Menstrual cups are great solutions to help women manage their periods. They are an alternative to traditional sanitary pads or tampons and are available in both disposable and reusable versions. You can find models with different degrees of flexibility, size, color, length, width and are made of different materials according to the brand. In order to choose the best cup for you you need to know the different products available, as well as consider your personal needs and preferences.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Best Menstrual Cup for You
Step 1. Identify the different options
There are many brands on the market that offer different solutions to choose from.
- Read the information provided by the different manufacturers, so that you get a good idea of the materials and characteristics of each specific brand.
- The variables to consider are the size, the range of colors, the fact that the cup is disposable or reusable, the capacity, the rigidity of the edge or of the lower part that collects the flow, in addition to the length, the diameter of the rim and the material used.
Step 2. Start with the measurement
There are no standard criteria to establish the correct one, as is the case for the choice of shoes or clothes; one brand's "small" cup may not be the same size as another manufacturer's "small" cup. However, most manufacturers always recommend choosing the cup size, be it small or large, based on the general characteristics and category of the woman.
- Cups are usually available in large or small sizes. The general guidelines are a starting point; then you have to make the necessary changes to find the brand and size that fully meet your needs.
- If you are a teenager, have never had sexual intercourse, have not yet turned 30, have never had vaginal births, or have frequent physical activity, you should start with a small cup.
- The term "small size" mostly refers to how the cup fits inside the vagina and has little to do with how much fluid it can hold.
- The large size is suitable for women who are over 30, have had a vaginal birth or have a heavy menstrual flow.
Step 3. Take some time to get used to it
Once you have chosen the brand and size, you need to give yourself the time to learn how to use this device. Put on a sanitary napkin or panty liner as you get used to using the cup in case of leaks or spills.
- You will have to take several attempts for 2-3 menstrual cycles to understand if your first choice fits perfectly.
- Menstrual cup manufacturers are aware that adjustments are needed and some of them offer new customers the option of reimbursement.
Step 4. Know the cup capacity
The amount of menstrual flow that the cup can hold can vary by brand.
- However, all of them are advertised as being able to retain more fluid than a normal tampon.
- The average recommended time of use before emptying it is 10-12 hours.
- If you have a particularly heavy menstrual flow, reduce the time to about 6-8 hours, to avoid unpleasant inconveniences.
- Plan to have more pads and accessories available until you know how long you can wait without emptying your cup and without incurring embarrassing leaks.
Step 5. Consider the other variables
The menstrual cup must be comfortable and the reusable one is made to last for many years.
- When you find the right one you shouldn't feel its presence. If it bothers you, you can try getting a different size or another brand.
- Choose one that has a smaller diameter on the edge or that is more flexible in the concave area.
Step 6. Try a disposable model
This cup may be the most comfortable solution for you. There are two types.
- One is intended to be discarded after each use, while the other must be discarded after menstruation ends.
- Disposable cups are made of very flexible material. The part that collects the flow is very light and thin.
Step 7. Evaluate the length
If you have chosen a reusable product but are not comfortable with it, examine its length.
- This is often the biggest problem with reusable cups that create discomfort.
- If you're not sure which length is right for you, start with a medium size.
- Most cups have a part that protrudes at the bottom, similar to a small stem, which you can cut to adjust and adapt the length.
- If you have a heavy flow or are having a hard time finding a comfortable cup, you should compare different models of the same brand, as well as make comparisons with some cups from the major companies. On the web you can find more information and compare the characteristics of the different brands.
Step 8. Choose a model with the right stiffness
Since there are no medical terms to describe them, menstrual cups are simply referred to as "softer" or "firmer".
- Some women find it more comfortable to have a "bell" (the part that collects the fluid) that is more rigid or solid. In addition, these models reduce the risk of spills, as they have a more robust construction.
- The firmer consistency allows the cup to open more easily once inserted, maintaining its shape on the vaginal walls and avoiding problems of sagging or sinking on the sides.
- Harder cups are easier to remove, as the walls fold inward when pressure is applied to the base, making it easier to break the "sucker" effect created.
- However, due to its stiffer and firmer consistency, you may feel the presence of the cup in the vagina, feeling a little pressure and perhaps even discomfort.
- Softer or more flexible cups put less pressure on the bladder, are generally more comfortable to wear, and easily fit women with a specially shaped uterus.
- These patterns are more difficult to remove, as they do not respond to finger pressure when trying to break the suction. In general, the soft model tends to cause greater losses, because it can give way and sink or in any case move under the action of the muscles of the vaginal walls.
Step 9. Choose the color
Some brands sell the cups in a variety of colors.
- The disposable ones are transparent. If you prefer the colorless ones, know that most manufacturers offer reusable models without dyes.
- Colors are useful for hiding stains that may remain due to repeated use. The transparent models can be washed and rinsed thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide to eliminate traces due to multiple uses.
Part 2 of 4: Evaluating the Benefits
Step 1. Know that you can wear the cup during exercise
This device is a great option for women who exercise regularly; it is also possible to keep some disposable models even during sexual intercourse.
- However, keep in mind that disposable cups are not contraceptive and do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- The reusable ones are made of more robust material and cannot be worn during sexual intercourse.
- The cup is suitable for physical activity such as swimming, cycling or other sports.
