How to use a menstrual cup?

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Women have various questions about menstrual cups. If you are one of them, this is the perfect article for you!

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Why a menstrual cup?

If you are someone who has used tampons or pads for the most part of your period, menstrual cups could seem confusing to you.The tampons and pads we use, adversely harms our environment.Since pads are made of mainly plastic, they take 500 to 800 years to decompose!

Now imagine, you are one healthy woman getting her period approximately every month. If you use at least three pads a day for 5 days minimum, you use around 15 pads per cycle.

That is 180 pads a year! If you had your period when you were 12 and now you are 32, you have produced a massive sum of 3600 pads! Each of these will take 500 to 800 years to decompose.

This article is not to make you feel guilty, the aim is to make you choose a product that is safer for the environment and your body.

How will one know the perfect brand to choose from?

The answer is, trial and error. Even when we used pads or tampons, we used various brands to see what suits us best. It goes same with menstrual cups.

But cups are made of various materials. Choosing the right material with adequate research is up to you! That doesn’t mean this article doesn’t provide you enough information. We do, but ultimately choosing the right brand is up to you.

Does it hurt?

Good news ladies! Menstrual cups do not hurt during insertion unless you have specific medical conditions. If you find the perfect position for you, the process is easy!

Why is it costly?

Menstrual cups may seem costlier than tampons or pads. But one menstrual cup can last you up to 10 years! While a pack of pad or tampon can last you only for one or two cycles maximum. Think of menstrual cups as an investment. Not only is it easy on the environment but also your pocket!

STEPS:

1. STERILIZE:

Always sterilize your new cup in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes before the first use.Make sure you do not burn the ends!

• MATERIAL:

There are many types of cups you can choose from! Some are:

• Silicone
• Rubber
• Latex
• Elastomer

• TYPES:

• METHOD:

Some of the common methods used to insert the cups are:

• Squat
• Sitting
• One leg on toilet
• Standing

You can use any method you prefer!

• SIZE:

FOLDING METHOD:

REMOVAL

• Use warm water
• Relax
• Try squatting
• Push the cup downwards and pinch the bottom to release the vacuum.
• Empty in the toilet
• Gently wash the cup with mild soap and insert!

Menstrual cups can last for up to 12 hours depending on your flow!

After your period ends, sterilize the cup for 5 minutes and place it safely, until next time.

TIPS:

After insertion, check if you feel a bump or if the cup is dense on one side. If yes, rotate the cup’s base from side to side without touching the stem until you hear a pop. A vacuum is created which prevents leakage.

After insertion, softly try pulling the stem of the cup. If you feel resistance, the cup has been inserted perfectly!

If you are still unsure, wear a pad or panty liner under the cup till you are comfortable!

Remember to relax while insertion and removal.

Menstrual cups are leak – free, odorless and anti – bacterial!

Good luck! Happy period!