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Are you switching to a menstrual cup? You’re on track for an eco-friendlier, cost-effective menstrual solution. Often dubbed the period cup, this innovative device not only reduces waste but also offers women an effective and comfortable means to manage their monthly cycle.
With brands like Divacups, Sirona, and Saalt cup leading the way, these reusable period cups are not just sustainable but also highly efficient. Ditch the disposables, reduce leaks, and enjoy longer wear times.
This article covers every you need to get started and maximize the benefits of your menstrual cup experience.
Benefits of Menstrual Cup
- Eco-friendly: Reduces single-use menstrual waste, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint.
- Long wear time: Suitable for up to 12 hours, reducing the need for frequent changes.
- Chemical-free: Often made from medical-grade silicone or latex, free from harmful chemicals in some disposables.
- Wear with IUD: Studies have shown that menstrual cups can be worn with IUDs but it’s best to always speak with your healthcare provider.
How to use a menstrual cup step by step?
Here are the steps to safely position, insert and remove your menstrual cup.
Folding a Menstrual Cup
- Hold the rim of the cup in one hand and use two fingers to press firmly against one side of the air hole with your other hand.
- Create a triangular folding shape by pressing the sides of the cup inwards and towards each other
- Your menstrual cup should now be folded into a neat, compact shape and ready to insert.
Positioning and Inserting your Menstrual Cup
- Stand or sit in a comfortable position and relax your muscles.
- Grip the rim and insert the folded cup into your vagina.
- Once inserted, you can use a rotating motion to ensure that it is fully open and positioned correctly
- Give the stem of the cup a tug to check it’s secure in place. If it doesn’t budge, that means it’s sealed to create a leak-proof seal.
Removing a Menstrual Cup
- Once the cup is full, or you’re ready to remove it, relax your muscles and press the sides of the cup gently. This will break the vacuum seal and allow you to pull it out.
- Carefully take hold of the stem and pull it downwards while also pressing the rim to help guide it out.
- Once removed, empty the contents of your cup into a toilet and rinse with warm water.
But how do you know when the cup is full? Depending on your flow, you can usually go up to 12 hours without emptying it. But if the cup looks full before then, or you feel uncomfortable, it’s best to remove it and clean it.
Menstrual Cup Cleaning and Sterilization
- Rinse the cup with warm water after each use.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free soap to deep clean before and after the menstrual cycle.
- When not in use, store the cup in a breathable cloth bag or its original package to keep it clean and dust-free.
- Sterilize your cup by either boiling for five minutes or using a specialized sterilization solution recommended by your manufacturer.
Key Takeaways
Menstrual cups can offer a comfortable and sustainable alternative to disposable tampons and pads. When used correctly, they can also provide superior leakage protection and longer wear times.
Hormone University was created as an educational platform with the mission to improve hormone health through accessible knowledge and to advocate for social impact in our communities.
You’re not alone.
80% of the adult female population has experienced hormonal imbalance at one point in their life that affected not only their physical health but also their mental health. Coping with pain, infertility, anxiety, depression, body image issues, and, on top of this, judgment is the heavy load most of these women have to bear each day and an important problem we need to tackle as a society.
