What is Menstrual cup? Benefits and Uses of the Menstrual Cup

What is a Menstrual Cup and How to use it?

Most women use sanitary pads during menstruation, but this is not the only way to prevent menstrual bleeding from getting on clothes and to avoid infection. Apart from this, menstrual cup and tampons can also be used. Menstrual cups are relatively economical than pads and are considered to be much better environmentally. Some women believe that these cups are convenient to use, while there are many women who are still not comfortable using these cups.

Before using a menstrual cups, there are many questions in the mind of women such as, is it completely safe to use a menstrual cup? Are these more convenient than sanitary napkins? Do you have trouble walking while wearing your menstrual cup? In this article, we are explaining in detail all these important aspects related to the menstrual cup. Let’s know:

What is Menstrual Cup?

It is a cup-shaped device made of silicone or latex that is used during periods. It is applied to the vagina so that the blood that comes out during menstruation can be collected in this cup. These cups come in different sizes and you should choose the right cup according to the size of your vagina and cervix.

How to choose menstrual cup size?

Pay special attention to the size of the menstrual cup or menstrual cup because using the wrong size cup will cause inconvenience and there will be a fear of leakage. These days cups of all sizes are easily available in the market. The size of the menstrual cup depends on many factors like your age, the length of the cervix, and bleeding during menstruation. Therefore, before using these cups for the first time, consult the nearest gynecologist to know the correct size.

How to use the menstrual cups

Let us now talk about how to use these menstrual cups. First, you wash your hands with soap. Then twist the menstrual cup slightly and then insert it inside the vagina, fitting it into the passageway from the vagina to the cervix. In the beginning, it may be hesitant to fit it inside the vagina, but after using it once, the process seems very easy the next time. When the menstrual cup goes inside the vagina, twirl it slightly so that it fits snugly. There is no leakage at all once it is fitted properly.

Due to being made of silicone or latex, they also fit easily in the vagina and there is no problem in working or walking by applying them. The design of these cups is such that they do not slip from their place while working or walking. If there is a problem while using the menstrual cup for the first time, then go to the nearest clinic and apply it under the supervision of a Gynecologist.

How long to wear a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups do not absorb blood like sanitary napkins, which reduces the risk of any kind of infection. You can wear them for 9-10 hours even if there is heavy bleeding and if the bleeding is normal then you can keep these cups for 12 hours also. Although it completely depends on the woman how often she wants to change the cup. If the size of the cup is small and it is filling up quickly, then it is better to take it out every four to five hours and wash it well and then put it again. Due to repeated use, they prove to be much cheaper than sanitary pads.

How to clean a menstrual cup?

You can use the same cup several times during a period by washing it with warm water but do not forget to sterilize them after the period is over or before using it in the next period. Read the instructions on the cup packet before sterilizing, as different brands of cups have different cleaning and sterilizing methods. In general, to sterilize the cup, put it in water and boil it for some time. Keep the quantity of water in the vessel more because due to less water and boiling for a longer time, the cup can also burn.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before inserting or removing the menstrual cups and never move the cup around. Keeping the cup in a dirty place can allow dust, dirt, and bacteria to stick in it, due to which there can be a vaginal infection. Some cups just need to be sanitized instead of sterilized. After sanitizing such a cup, use it directly without keeping it anywhere.

If you are using a menstrual cups in a public restroom, then be more careful about cleanliness there. Use clean water and a sanitized tissue to wash the cup, and never make the mistake of carrying it around.

How to take out the menstrual cup?

Just like putting on a menstrual cups, it is also easy to remove. First of all clean your hands thoroughly. After this, insert the index finger and thumb inside the vagina and hold one end of the cup and pull it slowly until you reach its end. After that pull it out. In this way, it comes out easily, after that throw away the blood that has accumulated in the cup and cleans the cup thoroughly.

Also Read: Eating Healthy During Your Pregnancy

What are the benefits of a menstrual cups?

The first biggest advantage of these cups is that they are very cheap in price and they are easy to use. Talking about its other benefits, more blood is collected in menstrual cups than in sanitary napkins or tampons. Apart from this, during sex, it is not even realised that you have inserted something inside the vagina so that you can enjoy sex without any discomfort.

Chemicals like dioxin and bleach are found in sanitary napkins or tampons, while no chemicals are used in the manufacture of menstrual cups. These are chemical-free, which reduces the risk of vaginal infection. According to a report by the World Health Organisation, dioxins are very harmful to human health.

Which women should not use a menstrual cups?

Do not use if you have severe burning or itching in the vagina after applying the menstrual cup. Apart from this, if you are not getting the right size cup for you, then avoid the menstrual cups because there is no use in wearing the wrong size cup. Some women are allergic to silicone or rubber, such women should also avoid the use of menstrual cups.