When menstrual cups first hit the market, people were skeptical. How would it work? Wouldn’t it spill? This eco-friendly creation would not only save people money because it was reusable, but also be beneficial to the environment. How? By reducing the waste that sanitary items produce yearly. They have quickly become a better alternative to sanitary pads or tampons. But what exactly are menstrual cups?
A menstrual cup is a reusable female menstrual hygiene device you insert into the vagina. It is a cup-like, flexible, silicon product. Unlike tampons or pads that absorb the menstrual fluid, a menstrual cup collects the blood droplets.
Spending money on feminine hygiene products is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to deal with leakages and discomfort too. A menstrual cup works by springing open in the vagina to rest against the walls. This creates a seal to prevent the blood from leaking through the sides.
The cup has been around since the ‘50s and ’60s but they weren’t as widely embraced. It wasn’t until the late 80’s when it was picked back up again
Advantages of using a menstrual cup includes:
Holds more fluid
Due to its shape and size, menstrual cups hold more fluid which prevents the need to change the sanitary product frequently. Moreover, a cup can be worn for up to 12 hours. You may, however, need to change it more often during heavy flow days to prevent leakage.
Cost-saving and eco-friendly
Besides, who doesn’t like cost-saving and eco-friendly products? Not only will buying a menstrual cup save you tons of money, but it is also good for the environment. Reusable sanitary products may help to reduce and prevent all unnecessary waste.
Comfortable
When used correctly, you should not feel the cup after you have inserted it. Otherwise, it could imply that you wore it wrongly. There are various methods of wearing a menstrual cup. One such method is the C cup where the wearer folds the cup into two and then inserts it. You can use whatever method feels and works best for you.
If you are a female who menstruates, you can use the cup. It is not limited to a certain number or type of people, unless your gynecologist disapproves of it.
Before wearing a cup, it might need lubrication. It is easier to insert a wet menstrual cup. You may use a water-based lube or water itself. Water serves as an excellent lubrication especially if the cup is worn in the bathroom.
How to get it out
To remove it, you simply pinch the sides and gently pull it out.
Using a menstrual cup is perfectly safe. A menstrual cup cannot cause infections, but poor hygiene might. This is why it is recommended to rinse off the cup after every use. You should endeavor to wash your hands thoroughly before and after insertion, to maintain good hygiene.
Speak to your gynecologist about menstrual cup use for guidance and professional advise.