Woman

Menstrual cup: how to use it and which one to choose

The menstrual cup is a cheaper and more eco-sustainable choice than the classic sanitary pads. Find out how to use it, what its advantages are and how to choose the right one.

In recent years, the so-called menstrual cup (or menstrual cup ) has made its way among the classic menstrual products . What is it about? How to use? And what are the pros and cons compared to normal external or internal sanitary pads?

In this article we will try to give you clear information about this product, as well as practical suggestions on how to use it and how to choose it .

Menstrual cup: what it is and what it is for

The menstrual cup is a small, soft, funnel-shaped container used to collect menstrual blood .

Like the classic tampons (Tampax, OB or other brands), it must be inserted inside the vagina during menstruation. However, it works differently by collecting menstrual flow instead of absorbing it.

While there are disposable models , most menstrual cups are reusable and can last anywhere from 6 months to 10 years.

This device therefore represents a green alternative to internal and external tampons, which allows you to avoid waste, produce less waste and even save money.

How is the menstrual cup made?

The menstrual cup looks like a bell with a stem at the end. In addition, it has small holes for air to pass through.

Most cups are made from medical-grade silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), both of which are flexible, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic materials. Latex , on the other hand, is being used less and less due to the greater risk of allergies .

Menstrual cup: how to use it

Many women are hesitant to use the menstrual cup because they don’t know how it works, how it fits and, above all, they fear having to face embarrassing leaks. Others, on the other hand, worry about not being able to remove it or have other doubts that hold them back from buying.

So let’s see immediately how to use the menstrual cup correctly .

  • How to insert the menstrual cup

  1. Carefully read the instructions for use;
  2. Sterilize the cup in boiling water;
  3. Wash your hands well with soap and water before inserting the cup into the vagina;
  4. To make insertion easier, you can wet the cup with water or use water-based vaginal lubricant on the rim of the cup;
  5. Fold the cup in half, making the edges look like a C (or U) with the stem facing down; this folding technique is the one most reported in the instructions, but there are also many others to facilitate insertion, especially for the younger girls (tulip fold, lip fold, diamond fold, roll-on, etc.). To find out, watch the video below.
  6. With one hand, insert the cup into the vaginal canal up to the middle of the vaginal trunk and push it behind the pubic bone, near the uterine cervix;
  7. You should hear a pop at this point, indicating that the cup has opened. to be safe, check with your fingers that the cup is rounded again and does not contain folds, to avoid blood loss;
  8. When positioned correctly, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort or discomfort.
  • When to remove the menstrual cup

The advice is to remove the menstrual cup at least a couple of times a day to empty it.

This device, in fact, has the ability to contain up to three times more blood than normal sanitary pads. Consequently, it can also be emptied after 6/10 hours , depending on its size and the abundance of your menstrual flow.

This means that the cup can also be worn during the night  and removed in the morning: in this case, we advise you to insert it in the vagina just before bedtime, so that it can contain the entire menstrual flow throughout the night.

If your period is very heavy , your cup may be full before this interval. In this case, it will have to be emptied more frequently  to avoid annoying leaks.

  • How to remove the menstrual cup

  1. Again, follow the instructions carefully;
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water;
  3. Squeeze the base of the cup between your thumb and middle finger (as if you were pinching it), to eliminate the suction effect; then, bring it down helping you with the pelvic muscles, until it comes out. Instead, avoid pulling the stem: it could be painful!
  4. Wash the cup with water and a mild liquid soap without fragrances, and dry it with a tissue;
  5. If your period hasn’t ended, reinsert the cup into your vagina;
  6. If you need to store it while waiting for the next cycle, sterilize the cup in boiling water and keep it in a bag.

Menstrual cup: pros and cons

THE PROS

Compared to classic tampons, the menstrual cup:

  • respects the natural pH of the vaginal mucosa;
  • does not contain chemical whiteners or absorbent gels ;
  • does not increase vaginal dryness, being devoid of absorbent capacity;
  • it is eco-sustainable . It has been estimated that a woman uses around 9,120 tampons in her lifetime. The menstrual cup is reusable and can last up to 10 years, greatly reducing the impact on the environment;
  • it’s cheaper , for the same reasons as above;
  • can be worn on days when menstruation is expected, before the flow starts , avoiding stains on panties;
  • it can be changed less often , having a greater capacity;
  • does not require you to carry spare sanitary pads with you ;
  • it has no wire sticking out.

Furthermore, it must be said that the menstrual cup does not make the intimate area sweat, which instead happens with classic sanitary pads.

THE CONS

Like any device, the menstrual cup also has some disadvantages . Here are which ones:

  • some women may not like having to empty and wash it periodically ;
  • must be sterilized between cycles;
  • it takes some time to learn how to insert it correctly;
  • often you need to try more than one to find the right one. Fortunately, some companies provide packages with cups of different sizes and / or allow the return of the product after purchase;
  • especially at the beginning, taking out the cup between one change and another it could happen that a few droplets of blood stain the briefs;
  • it can be difficult to wash it after having emptied it if you are in a public toilet ;
  • if not cleaned and sterilized properly , it can increase the risk of vaginal irritation or infection .

Menstrual cup: is it safe?

When used and sterilized correctly, the menstrual cup is absolutely safe and hygienic . However, in case of recurring vaginal infections or particular allergies, it is important to ask your doctor for advice before starting to use it.

We also remind you that the menstrual cup is not a contraceptive and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases! Furthermore (unlike menstrual discs and menstrual sponges ) it cannot be held during sexual intercourse , except for some particular models.

Menstrual cup: which one to choose?

To choose the menstrual cup that’s right for you, you’ll need to start with its size first . To understand which size is right, you will need to consider in particular:

  • the length of your cervix (neck of the womb)
  • age (more or less than 30 years old )
  • the condition of your pelvic floor (more or less toned)
  • any previous vaginal deliveries
  • the type of menstrual flow (heavy, normal or light).

Indicatively, the smaller size cups are indicated for women who are under 30 and have never given birth vaginally. The larger menstrual cups are instead recommended for women over 30 who have undergone a vaginal birth or who have a heavy flow .

Finally, if you use the contraceptive ring or the IUD (coil or progesterone medicated intrauterine device), consult your gynecologist before buying a cup: he will be able to recommend the right model for you.

Questions and answers

Can I insert the menstrual cup if I am wearing an IUD (intrauterine device) as a contraceptive?

The answer is yes , but it is important to consult a gynecologist to choose the most suitable cup

When can’t you insert the menstrual cup?

Here are the cases in which the menstrual cup is contraindicated.
1. Postpartum
Cupping and internal tampons are absolutely contraindicated for containing postpartum lochiations. Furthermore, before using them when the cycle returns, it is always good to talk to the gynecologist, to make sure that the neck of the uterus has closed properly after the birth of the baby.
2. In case of candida infection
The cup could counteract the treatment and prolong the infection.
3. during sexual intercourse
The use of the cup is not recommended, except in models where the opposite is specifically indicated.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

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