Thinking of trying a menstrual cup? Everything you need to know

Whereas there are a number of menstrual merchandise out there out there, menstrual cups are gaining reputation for his or her consolation and sustainability. A menstrual cup is a versatile, bell-shaped cup usually fabricated from medical-grade silicone or rubber. It may be worn inside your vagina to gather menstrual blood for as much as 10 to 12 hours at a time. If you happen to preserve it clear, a single menstrual cup can final for a number of years, making it an economical and eco-friendly possibility. Similar to different merchandise, the menstrual cup additionally is available in numerous sizes to accommodate totally different circulate ranges. Regardless of their advantages, some ladies might hesitate to make use of them on account of discomfort with insertion. Nonetheless, with observe and correct steerage, many discover menstrual cups to be a game-changer in managing their intervals.

How to decide on the suitable menstrual cup?

Similar to sanitary pads, menstrual cups are available in numerous sizes to assist ladies with mild, heavy, and super-heavy flows. Right here’s how to decide on your menstrual cup dimension:

1. Youngsters

For teenagers who haven’t had penetrative intercourse, a small cup is really useful.

2. By no means been pregnant

When you have by no means had a child, you must go for a medium or small-sized menstrual cup.

3. Vaginal childbirth

When you have given delivery vaginally, a large-sized cup is right.

4. Childbirth through surgical procedure

For individuals who have had a C-section, a medium or small dimension is appropriate for them.

5. Heavy circulate

If you’re over 35 years previous and expertise heavy flows, you might be suggested to make use of a big menstrual cup dimension.

6. Common circulate

These ladies who’re aged 25-35, have common circulate, first-time customers, or youngsters can go for small-size menstrual cups.

Bear in mind, whereas these could also be fundamental dimension tips, you should additionally be mindful how heavy or mild your interval circulate is.

The right way to use a menstrual cup?

Utilizing a menstrual cup can appear daunting at first, however when you get the hold of it, it’s a handy and eco-friendly different to pads and tampons. There are a number of folding methods to insert a menstrual cup, with the commonest being the C fold, 7 fold, and push-down fold.

1. U-fold or c-fold

• Wash your fingers and cup correctly earlier than utilizing it.
• Take your menstrual cup and press the edges of the cup together with your fingers, in order that the lips of the cup contact.
• Subsequent, merely fold the cup in half, alongside the size to create a U or C form.
• Take a deep breath and insert the folded cup into your vagina, pushing it upward.
• As soon as inside, launch the fold and let the cup pop open inside you.
• You should utilize your finger to make sure it’s totally expanded round your vaginal partitions.

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2. 7-fold

• After cleansing the menstrual cup, fold the cup in half in order that the lips contact.
• Now pull down the suitable aspect to type a ‘7’ form with the lips of the cup.
• Now, take a deep breath to calm down your muscle tissue and slowly insert the folded cup into your vaginal opening (Use your fingers to maneuver your vaginal lips aside).
• As soon as inside, launch the fold and permit the cup to open totally. Use your finger to test for correct positioning.

3. Push-down fold or punch-down fold

• Maintain your menstrual cup on the base together with your left hand.
• Use your proper hand, and place your index finger on the highest of the cup rim.
• Now, push it down into the bottom and pinch it to carry the place.
• Push the edges collectively and maintain it firmly, together with your left hand.
• Preserve it folded, till it’s inside your vagina.

Be aware: Bear in mind, regardless of which folding method you might be utilizing, if you’re inserting your menstrual cup, you could preserve it folded till it’s inside your vagina.

The right way to clear a menstrual cup?

Right here are some things to remember on the subject of cleansing a menstrual cup:

• If you’re utilizing the menstrual cup for the primary time, it is very important sterilise or boil it for about 5 to 10 minutes. (Preserve a separate pan at dwelling and sterilise it.)
• In periods, wash your fingers, take away the cup, unclog the blood, and wash it earlier than utilizing it once more.
• Rinse the cup with chilly water to stop staining, then wash it with heat water. You might also use a light, unscented cleaning soap to scrub it.
• Make sure that to completely rinse off all cleaning soap residue.

Generally you may want further care when washing the holes or if there’s a foul odor within the cup. Take into account the sterilisation course of to scrub it correctly. After this course of, be sure to are letting it air dry fully earlier than reinserting it.

