I Tried Weird Period Products So You Don’t Have To

I’ve been surfing the crimson wave since I was 9 years old (really. NO REALLY) so I’ve tried just about every period product out there — starting with maxi pads the size of a five-subject notebook. Necessity became the mother of my period experimentation. Any given month, a shortage of pads or tampons would leave me holding some strange, reusable product at the pharmacy and wondering, "What if I never had to buy tampons or pads againt?" So, for your information and reading pleasure (or just to distract from the cramps), a summary of my adventures in reusable period products:

The Soft Cup

This lady device looks like a pink jelly bracelet with a little pouch. There’s a reusable one that lasts your whole cycle and a disposable one that you toss out after 12 hours. Gotta love choices. Since I use the Nuvaring for my birth control, this ring didn’t seem too intimidating, but after my first failed attempt, I ended up watching the tutorial to get a better sense of what the heck to do. After I figured out exactly how to get it in, the Soft Cup felt comfortable. Best of all — no leaks — way better than those supposedly SUPER HEAVY tampons (There’s nothing super about you, tampon). Like I said, it can stay in for 12 hours, then I just rinsed it with soap and hot water and reinserted. And if you hate when your period cock blocks you, you can even have sex while wearing the Soft Cup. Bonus.
Price: $8
Grade: A-. What it lacks in ease of use it makes up for in being able to have clean sex on your period.

The Moon Cup

When I first saw this clear silicone cup, I thought to myself, "How is that going inside of me?" You’re supposed to fold it into a C-shape, pop it in, and leave it for 12 hours. There’s a trim-able stem at the bottom that’s like the string at the end of a tampon. I had no problem inserting it. Great! But then I had to remove it. The instructions say to gently pull on the stem and then pinch the bottom of the cup with your thumb and forefinger. (You need to pinch to release the suction of the cup. DON’T BE SCARED. GO WITH ME.) Of course, I did the exact opposite thing and yanked on the stem repeatedly. Nothing. Then panic set in when I thought I’ll never getting this out or have sex again. The thought of a celibate life motivated me to calm the eff down and try again. I took a few yogic breaths and pressed down with my pelvic muscles, tilted myself downwards, and pinched the bottom. Success! I used a pantyliner in case there are any leaks, but there weren't. Not one red dot. Plus, I like the set-it-and-forget method of leaving it in for 12 hours because I’m lazy.
Price: $35
Grade: A, after momentary panic attack. Less leaks and less commitment than tampons.

GladRags

Don’t you hate when guys in high school used to say to you, “What’s wrong with you? Are you on the rag?” WHY YES I AM. Don’t mess with me or I’ll do this. 

Seriously, guys, just leave us alone.

GladRags are cotton pads that you wash and reuse. They come in pretty colors and fabrics. Mine literally had a bird on it. The basic gist is that you wear it, wash it, and use it again. They come in pantyliners, day pads, and night pads. The day and night pads have removable liners that fit into a cotton envelope so you can make it as thick or thin as you need. Pile on the liners if you just want to sit in front of your TV/laptop, binge watching Orange Is the New Black with a pint of chocolate ice cream dotted with chocolate chips covered in chocolate. I used mine as pantyliners when I wore the Moon Cup. GladRags were totally easy to hand wash and dry. I did wash a pad with red roses on it for a while, thinking, "Why aren’t these stains coming out?" so, um, maybe don't get the ones with red patterns. But the main thing I loved was the no-itch factor. You know what I’m talking about. You’re in a nice restaurant and you’re trying not to itch your vag because that stupid pad is all up in your business. With the cotton liners, there’s no itch. I barely even felt it. And they’re so pretty.
Price: $15 to $20
Grade: B. Comfortable and cute, but a tiny bit gross as a full pad.

The final verdict: I’m a convert. Really. Actually. I'm going to use these things. I’ll be using the Moon Cup as my regular monthly with a GladRag pantyliner, and the Soft Cup if I want to get frisky. This is not an exaggeration.

Jennifer Chen is a freelance writer who lives in Los Angeles.

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Photo credit: NBC

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Sex Talk Realness: Period Sex

Have you had period sex before?

Man A: You betcha.

Man B: Yup.

Woman A: Yes.

Woman B: No.

If not, why not?

Woman B: I've never had a relationship intimate enough.

Have you had it while in a serious relationship or a casual dating situation? Or both?

Man A: Both.

Man B: Only in relationships.

