All you girls and ladies out there might have heard about the new trending alternative to sanitary pads and tampons. Well, it’s the menstrual cup which is a very eco-friendly alternative. So, what are Menstrual Cups? It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup that is made from latex rubber or silicone. It’s a reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s not like a tampon or a pad that absorbs your flow; instead, it catches and collects.
How To Use Or Insert Menstrual Cups:
A huge number of women prefer using these cups over tampons as the cups can hold more blood and they can be worn for up to 12 hours. Just before your period begins, tightly fold the menstrual cup and insert it like a tampon without an applicator. If you use it correctly, you won’t be able to feel it.
There are many brands of reusable cups Available in the market which include the Keeper Cup, Lunette Menstrual Cup, Moon Cup, Lena Cup, DivaCup, and Lily Cup. There are also a few disposable menstrual cups available in the market, such as Instead Softcup.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup?
If you want to use a menstrual cup, you can consult your gynaecologist or you can even buy online or from stores near you. But, firstly you need to figure out which size do you need. Most of the brands only sell large and small versions of these cups. To know the best menstrual cup size for you, you should keep in mind the following factors:
• Your age
• The length of your cervix
• Is your blood flow heavy or light
• Flexibility and Firmness of the menstrual cup
• The capacity of the cup
• The strength of your pelvic floor muscles
• If you’ve given birth vaginally
For women who are less than 30 years old and haven’t delivered vaginally are recommended to use small cups. Women who are more than 30 years old or have heavy flow or have given birth vaginally are recommended to use large menstrual cups.
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Advantages of Using Menstrual Cups
• They are reasonably priced and eco- friendly.
• They are much safer than tampons.
• They can hold more blood than tampons or pads.
• Cups cannot be felt during sex so, you don’t have to worry about any leaks.
• They can be worn with an IUD.
Disadvantages of Using Menstrual Cups
• They can be messy. At times you might not be able to take them out without spilling.
• It can be hard to insert or remove the cups
• As menstrual cups are not one size for all, it might be tough to find the exact right fit
• To some women, the rubber or latex may cause some allergic reactions
• If the cup is not cleaned or inserted properly, it can cause vaginal irritation
Making a switch can be a huge step. But, this step should only be taken when you are absolutely sure about using menstrual cups. I hope this article might have helped you in choosing whether to use or insert Menstrual Cups or not. If you’re still unsure, you can always consult a gynaecologist.