Menstrual cups are reusable tampon alternatives designed to collect menstrual blood instead of absorbing it, made from medical-grade silicone that can be folded into different shapes for easy insertion and removal.
When it’s time to remove the cup, wash your hands thoroughly and pinch its base to break its seal before slowly pulling it down and emptying into the toilet.
They’re comfortable
Menstrual cups offer many advantages over tampons, including comfort and convenience. Easy to insert and remove, they hold five times more blood than their counterparts while being reusable with zero waste created.
Hypoallergenic and not disrupting vaginal pH balance, they reduce risk of infections while remaining hypoallergenic and clean and sterilize between uses. Some women may experience irritation with improper usage but this usually isn’t an issue when used with proper insertion techniques.
Before inserting the cup, it is advisable to lubricate it with either water or medical-grade lube, then read through and follow all instructions provided on its package carefully. Some brands provide various insertion methods; Origami Fold or Half Diamond Fold may help those with higher cervixes; the Labia Fold may work better for those with a low or tilted uterus.
They’re convenient
Menstrual cups can be worn all day and night to reduce the need for pads or tampons and help minimize odour, though sterilizing before each use is essential to their effectiveness and should always take place after storage – to kill off any bacteria or fungus that might linger, this process should last 5 minutes in boiling water and should also occur periodically if stored away for future use.
When first starting to use a menstrual cup, it is essential that you select an ideal time and environment to use it. After taking a bath or shower may be good opportunities to give it a go; alternatively squatting down or sitting on the toilet may help for easier insertion.
When using it, make sure that you pinch around the base of the cup and gently twist to create an effective suction seal. To use, pull back on its stem slightly then use your finger alongside it to ease out. When it is time for removal, gently pull on its stem while also using your finger alongside it as a lever to ease it out of its seat.
They’re eco-friendly
Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly, reusable option that create less waste than single-use products like tampons. Not only can they save on waste disposal costs, they’re safer for the environment as well if stored and cleaned regularly. A menstrual cup is a small flexible medical-grade rubber or silicone cup designed to collect menstrual fluid during periods – it stays put up to 12 hours and can be easily emptied, rinsed out, and reused repeatedly!
An easy and accessible option, menstrual cup inserts can be inserted at any time during or before your period begins, without worrying about being on time or when starting it. When choosing the perfect model, look for something with soft, flexible tips that provide a comfortable fit, as some brands resemble diaphragm shapes for easier sex (but should still be removed prior to engagement in sexual activity). These contraptions have airtight seals to keep menstrual blood from leaking onto clothing or skin while being constructed with safe medical-grade silicone that won’t trigger TSS.
They’re cheaper
Menstrual cups offer an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads. Though more costly upfront, their long lifespan allows you to save money over time while providing more comfort with reduced cramping symptoms.
Menstrual cups should fit tightly against vaginal walls to seal against leakage and cause TSS, unlike disposable tampons that may leak and create health risks for some users. Reusable materials like the DivaCup are great environmentally-friendly options which require much less energy to produce than disposable tampons and thus are better options when considering green alternatives such as this reusable alternative.
Most women find the DivaCup to be comfortable, easy to insert and remove, and helpful when trying to detect endometriosis – which affects one in 10 UK women – faster. Furthermore, its easy insertion and removal make it a convenient choice for heavy periods or those looking to reduce side effects associated with tampon use such as higher risk of toxic shock syndrome.
