What is a menstrual cup?
Girls, did you know there are a lot of hygiene options during periods – sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups! Wait – what cup? The menstrual cup is a relatively new device for menstrual hygiene and the best part – it is super eco-friendly! Curious? Dig right in.
Photo: Shutterstock/Pixel-shot/Person in the photo is a model
What is a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups, just like its name, are small cups made of silicone or rubber which are inserted into the vagina and catch and collect period fluid/blood during menstruation.
How to start with a menstrual cup?
The first step is to find the right sized cup for you. It can depend on your age and flow and you can also consult a doctor if you need any help. It may take a few tries but once you find the right size, find a good brand and material and you have your long term friend ready.
How to use a menstrual cup?
When it’s time for your periods, just fold the menstrual cup and insert it into your vagina with the help of the stem. It’s pretty much the same as using a tampon. Once it’s inside, it will spring open and rest against the walls of your vagina. You can try twisting and adjusting till it does. And if it’s done right, you won’t feel a thing. That’s it!
Photo: Shutterstock/ Kseniia Fast
How does a menstrual cup work?
Instead of absorbing the blood like pads and tampons, a menstrual cup forms a seal which collects the fluid and prevents any leakage. And depending on your flow, it can last from 4-12 hours. So when it’s time to change, don’t just pull on it, this can create suction. Just pinch the base to remove the seal and pull on the stem to remove.
Once removed, you can wash it with soap and water and simply reuse it and at the end of the cycle, sterilize it in boiling water for a few minutes and it’s fit for next month, and hence it is eco-friendly!
Why should I use a menstrual cup?
There are many pros to using a menstrual cup. You can use the cup for upto 12 hours, so you don’t have to worry about changing frequently, like you do with pads or tampons. Plus it’s easy on the pockets, because once bought, it can last up to 10 years! Cool isn’t it? Also, it can lessen the odor since the blood isn’t exposed to air.
Also a cup is made of rubber and silicone, both biodegradable substances. So even when you dispose of it in 10 years, it won’t harm the environment, like our pads do, unfortunately every month.
Just make sure to buy the right sized cup and take your time to get comfortable with it. Some even say there were less cramps and more comfort when they used a cup and who doesn’t want that, right?
You might have to practice a little bit if you’ve never used one before but anyone can do it and who knows, maybe you’ll even like it!
Do you have any questions that are bothering you? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember no rude words or personal information in the comment box!
