I had used tampons since my menarche (first period) - o.b. tampons to be specific. I loved that they had next to no trash with their lack of oversized wrapper and applicator, and they worked well; for 4 years I used them religiously because I never found another brand I liked.

When I turned 17 I started becoming more aware of my body (and the negative affects tampons could have, such as drying out a delicate environment and leaving behind fibers and potential toxins) and the environment (I was still adding to landfills with my disposable products). I knew cloth pads were an option but couldn't fathom the thought, so I switched to the menstrual cup; I now own 3 and after five years I'm a cup user for life. They reduce the mess, have never leaked on me, allow me to sleep all night without worry, and have no odor. Unlike tampons, you can pop it in the day before you're due "Just in case," which has saved my tail multiple times when I was irregular.

So many women declare them "gross" and unsanitary without ever having used one, or even seeing one, and they make presumptions that are completely false. It irks me that people can be so judgemental of a choice that works well for so many. I mean heck, I told my co-workers about the cup and half of them switched over to it. I accept that a menstrual cup is not ideal for everyone, and by no means do I expect other women to use them, but it drives me mad that so many condemn them without knowing the first thing about them.