Menstrual cups are reusable alternatives to tampons and pads that reduce waste while also causing less leakage and side effects like toxic shock syndrome.
To use a menstrual cup, begin by cleansing and applying lubricant to its rim, before folding and inserting with its rim facing up as with a tampon.
How to insert a menstrual cup
Menstrual cups are an economical and reusable alternative to pads and tampons that collect period blood directly instead of absorbing it, like pads do. Constructed of flexible rubber or silicone material with funnel shapes for insertion into vagina, menstrual cups make the change easy while saving you money over time – as well as decreasing risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), an infection caused by using tampons alone.
Before inserting your menstrual cup, wet it with water or personal lubricant containing water-based solvents so it will be easier for you to insert. Fold tightly, holding onto its rim while using another hand to push up into your vagina and insert. Hopefully once in, the menstrual cup should feel secure and create an airtight seal; if this fails to occur try switching sizes or softness levels; perhaps wriggling or rotating can help find its right spot?
How to remove a menstrual cup
If you’re new to menstrual cup usage and find that yours seems stuck, don’t panic! This happens often and is quick and simple to fix – similar to how new contacts require getting used to each time they need putting in and taking out. Once it becomes second nature it will come naturally!
Stay calm and breathe! Tensioning up can make muscles stiffer and make extracting the cup harder. Squatting down or lying flat on your back while following steps two through five may also prove useful for using what is known as the “bearing down” technique.
Once relaxed, pinch the base of your cup and pull. Once you’ve broken its seal, it should come out easily; otherwise just wiggle side to side while pulling down to try again. Don’t forget to rinse after taking out your cup, either with our Viv Cleanser product or another solution like our Efferdiska Cleansing Gel as this helps maintain cleanliness for your hands and prevent infection.
How to care for a menstrual cup
Menstrual cups offer an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for menstruation management, providing up to 12 hours of wearability per use and are great for overnight use, travel or those with heavier flows. But for best results they must be regularly cleaned and sanitised properly in order to remain safe and comfortable for their users.
Sanitising menstrual cups or discs is an integral component of vaginal health, helping protect against infections from harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (strep) or Escherichia coli. You can do it using gentle cleansers (like our natural feminine wash!), hot water, sterile wipes or non-toxic cleaning spray.
Once washed and dried thoroughly (especially the rim), store it in a clean breathable pouch that you can carry around with you for storage. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers which trap moisture that breeds germs; these should also be avoided since trapped moisture breeds bacteria. If your cup starts smelling after some use, try soaking in hydrogen peroxide soaks or consulting with a physician about seeing whether an infection might exist (if your cup becomes painful during your period this could also be an indicator).
Where to buy a menstrual cup
Menstrual cups are flexible discs made of silicone, natural rubber, latex or thermoplastic elastomers that are inserted into your vagina during menstruation to collect and retain menstrual fluid. Menstrual cups can hold three times more liquid than tampons can and typically last 12 hours or longer before needing replacement. They can even be worn safely while engaging in sexual activity if an IUD (intrauterine device) exists.
Menstrual cups are cheaper and greener than tampons, as well as being easier to carry around and store. Plus, their reduced waste reduces landfill waste, eliminating trips to stores for new tampons regularly and the risk of toxic shock syndrome more likely to occur with traditional ones. They’re lightweight enough for travel or easy storage in toilet bags or purses – the learning curve may take some getting used to at first but once you find what works for you it becomes straightforward!
