All About Menstrual Cups with PERIOD.

The PERIOD. at SMC club will hold a workshop that aims to educate participants about the usage and benefits of the menstrual cup.

PERIOD. at SMC, a campus chapter of the global organization PERIOD., will hold a menstrual cup workshop in HSS 104 on March 10 at 4 p.m. The workshop aims to educate participants about the benefits of menstrual cups and provide them with the knowledge necessary to use the product correctly.

Illustration by Katheryne Menendez

Menstrual cups are a great alternative to traditional pads and tampons. As opposed to traditional menstrual products, which can generate a significant amount of waste, menstrual cups are reusable, environmentally friendly, and can save individuals money in the long run.

“Menstrual cups are not only a great way to fight period poverty, they’re also a lot more sustainable,” said club president Kaia Susman. “One can last anywhere from five to ten years, depending on how well you take care of it.”

However, for those who are unfamiliar with the product, using a menstrual cup may be intimidating. Menstrual cups come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so finding the right fit may seem troublesome. Additionally, the general stigma associated with menstruation can make it difficult for individuals to seek guidance about menstrual cups, which can further exacerbate their anxiety and fear of using the product.

“If you don’t have the education to go with them, it’s sort of hard to really grasp how to properly use them and safely use one,” said Susman. “We have implemented these workshops so that people could one, get the education, and two, have a comfortable place to sort of talk and ask questions about menstrual cups.”

With proper education and guidance, people can learn to use menstrual cups comfortably and confidently.

Information about the Menstrual Cup Workshop can be found on the PERIOD. club's Instagram, where students can RSVP. In addition to workshops like this, the club also provides free menstrual products on the SMC main campus, with locations marked on their Instagram page.