Woman A: Just while in my most serious relationship. My ex boyfriend wouldn't do it, but my current boyfriend does not give two shits about blood or anything gross, really.

Would you feel differently about it whether it was with a serious partner or a casual one?

Man A: Not at all, but the conversation is different when it happens. In casual sex and hookups, women have to (hopefully pretend to) be embarrassed and guys get this awesome, free declaration of valor and determination. “Oh, no, trust me: This is not a thing,” we say, then we swipe our hair out of our face with a giant comb like the Fonz. Then we both start singing "Summer Lovin'" together.

When you’re in a relationship, the woman usually handles it with a hardened, cool resolve. It’s usually a, “This is going to be messy. Just letting you know if you just did the sheets.” It becomes a logistical problem, revolving solely around laundry.

Man B: No.

Woman A: Mmm, maybe. I'm not really a casual relationship type person. I probably wouldn't bleed on a stranger, no, just because I wouldn't want a stranger to bleed on me.

Woman B: I really think period sex requires a little more intimacy. Like, sex is already pretty weird/gross. Adding menstrual blood into the mix, despite the fact that it's totally natural, requires some actual feelings of "I like hanging out with you even when uterine lining is visible."

Men, would you be mad if she had her period and didn’t tell you until you were already having sex?

Man A: No. Interesting choice. Potentially hilarious post-sex bathroom trip, but no.

Man B: Don't know how mad I could be having just been laid. I'd be upset if it looked like a murder scene or if I'd gone down on her. Just need to be honest when sex is involved.

Women, do you usually tell the guy you have your period before you have sex?

Woman A: Yes! It's polite!

Woman B: Hypothetically, because I haven't, but I think it's a requirement. You can't just surprise someone with a bloody dick. Not cute.

Men, would you go down on a girl if she had her period?

Man A: I have and would if requested (pro tip: there’s not as much blood as penetrative sex, in my experience, for all the reasons you think), but it’s messy and more visceral. Sometimes your face gets, uh, dabbed (not covered, like in a grindhouse movie, contrary to popular belief) in blood and that usually tends to turn off the recipient more than anyone. Seeing people’s faces covered in blood is an overall bad experience.

Man B: Nope.

Women, would you ask a guy to go down on you if you had your period?

Woman A: Uh, no, that pushes it for me.

Woman B: I mean, I wouldn't ask, but I'd still require some kind of foreplay.

Women, have you ever asked a guy to have sex with you while you’re on your period?

Woman A: Yes.

Woman B: No.

Women, if you have, do you feel weird or awkward doing it?

Woman A: [I used to] because my ex made me feel so shitty about it.

Woman B: I probably would.

How do you deal with a potential tampon-up-there situation? (Side note: One time a friend of mine was really drunk and about to have sex with someone, pulled out her tampon, spun it around by the string and threw it. It hit her computer screen and slid down. LOLOLOLLOLLL)

Man A: I cannot remember a time where a woman tried to sexily remove a tampon, and I’m glad that’s the case, having read your story.

Man B: Never knew this was a thing. I'd just assume if she has a tampon in and things are moving to sex she'd just go in the bathroom and take it out and then get back to the task at hand.

Woman A: Never happened to me!

Woman B: This is probably indicative of [America's] terrible sex ed system, but I feel like a tampon in and then a penis in would somehow risk some kind of a health thing? You just can't be treating your vagina like your satchel purse. One thing at a time.

Women, has it ever helped your menstrual cramps?

Woman A: Not really. [My boyfriend] likes to think it does. Like it's a cure.

How do you avoid both being covered in blood at the end? Do you put a towel down?

Man A: If we’re thinking things through, yep, that’s the way to do it. Also, I think it’s a little bit less about trying not to get blood everywhere (let’s interrupt this incredible activity with a procedural cleaning activity!) and more about having stuff on hand to make clean up easy. Have soap and water handy or hop directly into the shower afterwards. It’s the easiest way to go.

This is also one of the only times shower sex isn’t the worst thing on Earth. For reasons far too scientific for my head, it’s a less friction-y experience.

Man B: I've done this, but prefer doing it in the shower.

Woman A: One time I was having sex with my current BF and I thought my period was over, and after sex we turned on the lights and were COVERED IN BLOOD. It was totally traumatizing. We had to soak the bedsheets in the bathtub. He pretended it was like, all cool, but even for my not queasy at all boyfriend it was a little much. I use the softcup now, which is AMAZING AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT FOR PERIOD MAINTENANCE AND ALSO PERIOD SEX. Because you can have sex with it in and it prevents blood and ain't no thing.

