Introduction
Periods are not for the faint of heart. If you aren't experiencing cramps, you are attempting to ensure that you are adequately protected on your heavier days. Some of us can get by with only a tampon or a maxi pad. Others are forced to wear both and change them regularly. If you deal with this every month, you're probably wondering if there's a better, more convenient, and environmentally friendly way to go with the flow. For decades, tampons and sanitary pads controlled the feminine hygiene aisle. Because they are disposable, many individuals find them handy and straightforward. However, as more individuals seek other methods of dealing with their periods, menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular. Menstrual cups are tiny, bell-shaped devices that capture, rather than absorb, menstrual blood. Menstrual cups that may be thrown away after each use are available. There are also reusable mugs that may be cleaned, sterilized, and reused for many years. Menstrual cups have a learning curve, but those who master them will likely be long-term converts.
While the first menstrual cup was developed in 1867, they have only lately gained popularity. Menstrual cups are flexible cups that you insert into your vagina during menstruation. Like tampons and pads, Cups collect rather than absorb your menstrual blood. Although it may appear gruesome, recent research found that 9 out of 10 persons who used a contemporary menstrual cup for three cycles preferred it over a tampon or pad. They may not be suitable for everyone, but they are worthwhile.
What Is A Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a flexible cup used to collect blood within your vagina during your period. Tampons or pads absorb your menstrual flow. However, the cup does not. While it may appear as menstruation cups sprang overnight, they have been in some form since the 1800s. In 1867, the first patent for a menstruation cup design was granted, and the prototype was just a rubber bag linked to a ring. This prototype was designed to be put into the vagina to collect blood. A cord connected to the menstrual cup might be used to draw it out.
Menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular. They've been shown to be both safe and effective. Another advantage of using them is that they are more environmentally friendly than pads and tampons. While sales did not take off when they were initially commercially released, the worldwide market for menstruation cups is now predicted to reach $1.89 billion by 2026. Compared to other feminine hygiene products, menstrual cups might hold more blood, prompting many women to convert to eco-friendly menstrual cups. Depending on your monthly flow, you might even be applying the menstrual cup for up to 12 hours.
How Should a Menstrual Cup Be Used?
Before deciding to use a menstrual cup, you should check with your physician. Because numerous feminine hygiene manufacturers sell Menstrual cups in various sizes, you must first determine your size. To do so, you and your gynecologist must consider the following:
- Your age
- The length of your cervix
- Whether your menstrual cycle is thick or light,
- The cup's holding capacity
- The menstruation cup's flexibility and firmness
- The strength of your pelvic floor muscles
Menstrual cups are typically sold in two sizes: small and big. If you are under 30, you should use smaller-sized cups. However, if you are over 30, have heavy periods, or have given birth vaginally, the larger-sized cups are perfect for you. Also, you might find it unpleasant if you've never used a tampon before. However, you may learn how to use a menstrual cup correctly with the right technique and some practice. When a menstrual cup is perfectly placed, the hard opening and folds pop up to form a smooth seal. The suction is operating if you gently tug on the cup's stem and feel any resistance. This suction motion forms a seal in the vaginal canal, preventing the menstrual cup from shifting and leaking. Menstrual blood then accumulates within your vagina without your knowledge. After 8 hours, remove the cup, rinse and disinfect it, then reinsert it to use again.
Inserting A Menstrual Cup
To insert a menstrual cup successfully, follow these procedures.
- After washing your hands, apply a small layer of water-based lubricant or water on the cup's rim. This will make insertion easier.
- Fold the menstruation cup in half: Hold the folded cup in one hand with the rim facing up.
- Insert the cup: Place it in your vagina while keeping it folded and rim up. "Think of inserting the cup like you would a tampon," she advises.
- Rotate it. Once the cup is placed a few inches below your cervix, spin it to open completely. If it's inserted correctly, you shouldn't be able to feel it
You will not feel it if you position it correctly in your vagina. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about the cup spilling while doing your everyday activities. The cervix menstruation cup may often be used for six to twelve hours without leaking. You can wear the period cup overnight if you have normal blood flow. Regardless, you must remove the cup within 12 hours of placing it on your counter.
How to Remove a Menstrual Cup?
Prepared to remove the cup Here's how to go about it.
Pinch the base and remove the cup to wash your hands. Reach inside your vagina and squeeze the cup with your thumb and index finger. "You'll break the seal and make removal simpler," To remove, gently pull down."Once the cup has been removed, you should pour it into your toilet, "Warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap should be used to rinse the cup. You may use a cup throughout your cycle, but you may need to replace it more frequently on intense flow days to avoid leakage. Remove and rinse your cup after 12 hours or if leakage begins. When you remove the blood, drain it into a toilet or sink. Replace it when it has been thoroughly cleaned and washed with water. Before being reinserted into the vagina, reusable cups must be thoroughly cleaned. The period cup should be emptied at least twice daily to avoid discomfort.
