Women's Interests

Questioning What a Menstrual Cup Is and How You Use One?


Do you know disposable tampons and pads aren’t the one interval merchandise on the market? There’s one other, extra environmentally pleasant choice obtainable that you will have heard of however don’t know a lot about. Menstrual cups.

Are you interested by what they’re and the way they work? Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know for those who’re excited about making the swap to a menstrual cup.

What’s a menstrual cup and why strive one?

Menstrual cups are small, versatile, non-toxic and non-allergenic cup-shaped gadgets with a brief stem. They’re comprised of a gentle silicone materials, and are inserted into the vagina to gather menstrual effluent — that’s the technical title for blood, vaginal secretions and endometrial cells you shed throughout your interval. As an alternative of being thrown away every time you utilize them, menstrual cups are emptied, cleaned and reused.

Since menstrual cups are reusable and don’t use plastic, which by no means breaks down, or cotton, which takes loads of assets to fabricate, they’re extra environmentally pleasant than disposable merchandise.

And so they’re simpler in your pockets, too. At first, menstrual cups could price greater than a field of pads or tampons, however they can last as long as 10 years, relying in your explicit cup. So, in the long term, they’re extra inexpensive than disposable merchandise it’s a must to purchase on the common.

Learn: The Value of Interval Poverty >>

Are menstrual cups protected?

Menstrual cups, which have been round because the 1800s, are thought of protected. In truth, a current complete evaluation of analysis on menstrual cups discovered no well being dangers related to menstrual cups. It additionally discovered that they’re simply pretty much as good at stopping leaks as pads and tampons. And, since they don’t take in blood, they take away the chance of poisonous shock syndrome that comes with tampons. Additionally they maintain much more menstrual effluent than pads and tampons and will be modified much less often.

Who can put on a menstrual cup?

Nearly anybody who has a interval can put on a menstrual cup, however discuss to your healthcare supplier for those who’re excited about making the swap, particularly for those who:

Do menstrual cups damage?

Sporting a menstrual cup shouldn’t be uncomfortable when it’s inserted correctly. They arrive in numerous sizes, and the fitting measurement cup ought to really feel cosy with out ache or discomfort.

You could have to strive a couple of to get the fitting match. Smaller sizes are normally a superb match for people who find themselves youthful and individuals who have sturdy vaginal muscle tissues or a low-sitting cervix. Bigger sizes normally work greatest for folks with heavier flows or individuals who have given delivery vaginally.

How do you utilize a menstrual cup?

There are totally different strategies for inserting a menstrual cup however all of them contain folding the cup and sliding it into your vagina. Every cup will include directions on methods to greatest use it, and with time, you will discover a fold that works greatest for you and your most popular cup.

Should you’re used to inserting a tampon, inserting a menstrual cup received’t be that totally different.

At all times begin by washing your palms. You possibly can apply water-based lubricant to the cup’s exterior or moist it to assist it slide in. Cups kind a seal after they’re accurately inserted by popping open inside. You possibly can really feel across the backside of the cup to verify it has popped open.

If it’s your first time utilizing a menstrual cup, it might probably take some apply to grasp, so be affected person with your self.

  1. Fold the cup utilizing the tactic that works greatest for you or your explicit cup. (See two widespread folds under.)
  2. With the rim going through up, insert the cup into your vagina the way in which you’d insert a tampon. As soon as it’s inside your vagina, rotate the cup and push the bottom to open it.

Punch down fold

iStock.com/AnSyvanych

It is a beginner-friendly fold with a smaller insertion measurement that works nicely for gentle cups that won’t pop open as simply when inserted. Use your finger on the rim to push down one facet of the cup to the center backside.

C fold/U fold

Female hand holding a pink Menstrual Cup folded with a C-Fold Method

iStock.com/AnSyvanych

The C/U fold is a standard fold that’s usually present in cup instruction booklets. It may be finished with one hand, nevertheless it’s a bit trickier for learners and has a bigger insertion measurement.

Use your index finger to push your complete facet of your cup towards the alternative facet and squeeze the cup collectively. It’ll appear to be a C or U.

The way to take away a menstrual cup

Menstrual cups ought to be eliminated at the very least twice a day. They need to be washed earlier than you insert them again into your vagina.

  1. Wash your palms first.
  2. Attempt to calm down so removing is less complicated, and don’t yank on the stem of the cup.
  3. Should you can’t really feel the bottom, really feel for the stem and use a mild wiggling or twisting movement to tug the cup down. Should you’re having hassle, you’ll be able to squeeze your muscle tissues as for those who’re attempting to poop to encourage the cup to maneuver down decrease.
  4. Pinch the bottom of the cup to interrupt the seal, and pull it downward. Be sure you’re over the bathroom so you’ll be able to simply tilt it to empty into the bathroom.

Are there any disadvantages to utilizing a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups can take some getting used to and a few apply is probably going essential to be sure to can insert it accurately. Should you don’t insert the cup correctly, it might probably leak. It’s additionally arduous to inform when your cup is full. Though the cup will be left in place for as much as 12 hours, you might wish to empty it extra often to stop leaks.

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