If you have landed here then surely you have heard about the tiny little revolution known as MENSTRUAL CUP that has already created a lot of buzz and wants to know more about it.
Right?
Perfect,
But not sure how to use a menstrual cup?
Don’t worry
Now that you have made your mind, let’s get started
This is going to be the complete guide especially if you are a beginner
By the end of this article, I am sure your every doubt and concerns related to the menstrual cup is going to get off the table.
And this tiny little cup will become your best period friend forever.
I know numerous questions are gaining momentum in your head at full speed right now.
Isn’t it?
So let’s get to know anything and everything about menstrual cups.
And if you are a beginner especially,
This is for you.
WHAT IS A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Menstrual cups are a hygiene product for females that are to be used during their periods.
It is made of medical-grade silicone which is safe to use.
They are tiny cups (rather cute cups) that fit inside your vagina to collect all the period blood.
It can collect more blood as compared to pads or tampons, hence it can be used for long hours. It makes sure that your menstrual hygiene is not compromised.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Your uterus has an opening known as the cervix and right underneath the cervix there is a long tunnel which is your vagina.
So this cup fits inside your vagina. Since the vagina is right underneath the uterus all the blood that comes out of your uterus gets straight in here.
After the cup gets filled you can take it out, throw the blood in the toilet, rinse the cup, and put it right back in your vagina.
Yes!
You get this right, it is reusable.
And till how long it can be reused?
We’ll discuss all of that in a later section.
Keep reading!
HOW TO INSERT A MENSTRUAL CUP?
Inserting a menstrual cup is considered the trickiest part, and that’s true.
Once you get the hang of it, believe me, you are sorted for the rest of your life.
For a beginner, it is important to relax first.
Follow the below-given steps for hassle-free insertion.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Relax… Calm yourself and your muscles.
- Choose a comfortable position as per your will. Experiment and identify what works best for you.
- Fold the tip of the cup tightly, again as per your will (types of folds shown below) whichever works best for you.
- Insert the cup with the rim facing upwards in the vagina.
- The cup should be placed a few inches below the cervix (it would be great if you can locate your cervix).
- After placing the cup, rotate it a little. The fold will open on its own on rotation and it will create an airtight seal that stops leakage.
- Listen to the pop sound, it indicates the unfolding of the cup inside the vagina. You can even feel that opening of the cup.
- Make sure the cup is not visible outside. If you find the stem long, you can cut it with a clean scissor.
And don’t worry it will stay in its place because your vaginal muscles simply won’t let them fall.
TIP BEFORE YOU INSERT THE CUP (especially for first-time users)
- Read the instructions carefully that comes with your cup.
- For first-time users, the process may be a little uncomfortable so it would be great if you lube the rim of the cup with water (natural lubricator). A wet menstrual cup is much easier to insert.
- Practice before the actual day arrives. It will take 2-3 cycles for you to get pro at it.
- If you are using the cup for the first time, wear a pad or a pantyliner, until you get comfortable.
- Big and False nails can create a problem while inserting and removing the cup.
- Make sure that the holes on the sides of the cup are clean (it helps in creating the seal.
- And while inserting it do not apply perfume based lotion (disturbs pH of the vagina).
- Before using the menstrual cup make sure it is sterilized.
Not sure how to sterilize?
Keep reading!
HOW TO REMOVE THE CUP?
Now comes the other tricky part.
For most beginners insertion is easy as compared to removal.
Follow the below-given steps for smooth removal
- Wash your hands again before removing.
- Squat down, this position relaxes you, and once you are relaxed proceed further
- First, you have to break the seal of the cup. To do that find the stem of the cup.
- Use the stem to guide you to the base of the menstrual cup
- After finding the base gently pinch it, rotate it a little.
- Pinching it will release the seal and then you can pull it out.
- Throw the blood in the toilet, wash the cup and it is ready to be used again.
See it’s that easy!
It will just take a little practice.
WHEN TO REMOVE THE CUP?
On average menstrual cups can be used for up to 12 hours.
But depending on your flow you can decide this for yourself.
How to know if my cup is full?
This question is very obvious because since you can’t see the cup how will you know whether it is full or not.
So the answer to this question is:
You will feel that your cup is coming down, it will not come down. But you’ll feel that pressure.
That’s the time when you need to change the cup.
You should always remove your cup by the 12-hour mark.
TIP TO REMOVE THE CUP
For beginners, the tip is-
Don’t wait till your cup gets filled.
Yes, you can use it for up to 12 hours straight but it can get messy.