When to vary a menstrual cup?

It’s really useful to empty and clear your menstrual cup each 8-12 hours, relying in your circulate. When you have a heavier circulate, chances are you’ll have to empty it extra steadily. Whereas a menstrual cup can last as long as 10-12 years, it will possibly get broken. So, it’s higher to switch your menstrual cup each 1-2 years, if there are any indicators of injury.

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The right way to take away a menstrual cup?

• Step 1: Often, take away your cup each 8 to 12 hours, relying in your circulate. Wash your fingers completely. It’s finest to be close to a rest room or have a floor lined to stop spilling blood.
• Step 2: Gently rotate the cup to interrupt the seal. As soon as the suction is loosened, pinch the bottom of the cup and thoroughly pull it out.
• Step 3: Empty the cup into the bathroom and flush the bathroom. If you wish to re-insert the cup, wash it off with plain water and use a clear tissue to wipe the cup earlier than reinserting.

Advantages of utilizing a menstrual cup

Menstrual cups provide quite a few advantages, making them a preferred alternative amongst ladies in search of a sustainable and cozy different to conventional menstrual merchandise like pads and tampons. Listed here are 5 the reason why you should swap to menstrual cups:

1. Eco-friendly

Menstrual cups are eco-friendly. In contrast to disposable pads and tampons, which contribute to vital waste, menstrual cups are reusable and may final for years with correct care. This reduces the environmental affect related to menstrual waste, making it a extra sustainable possibility.

2. Saves cash

Menstrual cups are cost-effective. Whereas the preliminary funding could also be larger than buying disposable merchandise, the long-term financial savings are substantial. With correct care, a single menstrual cup can final for a number of years, eliminating the necessity for month-to-month purchases of pads or tampons.

3. Secure for longer intervals

You have to change your tampon each 4-8 hours however menstrual cups could be worn for as much as 12 hours at a time, relying in your circulate. This implies fewer journeys to the restroom in comparison with conventional merchandise.

4. Good for vaginal well being

In contrast to tampons, which may soak up pure vaginal moisture and disrupt the vaginal pH steadiness, menstrual cups gather menstrual fluid with out interfering with the physique’s pure processes. This may cut back the danger of vaginal infections and irritation, making menstrual cups a more healthy possibility for girls.

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5. Leak safety

When inserted accurately, menstrual cups are extremely efficient at stopping leaks throughout their intervals. This may be particularly useful for actions corresponding to swimming, exercising, or touring, the place leaks could be significantly inconvenient.

Disadvantages of utilizing a menstrual cup

Whereas menstrual cups provide quite a few advantages, they will not be appropriate for everybody, and there are some disadvantages you must know:

1. Robust to search out the suitable match

Selecting the proper dimension and form of a menstrual cup could be difficult. Some customers might have to attempt a number of manufacturers or sizes earlier than discovering one that matches comfortably and prevents leakage. This may be irritating and time-consuming.

2. Removing could be messy

Eradicating a menstrual cup, particularly for newbies, could be messy. If not eliminated rigorously, spills and leaks can happen, resulting in discomfort.

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3. Intrude with IUD

intrauterine machine (IUD) is a sort of contraception which are positioned contained in the uterus to keep away from being pregnant. There’s a danger that utilizing a menstrual cup might intervene with IUD, resulting in displacement or expulsion. This danger is larger for these with low cervixes or improperly positioned IUDs. Ladies utilizing each a cup and an IUD ought to seek the advice of with their healthcare supplier to make sure correct placement and minimise the danger of issues.

4. Hygiene points

Whereas menstrual cups are reusable and could be cleaned between makes use of, correct hygiene practices are important. In any other case, it might trigger bacterial progress and infections. You should completely wash your fingers earlier than and after dealing with the cup, sterilise it between cycles, and retailer it in a clear, dry place.

5. Discomfort or ache

Some ladies might expertise discomfort and even ache when utilizing a menstrual cup. This discomfort could be on account of improper insertion, a poor match, or sensitivity to the fabric of the cup.

So, now you understand why you must use a menstrual cup and what difficulties you may face. Whereas the choice about making an attempt is totally yours, we recommend you give it a attempt!