What is it?
A Menstrual cup is a reusable menstrual product that anyone can use. The cup is flexible, funnel-shaped, and soft to the touch. It is made with rubber or medical-grade silicon for the purpose of collecting blood from the vaginal canal during one’s period. It is an Eco-friendly and sustainable option as it can be used up to 10 years with best care. The cup collects more blood than most other methods; therefore, one can wear it for 12 hours, leak-free.
Which Cup is “The One”?
Not all cups are created equally. Here are few things you need to consider before choosing your cup:
· Your age.
· How heavy is your bleed.
· Firmness and flexibility of the cup.
· How high up is your cervix during your period.
· Cup capacity.
· Your activity level.
· Whether you have given vaginal birth or not.
· if you struggle with period cramps
The women behind Putacupinit.com had created a fantastic tool that can assist you in your treasure hunt for “The One” cup, by answering 9 questions. Their quiz aims to find the right menstrual cup for your body, age, history, activity level, and more!
Take it now: https://putacupinit.com/quiz/
How Do I Get it in My Vagina?
The cup might look intimidating at first and you might think, “How do I get this in there?” It is okay! There are three main folds that you can use to insert the cup into your vagina securely and pain-free. Before we get there, I’d like to share some tips on how to prepare for the cup experience without overwhelming yourself:
Take your time and relax: Choose a time when you are not distracted or nervous to relax your vaginal and pelvic muscles and insert your cup. It’s going to be uncomfortable or nearly impossible to insert the cup if you’re too nervous and your vaginal muscles are tightened.
Know your body: Take your time to explore your body. Know where the vaginal opening is located, and feel how far up your cervix is (p.s. it can feel like the tip of your nose or the interior of your cheek)
Practice before your period: Many girls like to practice inserting the cup before their period to take the pressure of having to do it “Right” the first time. If that makes you comfortable, do it!
Assess the stem: Every body is different. If the cup’s stem makes you uncomfortable sticking out, you might not need the stem at all. You can go ahead and trim it. If not, you can keep the stem as it can assist you in removing the cup.
The Folds:
As I mentioned before, there are three main folds that you can use to insert your cup:
1. the C-fold
2. the 7 fold
3.The shell fold
Try these folds and see which one works best for YOU! When inserting, make sure to angle the cup towards your tail bone and not push it straight up. The cup should pop open once it is in and create a suction seal to secure its position in the lower part of your vagina.
Is it Safe and Hygienic?
YES! The menstrual cup’s purpose is to collect period blood from your vaginal canal. It does not disrupt your vaginal flora nor does it absorb any of your natural moisture and secretions since it’s made out of silicon. The suction seal isolates the blood from being exposed to oxygen; therefore, you will still get bright red blood that is not oxidized nor smelly due to oxidization.
A great habit to get yourself into is to boil your cup after each period to sanitize it and have it ready for next time.
Be kind and patient with yourself!
The menstrual cups have their own learning curve, and even if it feels like a lot to take in at first, I want you to know that you can do it if you wish so.
Happy menstruation!
Resources:
Put a Cup in it quiz
Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups
HOW TO USE A MENSTRUAL CUP: OrganiCup
How does the menstrual cup work?: Lunette Cup
How To Fold a Menstrual Cup: Lunette Cup
Video: VERYTHING about the Saalt period cup (Part 1) Hygienic? Inserting it? The right size?