Periods aren’t easy to deal with! You are always trying to ensure that you are fully dry and protected during your heavier days.
Some women can get away with using only a tampon or a pad. Others must wear both at the same time and change them frequently.
If this is something you have to deal with month after month, you’re probably thinking if there’s a better and more convenient way to go with your flow.
YES, there is an alternative. Menstrual cups! The eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons has gotten a lot of attention.
Here’s everything you need to know about this feminine hygiene product.
Table of Contents
What is A Menstrual Cup?
Menstruation cup is a feminine hygiene product that can be reused several times. It is a small, flexible funnel shaped cup. It is made of rubber or silicone that you can put into your vagina to trap and collect period fluid. Many women use cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons since they may store more blood than other products.
Menstrual Cup: How to Use it?
If you’re considering using a menstrual cup, consult your gynaecologist. You may purchase any of the brands online or in most pharmaceutical stores , but you must first determine what size you require. Small and large sizes are available from most menstruation cup manufacturers.
According to the top reviewed gynecologist in Lahore Asst. Prof Dr Maria Imran “For women younger than 30 who haven’t given birth vaginally, smaller menstruation cups are normally recommended. Women over the age of 30 are frequently advised to purchase larger sizes.”
You and your doctor should consider the following when determining your menstrual cup size:
- If you’ve given birth vaginally
- Your age
- The length of your cervix
- You have a heavy or light flow
- The hardness and flexibility of your cup
- Cup capacity
- The strength of your pelvic floor muscles
To determine the size of your cup, you can consult with a well-known gynaecologist in Lahore. You can book an appointment via Helathwire.pk or make a call at (042) 32500989.
Now, let’s see what are the menstrual cup use and precautions.
Before Inserting Menstrual Cup
It’s normal to feel uneasy when using a menstrual cup for the first time. However, ‘greasing’ your cup can make the procedure go more smoothly. Using water or a water-based lubrication, moisten the rim of your cup before inserting it. It’s considerably easier to insert a moist menstruation cup.
How to Insert A Menstrual Cup?
Have you ever put in a tampon? If yes, then inserting a menstrual cup will be easier for you. Just follow the below mentioned steps to know ‘menstrual cup how to use’.
- Completely wash your hands. Of course, hygiene is a must.
- To lubricate the rim of the cup, use water or a water-based lubricant.
- Fold the menstrual cup in half tightly and hold it in one hand, rim facing up.
- Place the cup, rim up, in your vaginal opening like a tampon without the applicator. It should be around an inch or two below your cervix.
- Rotate the cup once it’s in your vagina. It will spring open, forming an airtight seal that will keep leaks at bay.
Important Points: If you’ve inserted your menstrual cup correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it. You should be able to move around, jump, sit, stand, and do other normal activities without your cup slipping out.
Read more about hymen facts, common hymen myths and hymen breakage signs.
Menstrual Cup Use: How to Take Out?
You can wear a cup for up to 12 hours depending on your flow. However, if you have a thicker menstrual flow, you may need to empty your cup more often.
By the 12-hour mark, you should have removed your menstrual cup. You’ll have to empty it ahead of time if it fills up before then to avoid leaks.
Now, let’s see what is the method of removing the menstrual cup.
- Wash your hands.
- Insert your index and middle fingers into your vaginal opening. Gently pull the cup’s stem until you reach the base.
- To remove the cup, pinch the base to release the seal and pull down.
- Empty the cup into the sink or toilet when it’s finished.
Menstrual Cup Use: Aftercare
Before re-inserting reusable menstrual cups into your vagina, they should be rinsed and wiped clean. At least twice a day, you should empty your cup.Reusable menstruation cups are long-lasting and can last anywhere from six months to ten years if properly cared for.
After removing the disposable cups, throw them away.
Read about things to avoid during periods.
Menstrual Cups Pros
Menstrual cups pros are many. These include:
Wallet-Friendly
A cup can cost anywhere from $25 to $45. Depending on the cup, though, one can last for several years. When compared to buying tampons or pads on a regular basis, using a cup saves money.
Eco-Friendly
Because they may be reused, there is less waste in our landfills and fewer trees are cut down to manufacture paper-based alternatives.
Remember: Some cups are made to be thrown away. If you wish to buy a reusable one, make sure you read the label carefully before purchasing.
No Embarrassing Periods Odour
Have you ever become embarrassed about the embarrassing smell at inconvenient times from pads or tampons? Well that is not the case with menstruation cups. These cups make periods odour free.
Also, the pH of the vaginal environment, as well as helpful microorganisms, remain stable. Tampons absorb both vaginal fluid and blood, potentially disrupting the vaginal pH and bacterial balance.
Get to know about how to get rid of a smelly vagina.
Holds More Blood
One to two ounces of menstrual flow can be held in a menstrual cup. Tampons, on the other hand, are only capable of holding a third of an ounce of liquid.
Less Mess
When properly placed, the cup should not leak or spill, and it can be worn when exercising, swimming, or bathing. Some companies claim that their cups are safe and comfortable to use during sexual activity.
Menstrual Cups Cons
Here are some drawbacks of this feminine hygiene product.
Tough to Use
It may be tough to insert or remove the period cup.
When inserting your menstrual cup, you could notice that the fold isn’t quite perfect. Alternatively, you may find it difficult to draw the cup down and out by pinching the base.
More Mess While Removing
The most common complaint while using a period cup is how difficult it is to empty the cup. Furthermore, cleaning it in a public restroom may also be difficult for some.
Possible Fit Problems
Cup sizes vary according to your age, flow, and whether or not you’ve had a child. Finding the proper fit, however, might be difficult, especially if you have a tilted uterus or a low cervix. It may require some trial and error, and you may experience leaks while doing so.
Take Away!
Menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular, with many people praising them. Consider trying the menstrual cup if you want a period free of pads, tampons, and worries about spilling. Your doctor can assist you in determining which cup is the best fit for you.