So to have a more smooth experience change it after 6-7 hours.
DOES IT HURT?
I am sure this is one of the haunting questions which comes to everybody’s mind.
Some of you might think that the vagina is so small for a cup and it will not fit and it will hurt etc.
But remember the muscles of the vagina are very flexible and it is designed to deliver a baby.
So if a baby can get delivered through the vagina then a small menstrual cup can also fit inside it.
And let me tell you, a menstrual cup doesn’t hurt at all if you are using it correctly.
Once you get habitual you will not even feel it.
HOW TO REUSE THE CUP FOR NEXT PERIODS (STERILIZATION)?
Even if you have just bought the cup, you have to sterilize it before using it.
To sterilize,
Take a separate container, fill it with water, and let it boil.
Keep the cup in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
Don’t worry it will not melt because it is made up of silicone.
Make sure the cup doesn’t stick on the base of the container.
Keep stirring it.
Repeat this process after every cycle. And after sterilization keeps it in a pocket that comes with the cup.
HOW LONG THE CUPS LASTS?
Menstrual cups on average last up to 5-10 years, as long as you don’t bend it all the time and break it.
Yes! You heard that right.
Amazed?
So it is going to be light on your pocket.
No more extra expenditure on pads and tampons every month!
That’s so cool!
Isn’t it?
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOU?
There are 3 sizes available.
- Small
- It is for teenagers
- People who are not sexually active
- And those who have not given birth vaginally
- Medium
- It is for sexually active people
- Large
- It is for people who have given birth vaginally
(If you have had a c section you are supposed to use a medium size)
Is it important to choose the correct size for yourself otherwise you won’t be satisfied with the product?
A detailed size chart is provided by the respective companies of the cup make sure to check it out before buying.
IS MENSTRUAL CUP SAFE?
- Menstrual cups are not plastics they are made of medical-grade silicone which is safe to use in the body
- It doesn’t get lost in our bodies. The vaginal muscles hold them tight in their place. So no more anxiousness about it being lost in our body
A study conducted at Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society, Medical College, and Hospital found in their experiment that ‘This reusable vaginal device (menstrual cup) has no significant health risks and is acceptable to many women without the need for fitting or other medical services’.
WILL I LOSE MY VIRGINITY?
A lot of people are scared to use menstrual cups because they are virgin.
Now, this is completely safe to use concerning virginity.
Having said that if the hymen is something, that is very important to you, you may not want to use the cup because you may tear your hymen a little while using a cup.
Remember guys virginity has nothing to do with hymen.
Doing regular physical activities like cycling, swimming and other sports can wear down hymen over time.
Some girls are even born without a hymen.
“VIRGINITY IS A SOCIAL
CONSTRUCT, YOU DON’T NEED TO
SHOW YOUR HYMEN TO ANYBODY
TO PROVE YOUR VIRGINITY”
PROS OF MENSTRUAL CUP
- COMFORTABLE
It is so comfortable that once you start using it, periods will no longer be a problem, you will embrace your periods like never before.
You’ll no longer feel that you are on periods.
- POCKET FRIENDLY
They are reusable and last up to 5-10 years. So it is a one-time investment, compared to the prices of pads and tampons, cups are much cheaper.
A comprehensive analysis was published in The Lancet Public Health
It shows that cups could be a viable option in poor countries where access to sanitary products is limited and costly.
CHEMICAL-FREE/ HELPS TO MAINTAIN PH
Pads and tampons contain bleach and dioxin. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some dioxins are cancerous.
Menstrual cups are chemical-free.
Unlike tampons, cups don’t dry the vagina and do not disturb its pH.
- LASTS OVERNIGHT
Unlike tampons and pads which have to be changed between 4-8 hours, a menstrual cup can be used up to 12 hours straight. So no more waking up and changing pads.
- ODORLESS
Menstrual blood has no odor of its own.
When it comes in contact with atmospheric air, it produces odor.
So it is very likely to have odor with pads.
Menstrual cups solve this problem also.
- ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY
They are environmentally friendly because they are reusable. Each year more than 400 million pounds of pads and tampons are dumped.
Which is a lot!!
- WATER ACTIVITIES IS POSSIBLE
You can enjoy swimming and other water activities with a menstrual cup on.
CONS OF MENSTRUAL CUP
With so many advantages there come some disadvantages too.
- INTERFERE WITH IUDs
Some manufacturers don’t advise you to use menstrual cups if you have intrauterine devices (IUDs) as the cup can dislocate them. However, no study supports the fact.
So it will be better if you talk to your doctor about this.
