Menstrual cups (commonly referred to as period cups) are reusable devices designed to collect menstrual flow and can be used for up to 10 years without becoming worn-out or excessively costly. Furthermore, their lower cost and convenience make them better choices than pads and tampons while their reduced environmental footprint make it safer and greener choices.
Simple instructions make using it effortless: simply clean the cup with soap and water, fold it up, and insert.
They are reusable
Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly solution that are an alternative to disposable pads and tampons, providing up to 12 hours of wearability per wearer. Made of silicone or rubber material, you insert this small, funnel-shaped device directly into your vagina to collect menstrual blood – or wear for 12 hours of protection each month!
Menstrual cups offer an alternative to tampons that creates an environment conducive to bacteria growth by not absorbing menstrual fluid or blood, helping your vagina remain healthy and clean while acting as an effective barrier against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Before using your menstrual cup for the first time, be sure to sterilize it in boiling water according to manufacturer’s instructions and store it in an air-permeable cloth bag or case for storage. To reduce irritation, choose the size that best fits your body and flow. If you gave birth vaginally a larger menstrual cup may be best while for sensitive skin latex-free options are usually ideal.
They are less expensive than tampons
Utilizing a menstrual cup can be both more cost- and eco-efficient, since it reduces plastic waste created from disposable period products.
Menstrual cups come in various varieties, from latex-free silicone or reusable rubber alternatives to V shaped menstrual cups with long rims for ease of use and tilted cervix fits to bell shaped ones with an asymmetrical rim design for tilted cervix fitment. The most widely used V cup features long rims with V shapes being most popular. Bell-shaped or cups with an asymmetrical rim design may also be found popularly.
To use a menstrual cup, apply water or personal lubricant to its rim before tightening its folds with your fingers. Insert it into your vagina around your tailbone area. If having difficulty inserting, try sitting or squatting while doing this step – once inserted it should sit a few inches beneath your cervix.
They are safer than tampons
Menstrual cups can help to minimize toxic shock syndrome, an uncommon yet serious side effect of tampon use. Plus, their reusability reduces environmental impacts associated with disposable menstrual products.
Menstrual cups can last years with proper care, significantly reducing waste caused by disposable pads and tampons. Menstrual cups are made of medical-grade materials without harmful chemicals or dyes that contribute to environmental harm.
Menstrual cups can be difficult to insert and remove for first-time users, especially as this requires learning the anatomy differently and taking some practice to get used to. But this issue can be overcome with patience and effort: adding water-based lubricant on the rim makes inserting and removing easier. Furthermore, prior to its first use in boiling water it is a good practice to sterilize it for ten minutes so as to ensure optimal performance of sterilization process.
They are easy to insert
Menstrual cups may seem challenging at first to use, especially for new users, but after just a few periods you’ll find it much simpler. Furthermore, being reusable means they help cut down on waste during periods.
The cup rests a few inches below your cervix and gathers menstrual blood, which you then empty into the toilet. As its material is latex-free, it makes it an excellent option for women with latex allergies.
Many women experience discomfort when first inserting the menstrual cup. Once used to it, most have no further issues. If pain arises during this process, it could be because either its rim hasn’t been adequately lubricated or because it is too stiff.
Another way is to boil the cup for several minutes to loosen it before inserting. You can do this in either a mug or the lid of a mason jar, then sterilize with water or washcloth-soap solution.