Aftercare for Menstrual Cups
Reusable menstruation cups have to be cleaned and cleaned before being inserted once again into your vagina. It would be best if you emptied your cup at least twice daily. Reusable menstrual cups can last anywhere from six months to ten years if they are properly maintained. Remove the disposable cups and, throw them away, dispose of them. If you use reusable menstrual cups, Before reintroducing them into your vagina, you must thoroughly wash and clean them. To reduce the chance of irritation, the menstrual cup should be emptied twice daily. Reusable menstruation cups can last from six months to a year if properly cared for. Disposable menstruation cups must be discarded after each use.
What Is The Cost of Menstrual Cups?
Tampons and pads are more expensive than menstrual cups. You may spend $20 to $40 on a cup and not have to buy another for at least six months. Tampons and pads can cost between $50 and $150 each year, based on how often you get your period, how long and heavy it is, and how long it lasts. Menstrual cups, like tampons and pads, aren't covered by insurance or Medicaid, so using one would be an out-of-pocket payment.
What Are the Implications of Using a Menstrual Cup?
Menstrual cups provide the following advantages:
- A menstrual cup can be used for a more extended period. On the other hand, doctors recommend replacing your cup once a year to avoid discomfort or illness from the material.
- Purchasing a menstrual cup will cost you less than the annual cost of tampons and sanitary napkins.
- Tampons and feminine hygiene products should be replaced every five to six hours. You may use menstruation cups for up to 12 hours without changing them or worrying about leaking.
- Menstrual cups may store five times as much blood as tampons and sanitary napkins.
- A menstrual cup, when properly fitted, will dramatically minimize your risks of leaking.
- In your intimate area, sanitary napkins can cause rashes and irritation. This possibility is eliminated by using menstruation cups.
- Menstrual cups are intended to manage all stages of your blood flow, but tampons must be carefully matched to your blood flow.
- Unlike tampons and sanitary napkins, you don't have to worry about leaks or changing your menstrual cup every night.
Move More Effortlessly Throughout The Day
A menstrual cup may hold 2-3 times the amount of liquid as a big pad or mega tampon. This means less time spent going to the restroom. Once you've mastered it, you won't notice it, and you'll be free to go about your day and favorite pastimes. In addition, you have greater freedom to do anything you want since you can't feel them inside you. Take sports as an example. You can do anything you would do if you weren't on your period without worrying about leaks, flaps, or strings.
Better For The Environment With Less Trash
The menstrual cup's beneficial effects on the environment are yet another significant benefit. Since a menstrual cup may survive up to 10 years, 2,700 other throwaway items won't pollute the environment. Consider the numerous plastic applicators and wrappers that come with using pads or tampons. Purchasing 1 (or 2) menstruation cups that you can use for every period for ten years equates to having a zero waste period and positively impacting the environment. Suppose you switch from disposables to a menstrual cup. In that situation, after one or two menstrual cycles, your period becomes zero waste because a period cup has a lesser environmental impact than 20 disposable pads or tampons.
Simple To Use
You'll discover that it becomes second nature once you know how to insert and remove a menstrual cup correctly. The secret to mastery is practice and repetition, just like with everything new. Finding the perfect fit, inserting and withdrawing the cup, and properly cleaning and sterilizing the cup are all processes in properly using a menstrual cup. All there is to it is that. When you get the hang of it, it'll come naturally.
Focus On Saving Money
Remember when we said earlier that you could save a lot of disposable feminine hygiene items from going into landfills? Consider the purchase price of each of these items as well. A menstrual cup that you can repeatedly use for the next ten years is undoubtedly helpful when contrasted with the 270 disposable tampons or pads that an average person buys for their period each year. Your pocketbook will appreciate it. Although it may not directly touch you, period poverty is a significant issue in both high- and low-income nations. According to this survey, 58% of women said they had less money to purchase menstruation products due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Another advantage of using a period cup is that you will only run out of period supplies as frequently as you would with disposable period supplies that you always have to replace. In other words, as long as you constantly have your period products within reach, you won't find yourself utilizing a menstrual cup and not having them on hand.
Less Likelihood Of Leaking
Menstrual cups are useful for those with heavy flows because of their larger volume. When properly inserted into the vagina, a menstrual cup should pop up to create a seal that stops your flow from seeping out. Using a cup that fits you properly and being aware of how to put on and take off your menstrual cup are the two things that ensure a leak-free period. There may be a blockage of the suction apertures at the top of the cup, which would also cause leaks. When your menstrual cup starts to leak,
No Flaps Or Strings
Anyone who uses pads or tampons is familiar with the annoying strings and flaps that go with them. A tampon string may occasionally chafe or feel uncomfortable. Other times, if it has been a while since you changed the tampon, blood may flow down near the end of the string and stain your underwear. And don't claim that you've never had a pad's wings catching on your underpants. One significant advantage of utilizing a menstrual cup is the absence of all these problems. Some women with lower cervixes can claim that they can feel the stem of a menstrual cup. In this instance, the stem has to be clipped since it is possibly too long.
