Menstrual cups are reusable products, meaning they reduce waste produced during menstruation, as well as being more cost-effective than using disposable pads or tampons, which need replacing every month.
To insert a cup, hold it with its rim up and insert it directly into your vagina without an applicator – once inside it will expand to form an airtight seal and create an airtight seal.
They are reusable
Menstrual cups have an expected lifespan of up to 10 years and are more eco-friendly than pads or tampons, cost less, and may help save you money in the long run. You can purchase one at most grocery stores and drugstores; though be careful if you are allergic to latex as most menstrual cups contain silicone or rubber material that could pose issues for some users.
To use a menstrual cup, first apply a thin layer of water-based lubricant or wet it with water, fold tightly with rim side up, ensuring its rim side faces upward, and insert into your vagina while sitting squatting or on a toilet seat – or wear overnight if possible!
Most women can wear their menstrual cups for 12 hours without needing to empty it, just pinching its base and pulling down. Once removed, wash both your cup and your hands thoroughly with soap before disposing.
They are safe
Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly alternative to sanitary pads and tampons, providing safe, effective care while simultaneously reducing waste in landfills by eliminating disposable tampons and pads from use. Furthermore, they may help prevent period leaks.
However, they may irritate the vagina if not used correctly or if using the wrong cup size; this is more common with new users or those who haven’t properly washed and sterilized their cup between uses.
Menstrual cups should be removed every four to 12 hours and washed immediately following each use, before being stored away or placed into storage with clean water for later. Although inserting can be challenging at first, most women learn with practice. Some menstrual cups feature a small stem at the bottom which makes removal simpler – simply grasp its base using one finger, pinch firmly as you pull down and empty into toilet or storage unit with clean water after emptying into trash can or toilet.
They are easy to insert
Menstrual cups can be easy to insert with the proper technique. Before beginning use of your menstrual cup, clean and read its instructions first before lubricating its rim with either water or an appropriate menstrual lubricant such as those designed for baby bottle nipples – this will facilitate both insertion and removal more smoothly.
If you are having difficulty inserting, try switching up your folding technique. C-fold is usually recommended as an entry level method; other possibilities include half-diamond folds or labia folds which help shrink down the base of the cup and help locate your cervix more easily.
Lubricants can help minimize discomfort, but always read and follow the recommended amount on product packaging before using one. In order to keep bacteria at bay on your menstrual cup, submerging it in boiling water for several minutes prior to inserting will prevent bacteria growth on its surface – or use a sanitary towel as an extra protection measure before inserting your cup.
They are easy to remove
Although menstrual cups may seem straightforward to put in place, they can often prove challenging to take out once in place. This usually stems from not creating the correct fold when inserting it or pinching its base enough in order to break up its suction seal that forms during installation.
As part of your attempt at removing your cup, try changing positions while trying to do so. Squatting or sitting on the toilet may help you reach the bottom more quickly while bending downward can shift it lower and make removal simpler.
An alternative option would be to purchase a menstrual cup with an easily grasped stem or more rounded base, making it simpler to grasp and remove from your period. A kitchen tool like a spoon may be helpful in breaking its suction; this method could prove less messy and safer than using tools or your fingers to pry out your cup from its container.
