The other day I was raving to a bunch of girlfriends about my joy over switching to the DivaCup when a male friend said, “Can you please save this conversation for later?”. Immediately I felt embarrassed and ashamed, and then I said, “NO. I will NOT save this conversation for later. Women have periods and you can get over it. Not only can you get over it, but you can be supportive.” Now I know why they call it “the DivaCup”, because I feel like a freakin’ DIVA when I’m using it or talking about it.

Ladies, the DivaCup is a gift from the Goddesses. I CANNOT believe how long I waited to try it, and I cannot believe that I refused to make the switch. 

I used to say things like “That’s so gross.”, and “I’m not that much of a hippie.”.

First of all, the DivaCup, if anything, is *as* gross as pads or tampons. But in reality, IT’S WAY LESS GROSS! It’s the most natural your period can be; in fact, it’s actually kind of beautiful – like a holy grail of life-giving blood.

Secondly, it’s 10 bajillion times easier and more convenient than pads and tampons. You only have to mess with it once every 12 hours, and if you empty it in the shower, it’s basically no hassle at all. There’s absolutely no smell and no need for panty-liners. Can you believe it?! I just bled for a whole week and never once had to deal with it at work or in a public restroom.

Lastly, the only reason you would think the DivaCup (or your period in general) is gross is because you’ve been told to be afraid of your own physiology.

Ladies, our culture has failed us.

Your period is not gross or shameful. Pads and tampons are not helping the situation, trust me.

Pads and tampons are gross, but your period is not.

I can’t believe I waited this long to make the switch, and now I’m screaming it to the whole world. I feel like I used to be a slave to my period, and now I feel empowered by it. Healthy periods means healthy women, and this is what our culture should be teaching men AND women.

Men, do us a favor, and wo-man up about the topic, mmkay?? If you hear a woman complaining about her period, be supportive. If you hear a woman raving about her period, congratulate her, for she has just taken control of a major aspect of her life.

Oh, and one more thing. I’ll be donating the remaining boxes of pads and tampons at home in my closet because I’ll never need them again. Here’s to saving money, and the environment, one DivaCup at a time.

Spread the word, ya’ll. And to the makers of the DivaCup, let me know if you’re interested in any endorsement deals!

Jessica L.

Jessica Levity is the creator, director, and host of Reno-Tahoe’s #1 Comedy Troupe, The Utility Players. You can also catch her live on the radio weekdays from 10am-2pm on 100.1 KTHX, The X. Most recently, her passion for metaphysics and theater led to the creation of Alchemist Theatre – a 60 minute uplifting and spiritual experience, which audiences enjoy monthly at Good Luck Macbeth theatre in Reno. Above all else, Jessica loves her life in the mountains, her cats, her life partner, her amazing tribe, and most recently, becoming a real Diva.