Menstruation Cups an alternative for Sanitary pads and Tampons: Learn How to Use it
Women have been using sanitary pads and tampons from a long time during their periods. Now they are traditional Menstrual cups comes as an alternative with added benefits in terms of health, hygiene, comfort, dependability, etc. It is also very eco-friendly. It is very different and revolutionary from the standard disposable protection method used. Nonetheless, it is not very complicated, it just needs a bit of practice.
A menstrual cup is not a new concept; it has its inception around the same time as tampons. It is much better than tampons as the cup collects the menstrual flow rather than absorbing it. Most menstrual cups are made of silicone or rubber. It has less malodour and more time between changes. It takes care of the leakage problem and since it does not absorb the menstrual flow like a tampon, the pH and the bacterial balance is maintained in the vagina. It is much easier to use than tampons. Last but not the least, it is much easier to your pocket and much more cost-effective. However, there might be few hiccups in using them too, like emptying the cup could be a little messy. There can be difficulties in their insertion, snuggly fitting and removal in some (especially if they are unmarried) women.
Following are some of the tips to get the hang of using a menstrual cup:
➡For many, the idea of inserting something into their vagina during periods may sound gross. Therefore, it is imperative that you get comfortable with your body and the need. Using menstrual cup involves inserting your fingers into the vagina. While you need not be in love with your periods, you need to be comfortable with it. Once you have passed the stage of being squeamish, life does become easier.Until you get the feel of the menstrual cup usage, it is a good idea to use it under an expert's guidance. Also, a sanitary pad or a panty liner should be used to cover for any leakages. Once you get the hang of it, you can say goodbye to your pads.
➡As a first time user, you may have some apprehensions as to whether you will be able to insert it correctly or not. For the first time, you should try inserting it while in a shower, as water can act as a lubricant and will also help your muscles relax. Further, the constant flow of water can help you keep yourself clean if you are squeamish about the period leakages.
➡Follow the instructions provided along with the cup to insert it into your vagina. If the size of the cup worries you, remember that the vagina is elastic enough to give birth to a baby.
➡Do not use any lubricants to ease the cup in, as it might erode the silicone or also might make it easy to slip out.
How to Insert and Remove a Menstrual Cup
When inserting the cup for the first time, do it in the comfort of your home and your bathroom, rather than in public toilets. It is a good idea to sterilise the menstrual cup in boiling water before insertion. It is very important that you wash your hands thoroughly before handling it, as you would not want any vaginal infections. Assume the position which is most comfortable to you for insertion. It varies from individual to individual; some find it easy sitting on the toilet seat with widespread legs, you could squat down, or you could put one leg on the edge of a tub or toilet seat. Relax your vaginal muscles before you proceed with insertion.
• Step 1: Press the walls of the cup together and fold it in half into a C shape.
• Step 2: Holding the edges squeezed together, angle it back to the base of your spine and insert the folded cup completely into your vagina. Allow the cup to sit as low as it is comfortable for you inside your vagina; it should be lower than a tampon. The tip of the stem should go in no further than half an inch into the vagina. Putting it too deeply will cause leakage problems and also make it difficult to remove. Once inside, the cup will open creating suction which will prevent leakage. You can check if it is fully unfolded by gripping the cup base and rotating it 360 degrees in either direction. If it rotates easily, then it means it is fully open and is in the correct position (angled horizontally towards your tailbone).
•Step 3: You can leave this in for 12 hours. The main advantage of using menstrual cup is leaving it in for long hours. Depending on your flow, you can judge on how frequently it needs to be emptied.
•Step 4: To remove, first relax and then pull on the stem of the cup gently until you reach the base of the cup. Pinch the base to release the suction and use your pelvic muscles (muscles which you use to start and stop urination) to push the cup lower into your vagina and remove it completely. Empty the cup into the toilet and wash it thoroughly with warm water before re-inserting it.
With time and practice, you will find that you no longer dread your periods and that you can do any activity, even swimming. All in all, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
A menstrual cup is not a new concept; it has its inception around the same time as tampons. It is much better than tampons as the cup collects the menstrual flow rather than absorbing it. Most menstrual cups are made of silicone or rubber. It has less malodour and more time between changes. It takes care of the leakage problem and since it does not absorb the menstrual flow like a tampon, the pH and the bacterial balance is maintained in the vagina. It is much easier to use than tampons. Last but not the least, it is much easier to your pocket and much more cost-effective. However, there might be few hiccups in using them too, like emptying the cup could be a little messy. There can be difficulties in their insertion, snuggly fitting and removal in some (especially if they are unmarried) women.
Following are some of the tips to get the hang of using a menstrual cup:
➡For many, the idea of inserting something into their vagina during periods may sound gross. Therefore, it is imperative that you get comfortable with your body and the need. Using menstrual cup involves inserting your fingers into the vagina. While you need not be in love with your periods, you need to be comfortable with it. Once you have passed the stage of being squeamish, life does become easier.Until you get the feel of the menstrual cup usage, it is a good idea to use it under an expert's guidance. Also, a sanitary pad or a panty liner should be used to cover for any leakages. Once you get the hang of it, you can say goodbye to your pads.
➡As a first time user, you may have some apprehensions as to whether you will be able to insert it correctly or not. For the first time, you should try inserting it while in a shower, as water can act as a lubricant and will also help your muscles relax. Further, the constant flow of water can help you keep yourself clean if you are squeamish about the period leakages.
➡Follow the instructions provided along with the cup to insert it into your vagina. If the size of the cup worries you, remember that the vagina is elastic enough to give birth to a baby.
➡Do not use any lubricants to ease the cup in, as it might erode the silicone or also might make it easy to slip out.
How to Insert and Remove a Menstrual Cup
When inserting the cup for the first time, do it in the comfort of your home and your bathroom, rather than in public toilets. It is a good idea to sterilise the menstrual cup in boiling water before insertion. It is very important that you wash your hands thoroughly before handling it, as you would not want any vaginal infections. Assume the position which is most comfortable to you for insertion. It varies from individual to individual; some find it easy sitting on the toilet seat with widespread legs, you could squat down, or you could put one leg on the edge of a tub or toilet seat. Relax your vaginal muscles before you proceed with insertion.
• Step 1: Press the walls of the cup together and fold it in half into a C shape.
• Step 2: Holding the edges squeezed together, angle it back to the base of your spine and insert the folded cup completely into your vagina. Allow the cup to sit as low as it is comfortable for you inside your vagina; it should be lower than a tampon. The tip of the stem should go in no further than half an inch into the vagina. Putting it too deeply will cause leakage problems and also make it difficult to remove. Once inside, the cup will open creating suction which will prevent leakage. You can check if it is fully unfolded by gripping the cup base and rotating it 360 degrees in either direction. If it rotates easily, then it means it is fully open and is in the correct position (angled horizontally towards your tailbone).
•Step 3: You can leave this in for 12 hours. The main advantage of using menstrual cup is leaving it in for long hours. Depending on your flow, you can judge on how frequently it needs to be emptied.
•Step 4: To remove, first relax and then pull on the stem of the cup gently until you reach the base of the cup. Pinch the base to release the suction and use your pelvic muscles (muscles which you use to start and stop urination) to push the cup lower into your vagina and remove it completely. Empty the cup into the toilet and wash it thoroughly with warm water before re-inserting it.
With time and practice, you will find that you no longer dread your periods and that you can do any activity, even swimming. All in all, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
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