What is a Menstrual Cup?

What is a Menstrual Cup?

Menstrual Cups have become a popular topic among women recently. For those who have never used one or are curious to try, this blog post will give you the rundown. Let’s start with the basics, a menstrual cup is a type of feminine hygiene product. It is a small, flexible cup usually made of latex or silicone.

How Does a Menstrual Cup Work?

Like a tampon, it is inserted into the vagina during your period. However, instead of absorbing menstrual fluid, like a tampon, a menstrual cup catches it. This may sound uncomfortable but when used correctly, you should not feel the menstrual cup once it has been inserted.

To use the cup, begin by folding the cup into a “U” shape by pressing the sides of the cup together. Hold the cup so that the stem is facing your palm. Find a comfortable position and make sure that your vaginal muscles are relaxed. Once you are in a comfortable position , insert the menstrual cup horizontally into the vagina. Be sure that the stem of the menstrual cup is no more than a ½ inch in the vagina. To seal the cup, grip the base of the cup and rotate the cup 360 degrees. When inserted correctly, the menstrual cup will be able to rotate easily.

To remove the cup, simply pull on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup. Grip the base of the cup and gently pull down to remove it. Wash the cup with warm water and a water-based unscented soap and reinsert. A menstrual cup must be emptied twice in a twenty-four hour period, or twice a day.

Are Menstrual Cups Safe to Use?

If you’re worried about the cleanliness associated with menstrual cups, know that they are safe to use and are safer than tampons, due to their lower risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. They can cause some irritation, which is why it’s important to wash your hands before inserting the cup and to wash it properly after removal and before reinsertion.

While they are safe to use, they can take some time to get used to. Menstrual cups come in different sizes. The sizes are based on age and whether or not you have delivered a child. It can take some trial and error before you find the right size and fit. Check out this article on sizing and for help finding the right brand for you. If you have more questions about using the cups or have any health concerns, as always, we recommend talking to your healthcare provider.