I have a seperate trash bag for my pads and tampons. I have to usr both as i have super heavy flow cycles. I do have to say it has made me more isolative when im menstrating because of the fact that i know what that blood can do. However it has gotten a bit easier the more i deal with it. I still have issues with feeling like i am just a walking disease at that time. But its gotten better.

I take the same precautions like I would before. Make sure the cup is clean and sanitized. As far as reuseable pads, I keep them in a special bag that I wash separate from everything else. My washes may be more often than the usual.