If you think about it, having your period is not as much trouble as the constant need to check and change your pad or tampon. And that’s if you’ve remembered to carry along a spare in your hand bag…else good luck finding one. This wave of anxiety is a silent struggle and often simply inexplicable. Send HALP!
Fret not, we’ve got you some good news. You are never going back after you’ve known the best thing that could happen to your period is *drum roll* – the Menstrual cup. All you’ve to do is unload-rinse-load the very same cup. And if that’s not enough, it takes care of your eco-anxiety because you can use the menstrual cup for a long time before disposing off. Ah, the joy of a pocket-friendly discovery!
At this point, you’re probably curious to know if it’s your cup of tea; so here’s breaking it down for you:
Think of it as a reusable bell-shaped feminine hygiene product flexible enough to be comfortably inserted into your vagina.
What is a menstrual cup made of?
This small flexible cup is generally made of silicone or latex rubber. Although silicone is recyclable, latex rubber is bio-degradable. Environmental-friendly? Check.
What is a menstrual cup used for?
This funnel-shaped cup is inserted in your vagina and nestles up against your cervix to collect your gradual period blood flow.
Menstrual Cup Benefits
- Here’s a task for you: Calculate the amount of money you have spent on pads or tampons every year until now. Rude awakening, right? Unlike pads or tampons, these cups don’t need to be bought every month which means your bank balance will thank you (how often does that happen, anyway?)
- Hate how some random persistent guy slips into your DM with his occasional ‘Hey’? Well that can’t be as bad as when your period surprises says you with a big Hola. The horror of running out of pads or tampons and being caught unprepared? Well the menstrual cup is a sole hero that can be reused which means you are always prepared as long as you carry it.
- The occasional blood flow during the cycle can make your vagina feel damp and uncomfortable especially if you’re using products that absorb the flow. The menstrual cup collects rather than absorb. This means no more dampness.
- Depending on its size, the menstrual cup can hold more blood than a tampon or pad, freeing you from the awkward washroom trips at work after smuggling sanitary products in your pockets.
- Love the environment? You can do your bit at keeping it safe by not contributing more waste by using menstrual cups. Once full, the cup can be cleaned and reused, putting one-time-use tampons and pads to shame.
- Sleep for 12 hours sans any worry of leaks and stains. We’re talking no more waking up to bedsheets that resemble a crime scene.
- Using menstrual cups can reduce odor that is otherwise released when the blood is exposed to aire.
- Unlike tampons, menstrual cups don’t absorb all your vaginal fluid keeping the vaginal pH level balanced. This means no unnecessary dryness.
Eager to try this out? Let’s have a look at how menstrual cups work.
Understanding Menstrual Cup
- Rim: The rim is the circular top edge that holds the cup in place or seals it.
- Airholes: The angled airholes release suction every time you pinch the base of the cup, making it easier to remove.
- Body: The body of the cup collects your menstrual flow. This part decides the cup capacity.
- Stem: The stem is used to maneuver the cup while inserting and removing it.
Handling the menstrual cup is a lot easier than it seems. Let us show you how:
Step 1: For hygiene purposes, first wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 2: Sit on the toilet with your knees spread and relax. Staying relaxed is key for ensuring the insertion is smooth.
Step 3: Rub some lubricant on the rim of the menstrual cup or wet it with water.
Step 4: Holding the body of the cup with your hand, squeeze and fold the cup in half.
Step 5: With the rim facing upwards, gently push the folded cup into your vagina.
Step 6: Once the cup is inside the vagina, rotate it to ensure it stays in place with an airtight seal.
Although you can leave your menstrual cup overnight, it’s advisable to remove it every 8-12 hours. If you have a hard time removing, remember it’s normal to take some time to really figure it out.
Step 1: For hygiene purposes, first wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 2: Sit on the toilet with your knees spread and relax.
Step 3: Using you thumb and index finger gently tug at the stem of the cup until you can feel the base of the cup.
Step 4: Now Pinch the base to release the seal and pull out the cup.
Step 5: Once the cup is out, empty the collected blood into the toilet and flush.
Step 6: Wash the used cup with soap and water and then keep it aside or reuse as required.
Precautions when dealing with a menstrual cup
- If you’re using a menstrual cup for the first time, use it on a low-stake day. Don’t just experiment with it when you’ve something major going on for the day.
- Removing a menstrual cup can be a messy process and so it is advised to avoid the standing position at least in the beginning.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all and so it would take some trial and errors to figure a menstrual cup of the size (small, medium, large) and brand that your vagina approves. So be patient.
- Check for silicone or rubber allergies to ensure the menstrual cup is safe for your use.
- Forcefully inserting a menstrual cup without prior lubrication may cause unnecessary discomfort.
- It’s essential to wash both your hands and the menstrual cup to rule out the possibility of any infection.
- After every period cycle, sterilize the menstrual cup in a vessel of boiling water or use a cup sterilizer to keep it sanitized and ready before your next period.
Nykaa Recommends: SanNap Fda Approved Menstrual Cup & Intimate Foaming Wash (Small), WOW Skin Science Freedom Premium Menstrual Cup & Wash – Medium, eZY Menstrual Cup – Large, Sirona Menstrual Cup Sterilizer
FAQs on Menstrual Cups
1. Which are the best menstrual cups?
Here is a list of the best menstrual cups.
- Ladygo Reusable Menstrual Cup Standard Model
- mJOY Premium Hygienic Period Cup
- Stonesoup Pratham Menstrual Cup
- SanNap Menstrual Cup
2. Is menstrual cup safe?
As long as you follow the directions of use, a menstrual cup is safe to use. In fact, it also reduces the chances of the Toxic Shock Syndrome, a bacterial infection.
3. Can you sleep with a menstrual cup on?
The menstrual cup can be used for upto 12 hours maximum and can be left overnight.
4. Suggest some best menstrual cup brands and their products.
Floh, iCare, WOW and Sirona are some popular brands for menstrual cups.
