What Is a Menstrual Cup? How to Use It? It’s Benefits

A menstrual cup is a reusable product for feminine hygiene. It is a small funnel-shaped cup that can be inserted into the vagina. It helps in collecting blood while you are on your period. It is usually made of rubber or silicone.

A menstrual cup can contain more blood than pads or tampons. Being eco-friendly is one of the many benefits of menstrual cups. A menstrual cup can be worn for 12 hours, depending on the flow. 

How to Use a Menstrual Cup?

Before using a menstrual cup, you need to figure out what size you need. Women who haven’t delivered vaginally usually need smaller menstrual cups. Women who have heavy periods or have delivered vaginally need larger menstrual cups.

How to Insert a Menstrual Cup?

• Wash your hands before inserting a menstrual cup.
• Apply water to the rim of your menstrual cup.
• Fold the menstrual cup in half and hold it using one hand. The rim of the cup should be facing up.
• You need to insert the menstrual cup into your vagina like a tampon. The cup is supposed to sit a few inches below the cervix.
• After inserting the cup into your vagina, you need to rotate it. The cup will spring open and prevent leaks.

If you insert your menstrual cup correctly, you will not be able to feel it. You will also be able to move, walk and do everything without the menstrual coming out.

How to Take Out a Menstrual Cup?

• Wash your hands before removing the menstrual cup.
• Insert your thumb and index finger in your vagina and gently pull the stem of the cup as long as you don’t reach the base.
• You need to pinch the base so that the seal can be released. After that, pull it down to remove the cup.
• After you have taken out your cup, empty it in the toilet.
• Wash and clean the menstrual cup before using it the next time.

Benefits of Menstrual Cups

Some of the menstrual cup benefits are as follows:

Budget-friendly:

Since menstrual cups are reusable, you will need to pay a one-time price. Unlike tampons or pads, you don’t need to keep buying menstrual cups every month.

Safe:

Menstrual cups are much safer than pads or tampons. The cups collect blood instead of soaking it. You will not have the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome. It is a rare form of bacterial infection that can occur from using pads or tampons.

Eco-friendly:

Since menstrual cups last for a long time, you create less waste for the environment. Reusable menstrual cups can last from six months to 10 years if you take care of them properly.

Suitable for women with IUD:

A menstrual cup is safe for women with IUD as it cannot dislodge it.

Hold More Blood:

Menstrual cups collect around two ounces of period blood. But tampons can hold only one-third of an ounce of period blood.

Closing Thoughts

You can consult your doctor before making a switch to menstrual cups. You might have to try different brands before finding the perfect menstrual cup for your vagina. You should also clean and wipe your menstrual cups properly to prevent infections.

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