All you need to know about menstrual cups
Periods aren’t an easy thing to deal with. And if you are someone with a heavy flow when menstruating, you want to ensure you stay well protected.
While some women prefer using sanitary pads or tampons, others switch between both. But sanitary pads can be expensive, and are not always leak-proof, leading some women to look for a more convenient alternative to manage their heavier days and nights.
Enter menstrual cups, the ideal alternative you are looking for. Menstrual cups are gradually becoming a popular alternative to sanitary pads and tampons. As people become more aware of benefits, they are embracing this eco-friendly alternative.
Some menstrual cups are long-lasting and reusable, while some are disposable. If you are tired of using pads and looking for an alternative to stay worry-free during your period, consider switching to menstrual cups. This guide covers everything you need to know about menstrual cups.
What is a menstrual cup?
Only a few years ago, the concept of using a menstrual cup was new and largely unknown to people. Unfortunately, even today, many women remain unaware of what menstrual cups are, or have been put off by false myths about them.
A menstrual cup is a hygiene product for women. It’s funnel-shaped and small in size. This flexible cup is made up of silicone or rubber and is meant to be inserted into the vaginal canal to collect period blood.
Menstrual cups are designed to collect blood for longer periods than pads or tampons, which means they do not need to be changed as frequently. Though it depends upon the flow, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours straight.
How to use a menstrual cup
Before using a menstrual cup, women are advised to consult their gynecologist. There are several things to consider to determine the right menstrual cup size for you.
The following factors affect and determine the size of the menstrual cup you need:
- Your age
- The length of your cervix
- Whether or not you experience heavy flows
- Flexibility and firmness of the cup
- The capacity of the cup
- Strength of your pelvic floor muscles
- Whether or not you have given birth vaginally
Menstrual cups are available in a variety of brands. If you are someone new to using menstrual cups, you might want to try out the Moxie menstrual cup. They are available in a variety of sizes, and you are sure to find your best fit.
How to put in your menstrual cup
Follow the steps mentioned below to insert the cup into your vagina:
- Clean your hands first.
- Now, apply any water-based lube or just water to the rim of the cup
- Tightly half-fold the menstrual cup with the rim facing the top.
- Insert the half-folded cup with the rim up into the vaginal canal. It should be placed a few inches below the cervix.
- Once you have placed it firmly, rotate it. It will open to create an airtight seal, collect blood and prevent leakages.
Wondering how you will know if you have inserted it correctly? You wouldn’t feel the cup if it’s placed properly. But you will be able to jump, move, run, and sit comfortably.
How to take your menstrual cup out
Taking out a menstrual cup is simple and easy. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Wash your hands properly.
- Now put your thumb and index finger into your vagina and pull the stem of the cup a bit, aiming to reach the base of the cup.
- Pinch the base to release the seal and take out the cup.
- Dispose of the cup safely in the dustbin. If it’s reusable, you can empty the cup, clean it properly and use it again.
How much does a menstrual cup cost?
The cost of menstrual cups depends upon the brand, the quality, and various other factors. Comparatively, they are more cost-effective than sanitary pads and tampons. On average, they cost around $20 to $40. The best part is if you are buying reusable cups, you do not have to buy another one in the next six months.
Menstrual cups could be a game-changer. They have already been embraced by a lot of women, especially sustainability-minded folks. One of the biggest features that have made them so popular is their reusability. Unlike sanitary pads or tampons, we do not have to buy endless numbers of menstrual cups every month and keep changing them after a few hours.
It wouldn’t be wrong to claim that these wonderful cups can potentially improve the quality of life of women, especially school-age girls in low-income countries, who cannot leave home during their period as they don’t have sanitary pads.
