So I have a roommate who has gender dysphoria, (I’ll just use they/them) during their period they struggle really badly to cope with it.
What really happened is that one day, they were really excited, they got a mail, and it was a pair of menstrual cups! I didn’t even know such a thing existed! I was curious, they didn’t want to show me, but I looked at them either way (sorry my curiosity was unbearable):
They came in a hard case, they smelled really silicone, or a little bit plastic? Chemical? I don’t know, I thought maybe it came from the case, or packaging, so I let it go. It was also unbranded?? I already know that such sensitive things should be branded with companies that have a good reputation, but that one wasn’t, it wasn’t sticky or greasy, it really seemed like a good quality of silicone…
My roommate isn’t good financially, they told me that they bought the cheapest cups they could find, which made me concerned. They seem pretty much better mentally with a cup, even though they still don’t like talking about it, they said to me that it was the best choice they’ve ever made. They haven’t gotten any bad body reactions from wearing the cup.
I was intrigued, I wanted one for myself too, but I wanted to do some research before I buy anything, what I found wasn’t pleasant… Some red flags were that if it smelled chemical, or it was unbranded and very cheap, or doesn’t say it is medical grade silicone… etc… that means that the cup may not be safe.
I was worried and I told them I wanted to talk about the cups, they were so frustrated, I asked them questions, if the cup changed colors, or feel sticky, or if they feel sick or have any unusual discharge, they told me they are fine, and that the smell has decreased dramatically, while literally looking away and even being a little upset, only muttering the words with a forced tone.
I ended up telling them “maybe you should throw them away and buy new ones that are safer, and branded.” they gave me that look as if they were about to cry “so you’re telling me that I have to wear pads again? Cuz no matter what I can’t afford a 30$-40$ cup!! Even if I could, I won’t be paying that much for it!” And “I’m fine! We already live in a 3rd world country where we eat and drink stuff that are all toxic and made from artificial crap!“ then they said calmly: “Don’t worry about me okay? Everything is fine… if you want one for yourself, buy a good one if you can afford it.”
They closed the subject, but I was still worried, I don’t know if I should pressure them again. They also changed their mind and told me that if they could be able afford a better cup later they may probably do it, but in the meantime they will keep wearing this one. Should I just leave them alone? This is the first period they’re wearing it, and nothing happened… so maybe it’s fine?
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TLDR: my roommate is probably using an unsafe cup, even though it has improved their mental health and decreased their dysphoria, should I intervene? Or let it go?