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

Whereas there are a number of menstrual merchandise obtainable available in the market, menstrual cups are gaining reputation for his or her consolation and sustainability. A menstrual cup is a versatile, bell-shaped cup sometimes made 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. When you maintain it clear, a single menstrual cup can final for a number of years, making it a cheap and eco-friendly choice. Similar to different merchandise, the menstrual cup additionally is available in numerous sizes to accommodate totally different move ranges. Regardless of their advantages, some ladies could hesitate to make use of them resulting from discomfort with insertion. Nonetheless, with observe and correct steering, many discover menstrual cups to be a game-changer in managing their intervals.

How to decide on the best menstrual cup?

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

1. Youngsters

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

2. By no means been pregnant

When you’ve got by no means had a child, it’s best to go for a medium or small-sized menstrual cup.

3. Vaginal childbirth

When you’ve got given delivery vaginally, a large-sized cup is right.

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4. Childbirth through surgical procedure

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

5. Heavy move

In case you are over 35 years outdated and expertise heavy flows, you might be suggested to make use of a big menstrual cup measurement.

6. Common move

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

Bear in mind, whereas these could also be primary measurement pointers, you should additionally remember how heavy or gentle your interval move is.

How you can use a menstrual cup?

Utilizing a menstrual cup can appear daunting at first, however when you get the grasp of it, it’s a handy and eco-friendly different to pads and tampons. There are a number of folding strategies 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 perimeters 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 best facet to type a ‘7’ form with the lips of the cup.
• Now, take a deep breath to calm down your muscle groups 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 examine 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 perimeters collectively and maintain it firmly, together with your left hand.
• Maintain it folded, till it’s inside your vagina.

Notice: Bear in mind, regardless of which folding method you might be utilizing, once you’re inserting your menstrual cup, you might want to maintain it folded till it’s inside your vagina.

How you can clear a menstrual cup?

Right here are some things to bear in mind with regards to cleansing a menstrual cup:

• In case you are utilizing the menstrual cup for the primary time, you will need to sterilise or boil it for about 5 to 10 minutes. (Maintain a separate pan at house 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 may additionally use a gentle, unscented cleaning soap to scrub it.
• Make sure that to totally rinse off all cleaning soap residue.

Typically you would possibly want further care when washing the holes or if there’s a foul odor within the cup. Contemplate the sterilisation course of to scrub it correctly. After this course of, be sure you are letting it air dry utterly earlier than reinserting it.

When to alter a menstrual cup?

It’s really helpful to empty and clear your menstrual cup each 8-12 hours, relying in your move. When you’ve got a heavier move, chances are you’ll have to empty it extra often. Whereas a menstrual cup can last as long as 10-12 years, it might probably get broken. So, it’s higher to interchange your menstrual cup each 1-2 years, if there are any indicators of injury.

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How you can take away a menstrual cup?

• Step 1: Often, take away your cup each 8 to 12 hours, relying in your move. Wash your fingers totally. It’s greatest to be close to a rest room or have a floor coated 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 well-liked selection amongst ladies in search of a sustainable and comfy different to conventional menstrual merchandise like pads and tampons. Listed here are 5 the explanation 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 important waste, menstrual cups are reusable and might final for years with correct care. This reduces the environmental impression related to menstrual waste, making it a extra sustainable choice.

2. Saves cash

Menstrual cups are cost-effective. Whereas the preliminary funding could also be greater 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. Protected for longer intervals

You should 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 move. This implies fewer journeys to the restroom in comparison with conventional merchandise.

4. Good for vaginal well being

In contrast to tampons, which may take in 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 choice for ladies.

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5. Leak safety

When inserted appropriately, menstrual cups are extremely efficient at stopping leaks throughout their intervals. This may be particularly helpful 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 it’s best to know:

1. Powerful to search out the best match

Selecting the proper measurement and form of a menstrual cup could be difficult. Some customers could have to strive 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 freshmen, could be messy. If not eliminated rigorously, spills and leaks can happen, resulting in discomfort.

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3. Intervene with IUD

intrauterine system (IUD) is a kind of contraception which can be positioned contained in the uterus to keep away from being pregnant. There’s a threat that utilizing a menstrual cup might intrude with IUD, resulting in displacement or expulsion. This threat is greater for these with low cervixes or improperly positioned IUDs. Girls 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 problems.

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 totally 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 could expertise discomfort and even ache when utilizing a menstrual cup. This discomfort could be resulting from improper insertion, a poor match, or sensitivity to the fabric of the cup.

So, now you recognize why it’s best to use a menstrual cup and what difficulties you would possibly face. Whereas the choice about making an attempt is totally yours, we propose you give it a strive!