzfeed video, and from that day on, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. They seemed like the perfect solution for my menstrual frustrations. I didn’t like pads or tampons, hated creating so much trash every month, and didn’t want to spend so much money on disposable menstrual products. After several months of researching, I found a whole new world of sustainable menstrual products and a plethora of cup brands. I finally got a cup a few years ago, and don’t think I’ll ever go back to pads or tampons. However, I had a lot of questions when I started using them, and you probably do too! Here are my answers to just a few of the many questions you may have about using menstrual cups, especially as a busy college student. 

This is based off of my own personal experience using a menstrual cup. I have used a Lena cup in the size small for two years. 

Can anyone use a menstrual cup?

For the most part, yes! If you are squeamish about your own blood or uncomfortable with the thought of inserting the cup (it’s a very hands-on experience), cups may not be for you. Additionally, if you have an IUD, you may want to ask your women’s healthcare practitioner before using menstrual cups. There are several conflicting opinions on whether or not you should use cups with IUDs. 

Are menstrual cups safe?

Yes, they are! Since menstrual cups are not absorbent, they won’t dry out your vagina and most are made with medical-grade silicone. When used as directed, menstrual cups can’t cause toxic shock syndrome. 

What does a cup look like?

Menstrual cups come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they have a few common characteristics. They all, of course, have a cup — this is what collects the blood throughout the day. Cups usually have small air holes near the top of the cup that help it properly retain suction. Many cups have a stem, which you use to locate the cup and wiggle it down until you can grab the base. Some people, like me, don’t mind the stem, but for others, it can hang down too far and become bothersome. Because of this, stems can be trimmed shorter or cut off completely. You should always try the cup for a few days before trimming your stem. Some cups have loops that serve the same purpose as stems. 

It sounds like there are a lot of different cup brands. How do I choose the best one for me?

Do some research! I chose the Lena cup because it seemed like a good fit for me. It also had good reviews on several websites. However, it’s been two years, and many new cup brands and designs have arrived on the market since then. There are many different factors to consider in a cup, such as size, shape, material, how soft or firm it is, and price. A great place to start is Put a Cup In It, which is a fairly comprehensive source of menstrual cup knowledge. I got my cup on Amazon. You can buy some cups, such as the Diva Cup, in stores but most brands are available online. 

What size do I need? 

Many cups come in two sizes, typically listed as small and large. The size you get is entirely up to you; the brands usually list their recommendations for who should get which size. 

How do I insert a menstrual cup?

You may have looked at a cup before and wondered, “how do I even get that in?” The answer is folding! Since cups are made of flexible silicone, they can be easily folded for insertion. While there are many intricate cup folds, the simplest are the c-fold, the punch-down, and the 7-fold. Do what feels most natural to you, and what works best with your cup; I use the punch-down. After you’ve washed your hands, fold the cup. Keep it folded as you insert it, following the angle of your vagina. Once it’s in, release the pressure to allow it to unfold and twist the base to make sure it has completely unfolded and formed a seal. 

How do I remove/empty a menstrual cup?

The trick to removing a cup is to take it slow and be patient. You can remove it from any position that feels comfortable for you; sitting on the toilet or standing in the shower work best for me. First, grab the stem/loop, if you have one. Gently wiggle the cup from side to side until you can pinch the base with two fingers. When you pinch the base, try to pinch it high enough so that it folds a little and releases suction. This will lead to much more comfortable removal. Take it out gently, while holding it upright. If you’re emptying it into the toilet, flush soon after dumping the contents, so that you’re less likely to leave streaks of blood after one flush. If you’re emptying it in the shower, pour it directly down the drain. Wash it with a mild soap and water (more on this later), then re-insert it, and you’re good to go!

How often do I need to empty it?

That really depends on you and your flow. Menstrual cups can be left in for up to twelve hours, but that doesn’t always mean they’ll last twelve hours. On heavier days, I sometimes need to empty mine every four hours or so, but on lighter days I can pretty much leave it in until I get home in the afternoon. When you’re starting out, you might want to wear pantiliners as backup until you’re comfortable with how often you need to change your cup. I still wear a liner (now a reusable cloth liner!) on heavier days, although leaks are rare. 

Can I use it at night?

Yep! If your flow is heavier, you may want to use some sort of backup pad and empty it right before you go to bed, but on most days my cup lasts the whole night without leaking. 

Do menstrual cups leak?

If you have a good cup that is inserted properly, it should not leak. However, if your cup overflows, or if it didn’t form a complete seal, some leakage could occur. 

I’m not home during the day. How can I empty it in a public bathroom?

I’ve lived in a dorm for the past two years, and have found that it’s surprisingly easy to deal with wearing a cup even though I haven’t had a private bathroom. That being said, it does take a bit of planning. Start out by noting the locations of single-stall bathrooms. These are clearly the superior choice, due to the private access to a sink. If single-stall bathrooms are not available, note the location of lesser-used bathrooms. For example, the bathroom I shared with 20+ other people on my floor was surprisingly empty at most times of the day. The goal is to wash your hands, go to a stall and remove and empty the cup, rinse the cup in the sink, and then go back to a stall and re-insert it. The key ingredient to this whole method is bravery; I did this in the women’s restrooms of my high school every menstrual cycle for a whole semester without anyone noticing or commenting on anything. If you’re in a more crowded bathroom, or aren’t comfortable going out to the sink, you can simply wipe the rim off with toilet paper after emptying and re-insert it; just make sure to wash it every twelve hours or so. If there is blood on your fingers, wipe any excess off with toilet paper, then wash your hands as usual. Nobody will notice unless you, for some reason, have to shake hands with someone directly after leaving the bathroom stall. 

Can I use the bathroom with a menstrual cup in? 

Yep! Unlike tampons, which can make it somewhat challenging to urinate, menstrual cups do not interfere with urination because they are completely internal. Some people feel like bowel movements dislodge their cup slightly. 

How do I clean it?

Menstrual cups don’t need much more cleaning than a simple wash with soapy water. At the end of your cycle, you can further sterilize it by boiling it while keeping it from touching the bottom of the pot, but this is not necessary. After many uses, you might notice staining on your cup. Mine, for instance, is purple, but the stem has turned a brownish color. This doesn’t mean it’s not clean; it’s just a sign of usage. 

If you’re interested in switching to menstrual cups, or just trying one out, I highly recommend you continue researching them! There are many websites and blogs devoted to sharing information about cups. Using a cup may seem difficult or complicated at first, but it is well worth the effort.

 

Featured Image by Intimina