Step 2. Offers the advantage of extending the time between changes, also eliminating odor
Pads usually need to be replaced every few hours, while the cup can stay in the vagina for up to 12 hours.
- In addition, sanitary napkins release odor due to exposure to air from menstrual blood.
- The cup instead collects the flow inside the vagina and avoids problems of unpleasant odors.
Step 3. Be aware that it also reduces the risk of infections
With regular and proper cleaning, this menstruation control device carries a lower risk of infections.
- The cup does not alter the vaginal pH and does not cause small lesions to the surrounding vaginal walls, as can happen with tampons.
- The change in pH and "micro-tears" can cause infections, which are impossible with the use of the cup.
Step 4. Review the safety policy
Menstrual cups are now also sold and advertised in Italy as safe products, also recommended and approved by the Ministry of Health. Even in the United States, the FDA considers them safe. Most of the selling companies make them in hypoallergenic and non-toxic material.
Some can also be used safely by women who are allergic to latex. To be sure, check the instruction manual
Step 5. With the menstrual cup you avoid the risk of toxic shock syndrome
This disease has been associated with the use of tampons during menstruation.
- This is a bacterial infection related to the use of tampons.
- There have been no cases of this syndrome attributable to the use of the menstrual cup.
Step 6. The reusable model allows you to save money and protect the environment
It is a solution to spend less money and is considered eco-friendly.
- The cup costs more than a pack of tampons or tampons, but will last for many years.
- The disposable model is less expensive than the reusable one and can be compared to the price of other feminine hygiene products, depending on the store you buy it from.
- The reusable cup prevents the accumulation of sanitary pads that end up in landfills.
Step 7. Remember that it is an easy to use device
Once you are familiar with the insertion and removal operations, the cup is an easy solution to manage the monthly flow.
- Each manufacturer provides detailed instructions regarding insertion and extraction, which you can find in the documentation included in the box, on the manufacturer's online site and in many YouTube videos to help you understand the procedure.
- The cup must be folded, then gently slide it into the vagina pointing it up and back, then giving a small push to lock it in place securely.
- To remove it you have to pinch the base and then pull it out. Do not pull it by grabbing it directly from the stem because it is "sealed" thanks to the "suction cup" effect. If you pull the terminal stem, you can injure the surrounding vaginal tissues.
Part 3 of 4: Evaluating the Disadvantages
Step 1. Keep in mind the cleaning process
More confusion is created with the menstrual cup. When you remove it, you also draw out the flow that has collected within it over the past 8-12 hours.
- It takes some practice to find an effective method. Many women take it off while "hanging" above the toilet to avoid soiling their clothes or the floor. If you can, you should practice removing it when in the shower.
- You can clean the cup by rinsing it with fresh water and then reinserting it for another 8-12 hours.
- You can wear a sanitary napkin or panty liner until you are comfortable with the procedure.
- When you are in a public bathroom and you have to remove or reinsert the cup, you have to find strategies to be able to rinse it in the best way, since a sink is not always available inside the single cabin.
Step 2. Be aware that you may have difficulty entering it
For some women this step is quite complex.
- Younger women and teenagers sometimes have a hard time putting it in the vagina.
- Even women who have never had sexual intercourse find the procedure more difficult.
Step 3. Be aware that you may have some trouble removing it
It is often more difficult to remove it than to insert it.
- The important thing is not to pull the stem. Since the cup performs its function properly when it adheres like a suction cup, pulling it can cause irritation and even some injury to the surrounding vaginal tissues.
- The correct way to remove it is to pinch it at the base to break the grip, then pulling down and out.
- Pour the fluid that has collected inside the toilet into the toilet, then wash the cup with fresh water and insert it again.
Step 4. Determine if you have time to sterilize the cup after each use
Once your period is over, you should clean it thoroughly. If you think you don't have the time or are unwilling to do so, a menstrual cup is not for you.
- To sterilize it, place it in a shallow pan and boil it in water for 5 minutes.
- The methods that are used to sterilize baby bottles and pacifiers with sanitizing solutions are also good for menstrual cups.
- Follow the guidelines on the package instructions to clean it properly.
Part 4 of 4: Avoiding Possible Complications
Step 1. Choose a latex-free product
If you are allergic to this material, know that there are other cups made with materials that are safe for you.
Read the product directions to be sure. If you are allergic to latex, choose a medical grade silicone cup
Step 2. See your gynecologist if you are using the intrauterine coil (IUD)
Most doctors are against using the cup when wearing this contraceptive.
- Research has shown that the coil is displaced during insertion or removal of the menstrual cup.
- Before you decide to buy one, talk to your gynecologist to make sure it's a safe solution for you.
Step 3. Do not wear it if you suffer from some diseases
If you are concerned, consult your doctor to make sure you can insert the cup.
- You must not use it if you have recently given birth or if you have suffered an abortion, regardless of whether it is spontaneous or intentional.
- The cup is also not suitable if you have been told that you have a retroflexed uterus.
- You should avoid using it if you have been told not to use tampons due to some surgery or other medical condition.
- Do not wear it if you suffer from pelvic organ prolapse.
Step 4. Find out if you are at risk for endometriosis
Talk to your gynecologist before trying the cup. This is extremely unlikely, but you still need to discuss it with your doctor.