Men, if you refuse period sex, do you expect a woman to give you oral sex or find other ways to please you during her period?

Man A: No. I’m not a monster. But if the girl is uncomfortable with period sex (this happens, by the way! These women exist!) and still wants to do fuck-around stuff, who is really in a position to decline?

Man B: Can't say I'd demand reparations because I want to fuck and she's on her period. If she wants to go down I wouldn't stop her but no way would I expect it. If I'm down and she's not I just handle my business.

Women, do you go down on him or give him a handjob more often than usual when you're on your period?

Woman A: Nah.

Woman B: I wouldn't say I would go out of my way. I have no problem giving oral the whole week and not getting anything in return - just on the basis that I have to be comfortable with the sex. And I like BJs. But if he was the type of guy to refuse period sex when I was into it, he's not getting anything.

Previously: Sex Talk Realness: Female Masturbation

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Photo Credit: Getty

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Ryan Lochte's TV Show Makes Him Less Hot. Period.

Last night, I anxiously counted the minutes until the glory that is Ryan Lochte appeared on TV with the debut of his E! reality show What Would Ryan Lochte Do?

I've pretty much been in love with the aquatic Adonis since 2008, when he and his then-floppy hair made a splash (sorry) at the Beijing Olympics. Come on—those eyes...those abs. Lochte is the beefiest of cakes in my book. (I even like his catchphrase, Jeah! )

However, while I expected him to come off as kinda dumb, based on nearly every interview I've seen with him, the Lochte I saw last night was not the Lochte I fell in love with so many years ago. After watching 30 minutes of him partying with his "Locterage," taking a random girl on what had to be worst first date ever, and proclaiming that his favorite movie is What Women Want, I think I kinda lost my ladyboner for the guy.

It's not because he's a douchebag, but more because, as he said himself on the show, he doesn't know what that word means. It appears that Lochte doesn't know what a lot of words mean, in fact. Because he's kind of a mimbo.

I realized last night that even Lochte's delicious broad shoulder-to-waist ratio couldn't make up for the one thing he appears to be missing: A brain. I'm not trying to be mean, nor some kind of intellectual snob here—after all, everyone has unique talents and gifts and Lochte obviously scored on the swimming prowess and physical hotness fronts. But I found myself growing less and less physically attracted to him the more he opened up his mouth. Even his once-adorable jeah! started turning from endearing to annoying.

I don't care if he's "a man at night and a man in the morning" (another Lochte truism) because now I know for sure that Lochte could never (*sniff*) be my man. Watching him last night reaffirmed that I need a guy with brawn and brains in order to be truly stimulated.

What do you think: Could you ever be with a guy who didn't turn you on intellectually? But before you share your opinion in the comments below, behold one final Lochte-ism:

“Something will pop up in my head. It could be like the weirdest thing. Like all’a sudden like I have like a jumping banana in my head. And I stop and pause. I’m like that damn jumping banana is in my head. Like, I don’t know what’s going on.”

Deep, bro. DEEP.

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Photo: NBC

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New Approaches to the Study of Biblical Interpretation in Judaism of the Second Temple Period and in Early Christianity

Gary A. Anderson, "New Approaches to the Study of Biblical Interpretation in Judaism of the Second Temple Period and in Early Christianity "
2013 | ISBN-10: 9004207430 | 302 pages | PDF | 3,8 MB
This volume illustrates the ways in which the discovery of the scrolls has altered our paradigms of biblical interpretation, investigating connections within and between Jewish and Christian interpretive texts.

From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Handbags reviews and advice for best reference here

New Approaches to the Study of Biblical Interpretation in Judaism of the Second Temple Period and in Early Christianity

Gary A. Anderson, "New Approaches to the Study of Biblical Interpretation in Judaism of the Second Temple Period and in Early Christianity "
2013 | ISBN-10: 9004207430 | 302 pages | PDF | 3,8 MB
This volume illustrates the ways in which the discovery of the scrolls has altered our paradigms of biblical interpretation, investigating connections within and between Jewish and Christian interpretive texts.

