Have you heard about menstrual cups but are a little scared to give them a try? Keep reading for all the facts, tips and tricks you need to know.
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup, aka a luna or a moon cup, is a bell-shaped cup that’s inserted into the vagina like a tampon in order to 'catch' your flow. They give you a comfortable, safe, odourless and eco-friendly way to manage your cycle.
Menstrual cups are made from hospital-grade silicone and are chemical, latex and BPA-free, making them completely safe, reusable and long-lasting. Plus, being able to use your cup for several years means BIG savings on sanitary products for you and much less waste for Mother Earth.
While many women are interested in using a cup and reaping its benefits, they are a little hesitant to do so. Some fear that their flow might be quite heavy while others worry that the process of insertion and removal can be quite daunting or too messy. Let me assure you – the entire process is simple, clean and swift. It just takes a few tries to get it right!
The benefits of a menstrual cup
Menstrual cups can be left in the vagina for up to 12 hours and are inserted and removed in seconds. Interestingly many women with heavy flows report less pain and a lighter bleed when using a cup compared to pads and tampons.
"I have to change super-plus tampons every hour or so the first couple days of my bleed. But with the cup, I only change every 4-6 hours and am good overnight."
As with anything new, there can be a learning curve when transitioning from pads or tampons. However, don't be discouraged – the cup is simple and easy to clean. There are even different sizes available and also various folds possible to help you find which insertion feels best.
Menstrual cups also help you avoid the irritation or dryness sometimes associated with sanitary pads or tampons. Once it is in, you barely feel or notice it at all except for the soft stem which sits just inside the entrance of your vagina.
All that being said, the best thing about menstrual cups is that they connect you more to your body and your cycle. How? Well, you have the opportunity to monitor how much blood you're losing and can see the quality of your blood as well. This might be too much for some women but learning about the colour, quantity and texture of your bleed can give you great insight into your health.
How to use a menstrual cup
Boil your cup in hot water before (and after) use. Add a couple of drops of tea tree or peppermint oil to the water as an extra sanitary precaution.
After your cup has cooled, sit on the toilet or lift one leg onto a ledge to aid insertion.
Breath and relax your pelvic floor, then take your cup with clean hands, fold it, and insert into your vagina. Once you let go, the cup will open and suction inside your vagina. You can push it a little further up at this point if needed.
To remove, simply grab hold of the stem and pull gently. You may need to insert a finger inside to release the suction. Then, simply empty your cup into the toilet bowl or shower.
Your cup can be changed anywhere; just ensure your hands are clean beforehand and use toilet paper to wipe it down before re-insertion. When your menstrual period is over, boil your cup again and store it safely in a protective bag.
An added note on menstrual cups
Women with a tilted pelvis might want to try the FemmyCycle or Blossom cup which has softer silicon. Leaks are more frequent when the cervix moves lower during menstruation or if the menstrual cup has been inserted too high in the vagina. For women with a naturally lower cervix, there are shorter cups available.
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