All You Need to Know About Menstrual Cups
“Menstrual cups are secure and useful like pads and tampons as well as affordable.”
(recent research)
One day in a friend’s gathering, one of my friends was fed up with changing tampons frequently due to heavy flow. Then, I decided to share some information with her about menstrual cups. And I also want to share that knowledge with you as well.
On average a woman uses more than 11,000 tampons and pads in her life. These products are disposable and can’t biodegrade for hundreds of years that’s why they get dumped into landfills every year. It is harmful for the environment and hazardous for your health. Here, medical science and the modern world introduces menstrual cups to all struggling women. They are environmental centric, health-friendly, and useful like tampons and pads. They are also available in the market at affordable prices.
This information developed my friend’s interest, and she wanted to know everything about the menstrual cups. She started questioning what these are, how to use them, and their benefits and disadvantages? In this blog, I will discuss the answers to all these questions.
What are menstrual cups?
It is a feminine hygiene product that you can use multiple times. It is a funnel-shaped, small cup made up of silicone or rubber. You can easily insert it into your vagina. It collects more period fluid than pads. Most doctors and gynecologists claim menstrual cups as the best eco-centric alternative to tampons. You can use these cups for 12 hours a day.
Different menstrual cups are available for every budget. You will find Lena Cup, Diva Cup, Keeper Cup, Moon Cup, Lunette Menstrual Cup, and Lily Cup when you step into the market to purchase the best one. The famous disposable one is Instead Softcup.
How to use menstrual cups?
No doubt menstrual cups are healthy, but it is necessary to consult a gynecologist as a preventive measure to avoid any medical complications. They are available in different brands and sizes (small or large) online. Choose the one that suits you and is comfortable to wear.
Whether you are a doctor or an ordinary menstrual cup buyer, don’t purchase the cup before knowing your cervix length, flow level of period fluid, cup’s flexibility, firmness, capacity, and pelvic floor muscle strength. Also, make sure you choose an option that is suitable for your age.
Most professionals and doctors recommend small menstrual cups for women above 30 years old who haven’t given birth to a child, and large cups for women above that age or those who experience a heavier flow than usual.
What to do before using it?
First time usage of menstrual cups makes you feel uncomfortable. Make its insertion process smooth by greasing it. Lubricate the rim with water-based lube (lubricant) or water before you put it in your menstrual cup. You will feel comfortable with a wet cup while using it.
How to put in your menstrual cup?
My friend was a regular user of tampons and pads, but now, she wants to use menstrual cups. So, I told her to use the following steps to make the insertion process easy. Don’t forget;
· Thorough hand wash
· Water or water-based lube application over the cup’s rim
· Insertion of the menstrual cup without applicator into your vagina and rimming it up
· Placement of the cup a few inches below your cervix
· Rotating the menstrual cup after inserting it into your vagina. An airtight seal will create stops leaks.
Inserting a menstrual cup into your vagina doesn’t mean you can’t jump, sit, stand, or move quickly. You can do all your activities without fear of menstrual cup falling. If you feel any issue after using it, consult your doctor.
How to take the menstrual cup out?
Using the menstrual cup depends upon the flow of the period (heavy or normal). On average, you can wear it for six to twelve hours. It means a menstrual cup can protect you for the whole night. Try to remove your menstrual cup by the 12-hour mark. Exceeding this period can increase the risks of leakage. Make sure you empty the cup within this time period.
As I am also a regular user of menstrual cups, I explained to my friend how to take them off. First of all, wash your hands gently, pull the cup’s stem, and reach its base. The seal will open when you pinch the base and pull it down to take the cup out. Empty the cup into the toilet and wash it for reuse. You should empty it at least twice a day to use it for six months to ten years if you care for it properly.
Advantages and disadvantages of the menstrual cups
After knowing all this, my friend asked me about the advantages and disadvantages of menstrual cups. I said that these are affordable, safer than pads or tampons, holds more period fluid than pads, environmental centric, and you can wear with an intrauterine device (IUD). I further explained to her the lousy side of menstrual cups. While discussing this, I informed her that using this feminine hygiene product can be messy and hard. It may cause allergies and vaginal irritation. Also it can be challenging to find the correct fit.
Price
Menstrual cups are available at low prices, such as $50 to $150 (average yearly cost).
The Endnote
In the end, I recommended my friend to use menstrual cups as she now knew everything about them. I asked for feedback, and she said that menstrual cups are really easy to use and affordable.
