Honestly I totally disagree with “steep learning curve” of cups- I think it’s just as bizarre and counter intuitive as tampons. Tampons leak constantly and are so unreliable. . And my god pads suck too because sometimes you bleed on the one goddamn spot on your undies where the pad ends, the worst!!!
I really think cups are worth the investment. I have a diva cup, one of the og brands. Mine was 30 bucks and I bought it 6 years ago and it’s still goin strong. I remember having to buy pads/tampons and sometimes having to free bleed or stretch uses because it was costly per box and I’d have to rebuy every single period!! I worked minimum wage and my food budget was 40 a month and pads/tampons per period was 25. I had/have an intense flow and would need 3-4 super x tampons a day.
And I’m sorry you feel shamed, gently, that seems like a you problem. We are all trying to be environmental, some people are more able than others but isn’t it worth a try? And I only bought 1 cup, so you might not have to buy a series of products, you might really like 1!
Honestly it blows my mind I no longer have to buy any period product!!! Even all these years later it is thrilling. And I am truly proud that I am no longer creating waste. And my cup is awesome I leave it in all day and only empty when I am in a private restroom- like my own, or a single room.
I wish it was socially acceptable to give them out as birthday presents. Haha. With a couple close friends I have.