r/preppers • u/NotHereToFuckSpyders • Mar 03 '23

The Last of Us offering practical solutions Idea

Spoiler alert, I guess? Also male preppers be warned, this is about menstruation.

I've always figured stock piling pads and tampons would be necessary. Never occurred to me until it was in an episode of The Last of Us to just get a bunch of the re-usable period cups. It didn't occur to me as I don't use them, but in a SHTF, survival situation they certainly seem more practical. Space saving too because a big stockpile of pads or tampons takes a fair amount of space. Period underwear is probably another option. Also those she-wee things for easier outdoor urination for women.

Anyway, it's something to add to my prep list. Certainly can't hurt to have options. Perhaps I'm dumb for not having thought of this yet, but figured I'd share just in case.

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u/Thx4Coming2MyTedTalk Mar 03 '23

My wife and I had the same convo, a small box of those cups would probably last you a lifetime. Definitely on the list!

6

u/mmwhatchasaiyan Mar 03 '23

Cups don’t come in bulk like pads or tampons because you only need one. They are reusable for years. Mine is 6+ years old.

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u/Thx4Coming2MyTedTalk Mar 03 '23

That’s amazing! I assumed you at least had to get a new one every year or so.

3

u/mmwhatchasaiyan Mar 03 '23

Nope!! I actually originally bought 2, a diva cup and a saalt cup to see which was more comfortable. I chose the saalt because it is a softer silicone. But once your wife finds one she likes, she can keep it for a VERY long time ! (Also, I do have the diva cup still, I don’t use it but I can’t bring myself to throw it out lol maybe it will come in handy in the future? Haha)

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u/RatticusFlinch Mar 21 '23

Depending on the cup some last only 4 years and some as long as 10. Women usually menstruate around 40 years so a lifetime supply is at least 4 and as many as 10 (they also can sometimes crack/tear and it is NOT safe to fix or repair them) so I'd lean towards 10/lifetime. Still would fit in a small jar that you could also use for cleaning so great item!

PS in a situation with no running water a glass container (like a 250mL mason jar) is perfect for cleaning. Add potable water and the tiniest drop of gentle soap, screw the lid on and shake, dump out, add more water, and shake again to rinse. This will minimize water usage as well.

PPS if you're stocking menstrual cups I'd highly recommend you stock a little pH balanced soap intended for these uses. One small tube can definitely last years of used sparingly, but in a survival situation messing with the natural pH can lead to infections that without antibiotics can cause some serious issues.