Drawbacks of Using Menstrual Cups
Creates More Mess
The primary drawback that is brought up is how dirty it is to empty the cup. Cleaning it in a public restroom could be difficult for some, but most of us can figure out an appropriate approach and soon get over the "ick factor."
It May Be Challenging To Insert Them
It could be challenging for younger people or those who have never engaged in sexual activity to insert the cups. Additionally, using a menstrual cup while wearing an IUD may pull the strings and cause the IUD to fall out. Discuss your worries with your healthcare professional if you have any about insertion.
Swapping Out The Cup In the Public Bathroom
You might also be asking if changing a menstrual cup in a public restroom is possible. Undoubtedly, it is. This concept may make some individuals uneasy. Consider wanting to wash your hands at the same time that the person sitting next to you is rinsing their cup in the sink. Fortunately, there are a few techniques you may use to clean your menstrual cup more covertly in a public restroom. There is no need to be embarrassed about changing a menstrual cup in a public restroom if you are prepared before you start your menstrual cup adventure.
Adverse Effects From The Menstrual Cup Allergies
Menstrual cups are a great substitute for those who have latex allergies because many of them are constructed from latex-free materials. The rubber and silicone substance, however, can sometimes lead to allergic responses in some women, which can be extremely painful and uncomfortable.
Risks Of Vaginal Irritation
The menstrual cup might irritate your vagina if it is not thoroughly cleaned after each usage. It may even be painful and uncomfortable if you insert it without any lubricant. The use of period cups in place of tampons and feminine hygiene products saves money and has a lower environmental impact. You can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of switching to a period cup before making the decision. If you're still unsure and feel confused about the best option for you, talk to your gynecologist about using a period cup.
Using Menstrual Cups For Hygiene
Many individuals immediately think of using the menstrual cup when traveling when discussing cleanliness. Like at work or in a public restroom. The sink is frequently located in the anteroom in such instances. It can be exceedingly unpleasant and impracticable to leave the cabin for a little period of time when there are other passengers waiting in line. For cleaning the menstrual cup in between periods, there are fortunately options. Rinsing in the sink is not required for any version. The first option is to wipe the menstruation cup with toilet paper after emptying it. The menstrual cup can be reinserted after being cleaned out.
The second choice is to use cleansing wipes designed specifically for menstruation cups. The cup is cleaned or sanitized with moist cloths. The cleaning wipes are typically individually packaged and are produced using alcohol or water. On the other hand, you shouldn't use regular wet wipes. A replacement cup is the third choice. While the new menstrual cup is being inserted, the used one is being taken out, emptied, and stored in the purse. There is no need to bother about cleanliness. Carrying water in a water bottle is an additional method for cleaning the used menstruation cup. After that, the men's cup can be washed over the toilet.
However, it should be mentioned that it is not required to regularly empty the menstrual cup for hygienic reasons. Up to twelve hours can be spent wearing it. There are cups with a bigger volume for days that are stronger. Therefore, it is typically possible to avoid emptying the menstrual cup at work or in a public restroom.
Conclusion
Using a menstrual cup in place of tampons and feminine products is more affordable and environmentally friendly. Before switching, you might consider the benefits and drawbacks of a menstrual cup. If you're still hesitant, you should first discuss your choices with your gynecologist to see if using a menstrual cup is the best choice for you. Different materials may be used to make menstrual cups. Because of its great biocompatibility and bacterial resistance, medical silicone is frequently employed. The silicone used in the medical field is allergy-free and free of latex (hypoallergenic). TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), latex, and rubber are all used to make certain cups. Meanwhile, the smart creation has evolved into a well-liked replacement for traditional tampons and sanitary towels because menstruation cups are less expensive and more ecologically friendly than the standard feminine hygiene items on the shelf.
One can use a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours. Tampons or pads often need to be replaced every four to six hours. The cup allows for longer intervals between empties, particularly on rainy days. By using a menstrual cup, you may avoid carrying additional pads or tampons, which many women find awkward and heavy. Contrary to tampons, the menstrual cup can be used to prevent first-day leakage by being inserted around the time of an anticipated period. Any woman can use a menstrual cup, regardless of whether she has given birth. There is less odor because menstrual flow is kept internal.
References
- https://www.truemeds.in/blog/menstrual-cup-how-to-use-pros-consa