- MESSY
Some women are not so comfortable seeing their menstrual blood. So it can be a turnoff for them. Also, some women don’t find it comfortable to empty the cup in public washrooms.
- VAGINAL INFECTIONS
If you have any kind of vaginal infection use of a menstrual cup should be forbidden. If you still want to use it, consider taking suggestions from the doctor.
COMPARISON: PADS VS MENSTRUAL CUPS
If you are currently using pads and somebody tells you to switch to menstrual cups or even you have made up your mind to give it a try. It is important to know the comparison between the two.
COMFORT
In terms of comfort menstrual cups surely win the race. Imagine doing exercises with pads on with all that sweating inside.
Doesn’t sound like a good idea right?
Well of course it’s not.
Sweat can give rise to bacterial and fungal infections down there which is not at all fun.
Also, the feeling of wearing a pad is a little uncomfortable for some women.
With menstrual cups on you are going to find the comfort which we all need during our periods.
Some women report that they don’t even feel that they are on periods with menstrual cups on.
LONG LASTING
Pads can be worn for only about 6-7 hours, and heavy flows may be even less. Some companies swear by their product and claim it to be effective for up to 12 hours.
I may agree that their product is effective up to 12 or whatever hours but no doctor will ever suggest you use pads for 12 hours straight.
The reason is that when your period blood gets in contact with air for a prolonged time it starts to produce bacteria which can be very harmful to our genital health.
Whereas menstrual cups can be worn up to 12 hours straight. Without causing any bacterial infections. The reason being is that the period blood doesn’t come in contact with atmospheric oxygen.
So with a menstrual cup, you don’t need to worry about changing it frequently.
ECONOMIC
On average a good quality pad will cost you around 10-15 INR per piece. So you can calculate how much you are spending on your pads each month.
That’s a lot!
Isn’t it?
On the other hand, if you are using a menstrual cup you may have to spend 1500-2000 INR.
But that’s worth it.
Because it is a one-time investment as the cup is going to last for about 5-10 years.
That’s indeed a great deal.
CHEMICALS
Have you seen those ads where companies claim that their product converts period blood into gel?
And those ads of fragranced pads?
I agree this technology has changed the user experience positively. But there are certainly a lot of chemical compositions involved.
And chemicals by no way can be good for our body.
While if we talk about menstrual cups, it is made up of medical-grade silicone which is safe for our body.
RASHES
Rashes and sanitary pads are best of friends.
Especially during summers because of course we do sweat down there and sweat only makes this friendship more strong.
Well, jokes apart we all are aware of the rashes that are caused by sanitary napkins.
And it hurts.
To avoid this menstrual cups are great alternatives.
ODOUR
Even the best smelling pads can produce odour once the blood it has absorbed comes in contact with air.
This can make us very conscious and confident especially if we are out in public places.
So to have that odourless and confident period, switching to a menstrual cup is a good idea.
CONCLUSION
Now that you know about all the pros and cons of menstrual cups I am sure you are now clear about choosing menstrual cups as your period companion.
I would like to recommend that you don’t get disheartened after the first trial. It will take 2-3 cycles or even more for you to get used to it because it’s a new thing and most of us are not familiar with our bodies.
Right?
Don’t expect yourself to get pro at it at once, give yourself and your body sufficient time to adapt to the new changes.
And I am sure once you get a hold of it menstrual cups are going to be your best friend forever.
Be patient, give it some time.
This is an investment into your life, your future, and the future of the planet.
So you are even helping mother nature by producing less waste.
That’s so cool.
Do share if you are about to use a menstrual cup or if you’re already using it. About your experiences and problems.
Share your knowledge and views so that it can help another beautiful soul of our community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Will I lose my virginity?
This is completely safe to use concerning virginity.
Having said that if the hymen is something, that is very important to you, you may not want to use the cup because you may tear your hymen a little while using a cup.
Can I do jumping and dancing with menstrual cup?
Yes, of course you can do all the physical activities and don’t worry it will stay in its place because your vaginal muscles simply won’t let them fall.
At what age one can start using a menstrual cup?
From whatever age you feel comfortable, you can start using a menstrual cup. Age has got no relation to it. If you are comfortable, you can start using a menstrual cup.
Does it come down when you pass urine or motion?
No, the menstrual cup is stuck inside due to suction. So when you are passing urine or motion, the cup will not come down.
Can the blood flow back to the uterus from the cup?
No, the blood can’t go back to the uterus because there is a very tiny opening in the cervix. So there is no possibility that the blood can actually flow back into the uterus.