I switched to menstrual cups and reusable pads. A year later, here's what changed

For a long time, I thought periods were simply something I had to work around. A few days every month meant making small adjustments to almost everything: keeping track of how many pads I had left, planning when I could change them and worrying about leakage, especially while travelling.That changed when I switched to menstrual cups and reusable pads.The decision was not an easy one. Like many people in their early 20s, I had doubts. Would I be comfortable using a menstrual cup? Would inserting and removing it be difficult? And would washing reusable pads be more trouble than it was worth?These were practical concerns, and I did not have all the answers before I started. But a year after making the switch, I have realised that the biggest difference is not just the money I have saved, it's much more than that. THE MONEY I NO LONGER SPEND EVERY MONTHOne of the first changes I noticed was in my monthly expenses.Disposable sanitary pads may seem like a relatively small purchase, but the cost adds up over time. Depending on my flow, I would use around three to four pads a day, with longer or larger pads sometimes needed overnight. The menstrual cup has been life-changing for me. Spending Rs 300 to Rs 400 a month might not seem like much at first. But over a year, that amounts to Rs 3,600 to Rs 4,800. Since switching to menstrual cups and reusable pads, I estimate that I have saved around Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000 over the past year.A menstrual cup can often last several years with proper care, while reusable pads can also be used repeatedly, depending on their quality, condition and maintenance. Although reusable products require an initial investment, they can be more economical over time.For me, this has been one of the most tangible benefits of making the switch. Something I once bought every month has become a less frequent expense, leaving me with a little more money for other things.WASHING REUSABLE PADS WAS EASIER THAN I EXPECTEDIf there was one thing that made me hesitate before switching, it was the thought of washing reusable pads.But my experience has been reassuring. I have found reusable pads soft and comfortable, and I have experienced less of the itching I sometimes associated with regular pads.They need to be rinsed, washed properly and dried completely before being used again. Once it becomes part of your routine, it does not feel like the difficult task you might have imagined. Reusable pads are easier to use than I thought I have also noticed a difference in odour. With menstrual cups, I do not experience the same smell that can sometimes come with disposable pads. They also give me more flexibility, as I can empty and reinsert the cup as needed, while following recommended wear-time and hygiene guidelines.TRAVELLING CONSTANTLY WORRYING ABOUT MY PERIODTravelling used to bring its own set of period-related worries.On a long journey, I would find myself thinking about when I could access a washroom. Even when nothing went wrong, the possibility of leakage could make me uncomfortable.Now, I do not have to keep worrying about changing pads during a long journey. I can manage my cup when I reach my destination, provided I stay within its recommended wear time and have access to a hygienic place to empty and clean it.Both menstrual cups and reusable pads are also easy to carry in a handbag while travelling, giving me one more reason to choose them.Reusable pads are useful, too, especially because they come in different sizes, including longer options for overnight use.Another important change is disposal. Finding a suitable place to discard used disposable pads can be difficult, particularly when travelling or in places with limited waste facilities. With reusable products, I no longer have to deal with that recurring problem. They are also easier to carry A SMALL CHANGE THAT FEELS BETTER FOR THE PLANETThe environmental impact of menstrual products was another factor that made switching appealing to me.Switching to reusable period products has also made me feel better about the waste I generate. Disposable pads are used once and then thrown away, while menstrual cups and reusable pads can be used repeatedly for years if cared for properly. This helps reduce the amount of menstrual waste sent to landfills.NOW, PERIODS FEEL EASIER TO NAVIGATEFor me, the past year has been about more than saving money. I feel more confident, comfortable and less restricted during my periods. I can go about my day, walk around confidently and focus on what I am doing instead of constantly worrying about my period. A friend who uses a menstrual cup even shared how she could swim comfortably while menstruating.I know these products may not suit everyone, and menstrual cups can take time and practice to get used to. But finding what works for me has made periods feel much less like a pause in my life. I can travel, attend events and go about my day with fewer worries — and that has been the biggest change of all.- Ends