Everything you need to know about menstrual cups!

Everything there is to know about menstrual cups!

Every girl in her periods will agree with me when I say it's not a cake walk. Be it the bloating, the mood swings, the cramps, the feeling of heaviness or maybe just the frequent changing of pads and tampons. I remember planning my day according to the number of pad changes I would need on that particular day, carrying around back-ups for just-in-case getting an overflow and staining my pants. And after all that planning and plotting, getting a pad rash for all your troubles!

Finally, I came across menstrual cups. I took my own sweet time to find out all about it, before actually getting comfortable using it. Contrary to what I presumed, menstrual cup did not come into existence overnight. It has been around in some form since the 1800s. The first commercial one was invented by the actress Leona Chalmers in 1937. She patented a design that was made of latex rubber. In WWII, there was a shortage of latex which caused the company to shut down.

With the world going green, a big number of people have now adopted these cups as they are not just sustainable in nature but eco-friendly too. Approximately a hundred million women and girls still use sanitary napkins in India. The burden of the non biodegradable sanitary napkins and tampons on the planet is too high.

I was approached by many friends and family concerning the pros and cons of the cup. Here is just a small list of the questions I was asked (and the responses).

Are menstrual cups better than sanitary pads and tampons?

It would not be right to say which one is better. It varies person to person. Every individual has a different choice and comfort with these products.

How does a menstrual cup work?

Menstrual cup is a bell shaped cup made of rubber, silicon or latex. It is a female hygiene product which is inserted into the vagina to catch and collect the menstrual blood. They are safe and comfortable to use if used correctly. Virgins can use it too without any effect on the hymen. Most of these cups are reusable.

How to choose a menstrual cup?

The most important thing while picking a menstrual cup is the size. The size depends on how heavy the flow is during your period, if you are not sexually active or if you have had vaginal birth. When used correctly with the perfect size, there is no menstrual leakage.

How do I insert the cup?

Inserting a cup is pretty easy. First and foremost, wash your hands with soap. Fold the cup in one of the ways shown below and hold it.

Insert into the vagina folded and tilted to the spine. Initially it might cause a bit of discomfort while inserting and removing, but you will master it with time.

How do I remove the menstrual cup?

Removing is easier. let your pelvic muscles do the work and push it out. Grab the cup between your index and thumb from the sides, squeeze and bring it out.

How frequently do I need to empty my cup?

It is recommended that you empty the cup at least twice a day or at an interval of 10-12 hours. this can vary depending on the nature of your flow.

Is it normal for a menstrual cup to leak?

If inserted correctly, and if the right size is used, the cup should not leak. It might leak if you haven't emptied it in a while and it overflows.

Do I have to boil the cup to clean my Menstrual cup?

You don't have to boil the cup after every use, but wash it properly and clean with a napkin. you have to boil once your period ends and you are keeping it aside till the next month.

Can I do sports with Menstrual Cup in ?

Yes, it's perfectly possible for you to do sports with menstrual cups in.

Can I sleep with menstrual cups in?

As you need to empty the cups every 10-12 hours, you can sleep with the cups in.

Do menstrual cups cause infection?

Menstrual cups per se do not cause infection, but improper hygiene during handling the cup can! Make sure you wash your hands properly before inserting and removing the cup. the cup has to be cleaned properly and boiled in between periods.

You need not lubricate the cup before use. Try avoiding vinegar, alcohol, spirit, hydrogen peroxide to clean the cup, it damages the silicone.

I will be looking forward to answering any more questions you have about menstrual cups!