A reusable feminine hygiene item is a menstruation cup. You place a tiny, flexible cup in your vagina to trap and collect menstrual fluid. It has the shape of a funnel and is made of silicone or rubber.
Many women use cups as an environmentally friendly substitute for tampons since they can store more blood than other techniques. Additionally, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
The Keeper Cup, Moon Cup, Lunette Menstrual Cup, DivaCup, Lena Cup, and Lily Cup are some of the reusable cup brands that are offered. A few disposable menstruation cups, such the Instead Softcup, are also available on the market.
However, the material may still seem peculiar. In this article, we will answer the question: how to insert a menstrual cup?
Using Menstrual Cup
Consult your gynecologist if you’re interested in utilizing a menstrual cup. Even if you can purchase any of the brands in-person or online, you must first determine what size you require. Most menstruation cup manufacturers provide both small and big sizes.
You and your doctor should think about the following when determining your ideal menstrual cup size:
- your age
- how long your cervix is
- regardless of whether you have a strong flow
- flexibility and stiffness of the cup
- cup volume
- your pelvic floor muscles’ strength
- if you had a vaginal birth
For women under 30 who have not given birth vaginally, smaller menstruation cups are typically advised. For women who are over 30, have given birth vaginally, or have heavier periods, larger sizes are frequently advised.
Before you put in your menstrual cup
It could seem awkward the first few times you use a menstrual cup. However, “greasing” your cup can make the procedure easier. Lubricate the rim of your cup with water or a water-based lubrication before inserting it (lubricant). Insertion is significantly simpler with a wet menstruation cup.
How to properly put in your menstrual cup
If you can insert a tampon, you should have little trouble on how to insert a menstrual cup. To utilize a cup, simply adhere to these steps:
- Clean your hands completely.
- Wash the cup’s rim with water or a water-based lubricant.
- Holding the menstruation cup with the rim facing up in one hand, fold it in half tightly.
- Put the cup in your vagina with the rim facing up, much like you would a tampon without an applicator. A few inches should separate it from your cervix.
- Rotate the cup once it is in your vagina. To stop leaks, it will spring open and form an airtight seal.
If you’ve inserted the menstrual cup properly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it. Additionally, you should be able to move around, jump, sit, stand, and perform other common activities without your cup spilling. Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing problems inserting your cup.
Taking out your menstrual cup
Simple steps to remove a menstrual cup are as follows:
- Clean your hands completely.
- Insert your thumb and index finger inside the vagina. You may reach the base of the cup by gently pulling the stem.
- To remove the cup, pull down while pinching the base to release the seal.
- After it has been removed, pour the cup into a sink or bathroom.
Cup Aftercare
Before reinsertion into your vagina, reusable menstruation cups should be cleaned and disinfected. You should empty your cup at least twice every day.
With the right maintenance, reusable menstruation cups are strong and can endure for six months to ten years. After removal, dispose of the disposable cups.
Advantages of Using Menstrual Cup
A menstrual cup is…
- is affordable
- is safer than tampons
- holds more blood than pads or tampons
- is better for the environment than pads or tampons
- can’t be felt during sex (some brands)
- can be worn with an IUD
Disadvantages of Using Menstrual Camp
A menstrual cup…
- can be messy
- may be hard to insert or remove
- may be hard to find a right fit
- may cause allergic reaction
- may cause vaginal irritation
Menstrual cups may be an affordable and environmentally friendly option, but you still need to keep a few things in mind:
- Cup removal can be messy. You might be in a situation where it would be inconvenient or difficult to take your cup away. You might not be able to prevent spillage during the operation as a result.
- It may be difficult to insert or remove them. When inserting your menstrual cup, you can discover that the fold isn’t correct. Or you could struggle to pinch the base and pull the cup out and down.
- Finding the perfect fit can be challenging. Since menstrual cups come in different sizes, it could be challenging to find the ideal fit. This means that before you locate the ideal brand for you and your vagina, you might need to try out a few different ones.
- The substance might make you allergic. Menstrual cups are an excellent option for those who have latex allergies because the majority of them are constructed from latex-free materials. However, there is a possibility that the silicone or rubber material will make certain people ill.
- It could irritate the vagina. If the menstrual cup isn’t cleaned and maintained correctly, it could irritate your vagina. If you insert the cup without any lubricant, it might also hurt.
- A higher risk of infection may exist. Clean the menstruation cup well. Dry it off after rinsing. Never use a single-use menstruation cup again. After, wash your hands.
Cost of Menstrual Cups
Tampons and pads are more expensive than menstrual cups. For a cup, you may spend anywhere between Php 400 and Php 900 and not need to buy another one for at least six months. Depending on how long, heavy, and frequently you get your period, tampons and pads can cost anywhere from Php 2000 annually.
Conclusion
The proper way on how to insert a menstrual cup will be easy as long as you follow certain and correct procedures. In any way, you are free to choose to stick to your used female hygiene routine. Using a menstrual cup is optional, anyway.
