The menstrual cup collects the menstrual flow instead of absorbing it. Since it can be cleaned and reused, it basically lasts a long time. In addition, many women find it more comfortable and functional because the risk of blood loss is lower than with tampons. Just insert it into the vaginal opening and rotate it to make sure it is positioned correctly, after which you can leave it for up to 12 hours before taking it out and emptying it. It probably takes some practice and patience to get used to it, but it is a very hygienic and ecological health device with which it is possible to manage the days of the cycle.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Insert the Menstrual Cup
Step 1. Buy it on the Internet or at the pharmacy
Menstrual cups are becoming more and more popular, so you should find them in most drugstores and drugstores. Some models are a little smaller or larger, so you may want to read the reviews before purchasing.
- For example, you can try the one made by Diva Cup, Softcup or Lunette.
- Menstrual cups cost around € 30-40, but keep in mind that they guarantee repeated use over a very long period of time. However, you can find them for a lower price, between € 7 and € 10 in the lower range, so shop around to compare prices if you have decided to buy one.
- Typically, they are made of rubber or silicone. If you are allergic to latex, make sure it is made entirely of silicone.
Step 2. Read the instructions that accompany the product
The instructions may vary from brand to brand, so it's always a good idea to consult them before use! This way, you will know exactly how you should use your menstrual cup.
Step 3. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching it
You should wash them every time you apply products to the vaginal area to avoid introducing bacteria. Use warm soapy water, making sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
Try singing "Happy Birthday" slowly for 20 seconds
Step 4. The first time, wash the cup with a mild soap before using it
Usually, the instructions instruct you to wash the product before inserting it into the vagina. Choose a fragrance-free soap for sensitive skin. Rub the cup thoroughly inside and out with soap and warm water, then rinse it thoroughly.
Step 5. Get in a comfortable position
Some women prefer to squat, while others find it more practical to raise one leg. You can also sit on the toilet, spreading your legs.
Don't be in a hurry for the first time: take your time to insert the cup. You will probably have to make several attempts. You can also perform this maneuver while taking a hot shower to help you relax
Step 6. Squeeze the cup to facilitate insertion
You can try the C-shaped fold, squeezing the opening and then folding it in half. You can crush it to form a 7: flatten the top ring and lower one vertex, so as to make it smaller. Another option is the "punch-down" fold: hold the cup between your thumb and middle finger, then pull the rim down with your index finger, pushing it towards the center of the cup.
- You cannot insert it without folding it, otherwise a suction effect is generated that hinders the insertion. Try different methods of folding it until you find the one that works best for you.
- You can also wet it lightly for easier insertion.
- Make sure the stem is facing down and the cup itself is facing up.
Step 7. Relax your muscles as much as possible
Take a few deep breaths. If you are nervous, you risk becoming stiff and complicating the insertion. Try to squeeze your vaginal muscles for a moment and then relax them.
Step 8. Push it towards the tailbone
With the other hand spread your lips. Gently insert the folded cup into the vaginal opening, moving it back and forth rather than up. Loosen the grip that holds it folded and let it fall into place.
- Generally, the cup does not reach the height of the tampon, although you can push it harder if you prefer. Some patterns are made to fit deeper, so always read the instructions.
- If you have the feeling that you have entered it incorrectly, repeat the operation from the beginning to see if you feel more comfortable.
Step 9. Rotate it to make sure it is secure
Grab the base of the cup on the sides (not the stem) and make it go through at least one full circle. By doing this, you will make sure that the edges of the ring have widened completely by sealing the vaginal canal.
- You may also feel or hear a small snap - this means the cup has opened. If you're not sure, reach out and touch the base. It should be round, based on your internal genital anatomy.
- If it has not opened, pull the stem down slightly, being careful not to remove it completely.
Part 2 of 3: Take out the cup
Step 1. Check it every 12 hours
It is generally possible to keep it for 12 hours. This means you can just wipe off the contents in the morning and evening - this can be done comfortably at home.
