What is a menstruation cup?
A menstruation cup is a flexible, bell-shaped device that is worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual blood. It is made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex, and is an alternative to tampons and pads. Menstruation cups are inserted into the vagina like a tampon, but instead of absorbing the menstrual blood, they collect it. They are then removed, emptied, washed, and reused for the period. Menstruation cups are designed to be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than disposable tampons and pads, as they can be used for several years before needing to be replaced. They are also believed to be more comfortable and less drying than tampons.
What are the disadvantages of menstrual cups?
There are a few potential disadvantages to using a menstruation cup:
- Insertion and removal can be difficult: Some people may find it difficult to insert and remove the cup, especially if they are not comfortable with their own anatomy or if they have not used the cup before.
- Risk of toxic shock syndrome: There is a small risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with the use of any type of feminine hygiene product, including menstruation cups. TSS is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by bacteria entering the body through the vagina.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the materials that menstruation cups are made from, such as silicone, rubber, or latex.
- Limited availability: Menstruation cups may not be widely available in some areas, and they may be more expensive than disposable tampons and pads.
- Staining: The cup may cause staining on clothing or linens if it is not emptied and washed regularly.
- Limited capacity: Menstruation cups cannot hold menstrual blood, so they may need to be emptied more frequently than tampons or pads. This may be inconvenient for some people, especially if they are out in public.
Are menstrual cups safe?
Menstruation cups are generally considered to be safe for most people to use. They are made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex, and are designed to be worn inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood. When used and cared for properly, menstruation cups are unlikely to cause any harm. However, there is a small risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with the use of any type of feminine hygiene product, including menstruation cups. TSS is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by bacteria entering the body through the vagina. To reduce the risk of TSS, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and caring for the menstruation cup and to replace the cup if it becomes damaged or is past its expiration date. If you experience any unusual symptoms while using a menstruation cup, such as a rash, fever, or dizziness, you should remove the cup and seek medical attention.
How do I know when my menstrual cup is full?
It is generally recommended to empty and wash your menstruation cup every 8-12 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow. To determine if your cup is full, you can gently squeeze the base of the cup to see if it feels full. You can also try tilting the cup to the side and feeling the weight of the collected menstrual blood. If you notice that the cup is heavy or feels full, it is time to empty it. If you are unsure whether the cup is full or not, it is better to err on the side of caution and empty it more frequently to avoid leaks. If you are in a public bathroom and do not have access to a sink to wash the cup, you can use a water bottle or water from the toilet to rinse it off before reinserting it. Just be sure to wash the cup thoroughly with soap and water as soon as you have access to a sink.
Does the menstrual cup leak when full?
A properly fitted and inserted menstruation cup should not leak when it is full. However, there are a few factors that can cause a menstruation cup to leak:
- Incorrect fit: If the cup is not the right size or shape for your body, it may not seal properly against the walls of the vagina and may leak.
- Improper insertion: If the cup is not inserted correctly, it may not form a seal and may leak.
- Overfilling: If the cup becomes too full, it may leak. It is important to empty and wash the cup regularly to avoid overfilling.
- Damaged cup: If the cup becomes damaged or is past its expiration date, it may leak.
- Strong muscles: Some people have strong pelvic muscles that may cause the cup to leak. In this case, a cup with a firmer rim or a different shape may work better.
If you are experiencing leaks with your menstruation cup, it is important to check that the cup is the right size and shape for your body and that it is being inserted and removed correctly. If you are still having issues with leaking, you may want to try a different brand or type of cup.
Menstruation cup size
Menstruation cups come in different sizes to accommodate the various needs and anatomy of different people. The size of the cup you need will depend on your age, whether you have given birth vaginally, and the strength of your pelvic muscles. In general, there are two main size categories for menstruation cups: small and large.
Small size: Small cups are typically recommended for people who are under 30 years old, have not given birth vaginally, and have not had a c-section.
Large size: Large cups are typically recommended for people who are over 30 years old, have given birth vaginally, and/or have had a c-section. They may also be recommended for people with a heavy flow or strong pelvic muscles.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and you may need to try different sizes to find the one that works best for you. Some brands offer cups in multiple sizes within the small and large categories, so you may have more options to choose from. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for measuring and fitting the cup to ensure a proper fit. If you are unsure which size to choose, you can consult with a healthcare provider or the manufacturer of the cup.
How to remove a menstrual cup?
To remove a menstruation cup, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Find a comfortable position, such as squatting, standing with one foot on the toilet, or sitting on the toilet.
- Relax your pelvic muscles and bear down slightly, as if you are trying to have a bowel movement. This will help to loosen the cup.
- Reach into your vagina and locate the stem of the cup. If you cannot feel the stem, try running your finger around the base of the cup to find it.
- Gently pinch the base of the cup to release the suction seal.
- Slowly and gently slide the cup out of your vagina, being careful not to spill the contents.
- Empty the contents of the cup into the toilet and rinse the cup with warm water.
- Wash the cup thoroughly with soap and water, and reinsert it or store it in a clean, dry place until your next period.
It is important to remember to always wash your hands and the cup before and after insertion and removal to maintain good hygiene. If you are having difficulty removing the cup, try relaxing your muscles and bearing down slightly. If you are still unable to remove it, you can try gently wiggling the cup back and forth to loosen it. If you are still unable to remove the cup, seek medical assistance.
How to insert a menstrual cup for beginners
To insert a menstruation cup for the first time, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Choose a comfortable position, such as standing with one foot on the toilet, squatting, or sitting on the toilet with your knees apart.
- Fold the cup in half or in a “C” shape, or use the punch-down fold, depending on the cup’s design and your personal preference.
- Hold the folded cup with the stem facing downward, and gently separate the labia with your free hand.
- Aim the cup towards your tailbone and gently slide it into your vagina, using the stem to guide it.
- Once the cup is fully inserted, gently rotate it 360 degrees to ensure that it has fully opened and sealed against the walls of the vagina.
- To check that the cup is properly inserted, you can gently tug on the stem or try rotating the cup again. It should be fully open and there should be no leaks.
If you are having difficulty inserting the cup, try relaxing your muscles and bearing down slightly. You can also try different folds and insertion techniques until you find what works best for you. If you are still having difficulty, you can seek guidance from a healthcare provider or the manufacturer of the cup.