Know How To Use Menstrual Cups

What is a menstrual cup?

A reusable feminine hygiene item is a menstrual cup. Period fluid is collected in a tiny, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that is inserted into the vagina.

Because they can hold more blood than conventional feminine hygiene products like sanitary napkins or tampons, menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular among women for pad free periods. Up to 12 hours of continuous period cup use is possible, depending on your menstrual cycle. Cervix menstrual cups are also less expensive than tampons and sanitary napkins.

How does a menstrual cup work?

It is constructed of silicone or latex rubber, and it is compact and flexible. Rather than soaking up your bodily fluids, it captures and stores them.

Just before your period begins, fold the cup in half and insert it like a tampon. You shouldn’t feel it if it’s used appropriately. In the same way that birth control or diaphragm ring is put in place, so is this procedure.

You may need to twist your cup first, but it will open and rest against the walls of your rectum. It creates a tight seal to keep leaks at bay. The blood then flows into the cup without any fuss.

Some are meant to be thrown away, while the majority are meant to be reused. Pull the stem out of the bottom and pinch the base to dislodge the seal, then remove it. It’s as simple as emptying, sanitising, and reinstalling. Sterilize your cup in boiling water at the end of your cycle.

How to insert a menstrual cup and remove it, and more will be covered in this article in brief.

How to use a menstrual cup?

Before making the switch to period cup use, it’s a good idea to talk with your gynaecologist. These cups come in a variety of sizes, which means you’ll need to shop around to locate the right one for you. To do so, you and your gynaecologist need to take into account:

• Age
• Woman’s cervix’s length
• The capacity of the cup is determined by the volume of your menstrual flow.
• The menstruation cup’s elasticity and rigidity
• Your pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened.

There are normally two sizes of cups: small and large. Smaller cups are best for people under the age of 30. A cup that is too small for you may be too small for someone who is older than 30 years of age or who has had a vaginal birth.

How to insert a menstrual cup?

The steps of period cup use are as follows:

• Using soap and water, thoroughly clean your hands.
• Using a water-based lubricant on its rim can help you put the cup more easily into your vagina.
• Half-fold the menstruation cup to make it more compact. When using a menstruation cup, make sure the rim is facing upward.
• Place the period cup in your vagina, rim facing up. Your cervix should be just over the bottom of the cup.
• After placing it into your vagina, turn it around. A vacuum-tight seal is created inside the vagina as the cup is rotated, preventing any leakage.

You won’t feel it if you place it appropriately in your vagina. In addition, you won’t have to worry about the cup coming out while you go about your daily business.

Typically, the cervix menstrual cup can be worn for six to twelve hours without leakage. You can wear the period cup overnight if you have regular blood flow. Despite this, you must remove the cup no later than 12 hours after it has been placed on your counter.

How to remove menstrual cups?

Menstrual cup insert can be easy than removing, it can be removed in the following ways:

• Using soap and water, thoroughly clean your hands.
• It’s okay if you’re a little apprehensive about doing this. Pull the stem of the cup until it reaches its base, then release it slowly.
• You can do this by squeezing the base of the container. Pull the cup out of the holder by the handle.
• Drain the blood into a toilet or sink as soon as you remove it. Insert it again once it has been completely cleaned and rinsed with water.

Reusable cups need to be carefully cleaned before being reinserted into the vagina. To avoid discomfort, the period cup should be emptied at least twice daily.

Benefits of menstrual cup

The following are some of the benefits of the cervix menstrual cup:

• A period cup has a longer lifespan than a sanitary pad. Doctors, on the other hand, advocate changing your cup every year to avoid irritation or illness from its substance.
• It will cost you less to buy a cup than it will to buy tampons and sanitary napkins each year.
• Every five to six hours, tampons and sanitary napkins should be changed. These cups allow you to go up to 12 hours between changes without having to worry about leakage or changing them.
• In comparison to blood tampons and sanitary napkins, period cups may hold five times as much blood.
• Using a cup correctly can greatly reduce the risk of leaks.
• Using sanitary napkins can cause itching and rashes in the genital area. This is no longer an option with cervix menstrual cups.
• Unlike tampons, period cups are designed to manage all stages of your blood flow, whereas tampons must be matched to your blood flow.
• Period cup use, unlike tampons and sanitary napkins, don’t need to be regularly changed at night.

Pros of using Menstrual cup

Cervix menstrual cup provide several advantages, including the following:

1. Eco-friendly

Eco-friendly cups are one of the main advantages of using one. You won’t have to worry about damaging the environment or nature because it lasts for a long time.

2. Budget-friendly

These are more expensive than tampons and sanitary napkins, but you just have to pay for them once. Other feminine hygiene products, on the other hand, must be purchased regularly, increasing the overall expense.

3. Hygiene products that are safer than others

This makes menstruation cups safer and minimises your risk of contracting a bacterial infection such as toxic shock syndrome because they don’t absorb blood like other feminine hygiene items.

4. Holds a lot more blood

An average tampon holds around one-third the blood of a period cup, which can hold about two to three times as much. As a result, you can wear a cup for a longer period than for experiencing pad-free periods with conventional feminine hygiene items.

5. Decreased foul odours

When menstrual blood is exposed to the air, it might begin to smell. The seal on your cup, on the other hand, is impenetrable.

Cons of using Menstrual cup

Even though cervix menstrual cups are a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution, there are still a few considerations:

1. Cup removal can be messy 

You may be in a situation where it’s difficult or uncomfortable to remove your cup. As a result, you may not be able to avoid any spills throughout the process of cleaning up.

2. Getting them in or out can be a challenge

The menstrual cup insert may not acquire the desired fold. You may also find it difficult to pinch the base of the cup and pull it down and out.

3. It’s not always easy to find

Because period cups are not one-size-fits-all, finding the perfect one can be a challenge. Because of this, you may have to try a few brands before discovering the one that works best for you and your genitals.

4. There’s a chance you’re allergic to the product

Most menstruation cups are latex-free, making them an excellent choice for those who are allergic to the material. However, some people may be allergic to the silicone or rubber used in the product.

5. Vaginal irritation

To avoid irritating your vagina, be sure to clean and maintain your cup. Using no lubricant could potentially cause discomfort.

6. A higher risk of infection is possible

After every period of cup use, clean it properly. After rinsing and allowing it to dry, proceed with the recipe. The disposable cup should not be repurposed for any other purpose. Then wash your hands with soap.

Period cup use instead of tampons and sanitary napkins save money and reduce the impact on the environment. Before making the switch to a period cup, you can assess the benefits and drawbacks. Period cup use might be discussed with your gynaecologist if you are still undecided about the best solution for you.

Conclusion

Menstrual cups are a sustainable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to conventional sanitary products. With proper use and hygiene, they offer extended protection, fewer leaks, and reduced risk of irritation. Although some users may face challenges during insertion or removal, these typically lessen with practice. Choosing the right size, material, and brand based on your body and flow is essential. Despite minor drawbacks, the overall benefits of using a menstrual cup—such as eco-friendliness, reduced odour, and long-term savings, make it an increasingly preferred choice for pad-free periods. Consulting a gynaecologist before switching can ensure the best experience and comfort.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult your gynaecologist before making changes to menstrual hygiene routines. Individual experiences may vary based on anatomy, health, and product choice.

References

Singh, R., Agarwal, M., Sinha, S., Chaudhary, N., Sinha, H. H., & Anant, M. (2022). Study of adaptability and efficacy of menstrual cups in managing menstrual health and hygiene: A descriptive longitudinal study. Cureus, 14(9), e29690. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29690