Comfort, safety, and price are the main concerns about using the Menstrual Cup. So let’s dive into it to understand how useful it can be. We can assure you the Menstrual Cup Benefits outweigh all your concerns.
Unlike tampons and pads, cups collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.
There are many menstrual cup benefits, including:
- They’re budget friendly. One cup may be reusable for up to 10 years. This makes their long-term cost lower than that of disposable tampons or pads, though the initial cost is higher. So another Myth K.O.!
- Menstrual cups are safer. Because menstrual cups collect rather than absorb blood, you’re not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use.
- Menstrual cups hold more blood. A menstrual cup can hold about one to two ounces of menstrual flow. Tampons, on the other hand, can only hold up to a third of an ounce.
- They’re eco-friendly. Reusable menstrual cups can last a long time, which means you’re not contributing more waste to the environment. Did you know that 1 cup = 14 millions of pads?
Menstrual cups are a new period care option we’re still learning about. So, it’s understandable that we don’t yet know what’s the truth, and what’s simply a myth. That’s why we gathered the top 5 menstrual cup myths and provided the facts.
MYTH 1 – I’m afraid that the cup will get stuck inside.
The cup can’t go anywhere! The vagina has a “limit” 🚫 which is the cervix. It has a hole that measures millimeters, so don’t worry: it is anatomically impossible for the cup to keep rising and traveling through your body.
MYTH 2 – Menstrual cups are uncomfortable.
The key is in how you put it!
Do you remember the first time you used tampons? Well, most of us experience an uncomfortable situation because the first time we didn’t push enough.
Many people may experience a learning curve when using a menstrual cup for the first time. We recommend those who are new to menstrual cups to be kind to yourself and to be patient.
Read how to use it below.
MYTH 3: One size fits all.
Size does matter. The vagina can change a lot throughout a person’s life. As people age, the walls of the vagina become more relaxed.
Smaller menstrual cups are usually recommended for women younger than 30 years old who haven’t delivered vaginally. Larger sizes are often recommended for women who are over 30 years old, have given birth vaginally, or have a heavier period.
MYTH 4: It hurts when placing the cup.
No, you shouldn’t feel pain when positioning the menstrual cup into your vagina. If this occurs, it may be due to the following reasons:
- You are not well lubricated. It may happen that, if you put the menstrual cup before your period comes down, your vagina does not have enough flow and the cup does not slip inside. So, wet it with water and this will facilitate its insertion.
- You are not placing the menstrual cup correctly. The shape of each woman’s vagina is different, play with the postures of your legs until you find the most appropriate one. And most importantly, learn to fold it so it doesn’t cause you discomfort. Read “How to insert a Menstrual Cup” below.
- You have not chosen the size of your menstrual cup well. This occurs more frequently in women who have opted for a size larger than their correct size.
MYTH 5: I’m going to stain my whole hand.
Another very popular myth about the menstrual cup! The normal thing is to slightly stain the index, middle and thumb fingers; in consequence of folding, inserting and placing the cup inside you.
You will never stain your entire hand with blood, unless you do not control your schedules and end up overflowing. When you press the base of the cup to remove it, the blood will tend to rise and flow out.
Now that we know a little bit more about cups, we are ready to begin the journey!
How to insert and use a menstrual cup
Using a cup for the first time, it is important to read the directions on the packaging carefully and wash or sterilize it accordingly. This can be done quickly at home: just grab a pot, drop the menstrual cup in, add water until the menstrual cup isn’t resting on the bottom of the pot, and stick it on the stove top. Boil the menstrual cup for five minutes, and that’s it. Remove the menstrual cup from the pot and let it cool down completely before insertion.
- Clean: Wash your hands well with soap and water before inserting or removing a menstrual cup.
- Lubricate: Before you put in your cup, lubricate the rim with water or a water-based lube (lubricant). A wet menstrual cup is much easier to insert.
- Fold tightly the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up.
- Insert: Find a comfortable position. Try sitting on the toilet, standing, or squatting. Holding the folded menstrual cup with one hand, use your free hand to part your labia. Locate your vaginal opening, and slowly insert your menstrual cup into your vagina in the direction of your tailbone. As you insert the menstrual cup, try to maintain the folded position of the menstrual cup.
- Pop: When you can no longer hold the cup in a folded position let it “pop” open inside your vagina, and continue to gently push the menstrual cup from the base of the cup deep enough so that the stem is no longer protruding out of your vaginal opening. Do not push so deep that you are unable to grab the stem of the cup.
- Check: If you are not sure if your menstrual cup has opened completely, try inserting a finger along the inside of your vagina up to the rim of the menstrual cup, and follow the rim around, ensuring that the whole rim has opened up. To ensure that it is correctly in place and popped open, grasp the stem and gently pull on it. You want to feel some resistance or a feeling of suction pressure.
- Wear: You shouldn’t feel your menstrual cup if you’ve inserted the cup correctly. You should also be able to move, jump, sit, stand, and do other everyday activities without your cup falling out.
You can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours, depending on whether or not you have a heavy flow. This means you can use a cup for overnight protection.
How to remove a menstrual cup
To take out a menstrual cup, just follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina. Pull the stem of the cup gently until you can reach the base.
- Pinch the base to release the seal and pull down to remove the cup.
- Once it’s out, empty the cup into the sink or toilet. Tip! If it’s your first time, we recommend checking the amount of menstrual blood you’ve collected so you can understand your volume flow regarding time and volume of the cup.
- Wash your cup in the sink with warm soapy water and be sure to clean out those little holes around the edges. Then reinsert again and go!
Remember! Adopting a new habit takes time. But it will be worth it!
Are you ready to start your conscious journey? If it is a YES, check out our Yoni Menstrual Cup in store and discover all the Menstrual Cup Benefits!
* The Yoni cup is a fairly regular menstrual cup that will probably fit your body. However, it is a good idea to check if this is really the case before buying it. Search for info online or fill out the cupquiz on http://www.cupkiezer.nl to make sure you buy your first menstrual cup right.
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Sources:
Hello Clue, “How to use a menstrual cup”
Healthline “Menstrual Cup – How to use”
Diva Cup “10 menstrual cup myths busted”