If you have a particularly heavy period, you will probably need to empty it more often
Step 2. Sit on the toilet
Although some women prefer to stand, you should try on the toilet. If you haven't gotten to grips with it yet, it can be tricky. However, don't worry. Once you have identified the best technique to remove it, you will not make any mess!
Step 3. Start by disarming the joint
You can't just take it out because the suction effect keeps it in place! Rather, grab the base just above the stem and squeeze the sides. In this way you will be able to disengage it and, finally, extract it. Make sure you hold it upright as you remove it.
- If with this maneuver you are unable to free it from its seat, try squeezing the edge with a finger to eliminate the suction cup effect.
- Don't worry if you can't get it out on the first try! It is not "lost" inside the vagina. You absolutely do not run this risk. Take your time, relax and try again.
Step 4. Empty it in the toilet
Keep holding it upright as you take it to the toilet, then turn it over to drain the contents. If you can't wash it right away, you can just wipe it with toilet paper and reinsert it.
Be careful not to drop it in the toilet! If it happens, wash it thoroughly before reintroducing it
Step 5. Wash the cup with soap and water
If you can, rinse it under the tap. Then, scrub it with soap and warm water, making sure to remove all the suds under the water. Finally, you can enter it again.
- It is preferable to use a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- If you have a disposable cup, throw it away and put in a new one.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Cup and Solving Common Problems
Step 1. Sterilize it between menstrual periods
Wash the cup with soap and water. Then, in a saucepan, bring a little water to a boil. Put the cup inside and boil it for 5-7 minutes to sanitize it. You should dedicate a saucepan for this purpose.
- If the cup is stained, clean it with 70% denatured alcohol.
- You can also use a sterilizing solution, such as the one for baby bottles. You can buy it at the supermarket or pharmacy.
- Always read the sterilization instructions as the process may vary from one brand to another.
Step 2. Shorten the stem if it bothers you
For some women, the stem may be too long, causing irritation. In this case, you can simply cut a portion of it to make it more comfortable.
You can also buy a cup with a shorter stem
Step 3. Try several cups if the first one feels uncomfortable
Not all menstrual cups are suitable for every woman! This is why there are various types on the market. If the one you bought is a bit annoying, try another one to see how you feel better.
- For example, you can take a smaller one, one with a shorter stem, or one for more sensitive subjects.
- Some even have different shapes! For example, they are more pointed than others.
Step 4. Buy a heavy flow cup
Although some accidents can always happen, menstrual cups do not leak, as long as they fit properly in the vaginal canal. However, if yours always fills to overflow and you can't or don't want to check it frequently, try one that's made specifically for heavy flows. It is larger and reduces the risk of blood loss.
Step 5. Dilate the hymen and vaginal opening if the entrance is too narrow
If you are still a virgin or have never used an internal tampon, you may find that the vaginal opening and hymen do not easily dilate to accommodate the cup. In this case, try dilating the area over a month using your fingers. Start with 1-2 fingers and increase to 3 if your genital anatomy allows. You could also use a small dildo. Do not overdo it. If it hurts, stop and go back to where you feel no pain.
Keep in mind that the hymen does not completely cover the external orifice of the vagina, except in very rare cases, where it should be corrected with surgery. Rather, it is a membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening and dilates if it is too narrow. The hymen is not a sign of virginity. Although it can stretch over time, it is not something you can tear apart to get inside the vagina and it can come in different shapes or sizes depending on the woman
Advice
- Store your cup in a breathable, easy-to-clean container.
- If you feel uncomfortable with tampons and cups, but still prefer a reusable product, consider cloth pads.
- The menstrual cup allows you to hold your menstrual blood instead of absorbing it like a tampon. This means you can use it before your period begins.
- If you don't want to use pads and pads, but reusable tampons that don't cause toxic shock syndrome, try the sea sponge menstrual tampon.
Warnings
- On days when the flow is heavy, the cup can fill and leak. Bring spare pads with you and empty them more often.
- Menstrual cups are not a form of contraception, in fact they must be removed before having sex. However, the disposable soft ones can be used during sexual intercourse along with a contraceptive.
