Menstrual cups are menstrual hygiene devices used during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Constructed of elastomers, a properly fitted cup should seal against vaginal walls without leaking during tilting or inverting of your body.
Menstrual cups can be easily utilized. Just like using a tampon without an applicator, simply insert and pinch its base for removal.
They’re safe
Menstrual cups, made of medical-grade silicone, can provide a safer option than tampons as they don’t remove blood directly from your vagina, providing less opportunity for bacteria that cause infections to breed in there. They’re reusable too – meaning less environmental impact!
One advantage to using menstrual cups instead of pads or tampons is their ease of use; you can insert one around the time your period starts, which reduces first-day leakage. Furthermore, they hold up to an ounce of fluid which makes a significant difference on heavy flow days.
Menstrual cups must be cleaned between each use with hot water and soap; this can be challenging in public restrooms without access to an adequate source of clean water or menstrual cup cleaner. If you need help using one or are still uncertain how best to use it, consult your gynecologist or doctor who can answer any of your questions as well as recommend one size that would best meet your needs.
They’re convenient
Menstrual cups offer more than convenience – they’re also cheaper and more eco-friendly than pads or tampons and may even last up to 10 years, saving money over the long haul.
Your cup can be easily inserted by folding it tightly with its rim up, placing it at an angle into your vagina, similar to how a tampon would be applied without an applicator and placing it directly inside. Once inside, it will spring open to form an airtight seal which prevents leakage; you’re free to move around, jump, sit or stand while having vaginal sex without worry!
Most women find they need to empty their cup once or twice each day, and this process should be straightforward and simple. Toilet, sink or shower drains may all work effectively as the perfect place for this step – just be sure to rinse your cup afterward before reinserting it back in place before using public restrooms (bring baby wipes just in case!).
They’re affordable
Menstrual cups are reusable products that often come with their own cloth pouch or bag to store your cup between uses, making them often cheaper than pads and tampons while helping reduce waste that clogs landfills and kills trees.
Discovering your ideal menstrual cup may take some trial-and-error due to all the variance in vaginal shapes; finding it doesn’t necessarily correlate to how heavy or light your flow is; therefore it could take some time and experimentation before finding what some menstrual cup bloggers call your “Goldilocks cup.”
One important thing to keep in mind when using menstrual cups is their size classifications – A for women who have given birth, and B for non-givers. Therefore, before engaging in sexual activity it’s advisable to remove your cup since otherwise it could get caught and cause discomfort or an infection.
They’re easy to use
Menstrual cups use suction to prevent leaks and can stay in your vagina for up to 12 hours without the need to change pads or tampons every few hours, eliminating waste in landfills and chemical usage altogether. They’re also environmentally-friendly – cutting waste out of landfills while eliminating chemical usage altogether!
Menstrual cup manufacturers must abide by stringent safety standards to ensure their products are of high quality and safe for women to use. Utilizing one often requires some trial and error, as proper insertion is key to creating an airtight seal and avoiding leakage. In addition, certain situations may make using it awkward or uncomfortable for users.
To use a menstrual cup properly, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying a small amount of water-based lubricant to the rim or wetting it with your finger. When placing it into your vagina, relax it while rotating it to ensure an airtight seal has formed around its rim; place this cup high up near your cervix for optimal use.