From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Handbags reviews and advice for best reference here

5 Reasons Why Period Sex Is Good for Your Health

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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5 Reasons Why Period Sex Is Good for Your Health

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5 Reasons Why Period Sex Is Good for Your Health

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From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Handbags Review Center here

Quiz Claims Period Sex Is Impossible

Korin Miller
Korin is the site director for Cosmopolitan.com. She loves uncovering cool new research and learning more about what makes guys tick. Outside the Cosmo office, you can find her running with her dog, trying to convince friends to go to karaoke bars, and watching as much reality TV as humanly possible. Hit her up on Twitter: @korinmiller
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Michelle Ruiz
Michelle is the news editor for Cosmopolitan.com. She's obsessed with interviewing celebrities and spotting the latest pop culture trends. Her life highlights include chatting with Ryan Gosling about sex dolls, dancing on stage at the Oprah show, and shopping with her mom on Long Island. Tweet her: @michelleruiz
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Dara Adeeyo
Dara is the associate web editor for Cosmopolitan.com. She's intrigued by all things digital. Dara loves playing with html and discovering new studies. When she's not reading up on the latest cocktail recipes (for work, of course), she can be found breaking it down on the dance floor or watching the Investigative Discovery channel. She also has a sick obsession with nail polish, elephants, and most importantly, Nutella. Dara basically lives on Twitter, so tweet at her and say hey: @dadeeyo.
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Elisa Benson
Elisa Benson is the senior editor of social media for @Cosmopolitan?so, yes, she tweets about sex for a living. Elisa grew up in Ohio, attended Colgate University, and wrote love and relationship advice for Seventeen before graduating to Cosmo. She lives for girly things (weddings and eyelash extensions and Pretty Little Liars?) and frequently tweets about all of the above: @elisabenson.
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From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Handbags Review Center here

Quiz Claims Period Sex Is Impossible

Korin Miller
Korin is the site director for Cosmopolitan.com. She loves uncovering cool new research and learning more about what makes guys tick. Outside the Cosmo office, you can find her running with her dog, trying to convince friends to go to karaoke bars, and watching as much reality TV as humanly possible. Hit her up on Twitter: @korinmiller
Read More

Find all posts by Korin
Contact Korin

Michelle Ruiz
Michelle is the news editor for Cosmopolitan.com. She's obsessed with interviewing celebrities and spotting the latest pop culture trends. Her life highlights include chatting with Ryan Gosling about sex dolls, dancing on stage at the Oprah show, and shopping with her mom on Long Island. Tweet her: @michelleruiz
Read More

Find all posts by Michelle
Contact Michelle

Dara Adeeyo
Dara is the associate web editor for Cosmopolitan.com. She's intrigued by all things digital. Dara loves playing with html and discovering new studies. When she's not reading up on the latest cocktail recipes (for work, of course), she can be found breaking it down on the dance floor or watching the Investigative Discovery channel. She also has a sick obsession with nail polish, elephants, and most importantly, Nutella. Dara basically lives on Twitter, so tweet at her and say hey: @dadeeyo.
Read More

Find all posts by Dara
Contact Dara

Elisa Benson
Elisa Benson is the senior editor of social media for @Cosmopolitan?so, yes, she tweets about sex for a living. Elisa grew up in Ohio, attended Colgate University, and wrote love and relationship advice for Seventeen before graduating to Cosmo. She lives for girly things (weddings and eyelash extensions and Pretty Little Liars?) and frequently tweets about all of the above: @elisabenson.
Read More

Find all posts by Elisa
Contact Elisa

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5 Reasons Why Period Sex Is Good for Your Health

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Amazon Beauty Ceneter here

The Random Way Guys Know We're On Our Period

There’s no question that getting your period sucks. For five to seven days, you feel crampy, moody, bloated, and all-around less attractive than your usual sexy self—not exactly something we want to advertise. So we weren’t really thrilled to read a new study that found some guys are totally aware when Flo is in town…just by listening to our voices.  

For the study, researchers from Adams State College and SUNY Albany recorded women counting from one to five at different times during their menstrual cycle—when they were ovulating, at various times when they were less fertile, and when they had their period—and played the recordings for three different groups of men.  

The first group was asked to listen to four recordings and guess which one was made while the women had their period. Statistically speaking, they should have gotten it right 25 percent of the time, but they guessed correctly 35 percent of the time.

The second group listened to the recordings with the exception of the one made during ovulation (it was replaced with a duplicate from a day when the woman was less fertile). The men correctly guessed the period recording 34 percent of the time.

The last group wasn’t clued in that the study had anything to do with a woman’s period. Instead, they were asked to choose which recording sounded the most unattractive. And, oh yeah, they choose the period voice 34 percent of the time.

Way to kick us when we’re down, boys.

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