In our seek for eco-friendly and healthy alternatives, an increasing number of women are choosing sustainable and budget-friendly menstrual protection options. Nevertheless, doubts about methods to placed on the menstrual cup or fears of doing it incorrect are some common reasons many ladies avoid using it.
Even though it may sound difficult at first, with the appropriate information and somewhat practice, using the menstrual cup will be an easy and straightforward experience for most ladies. We’ll inform you all the things you should know to make use of this product accurately from the primary time.
How does the menstrual cup work?
The menstrual cup, unlike tampons and pads, is characterised by collecting menstrual blood as a substitute of absorbing it. It’s made from medical-grade silicone and has a special design to suit the anatomy of your body.
It’s inserted inside your vagina until the stick or ball at the bottom is just flush with the labia. This ensures a snug and secure fit. As well as, its edges adapt to your body and generate a vacuum effect that forestalls leakage.
Unlike traditional methods, which should be modified regularly, the menstrual cup can remain in place for several hours, depending in your menstrual flow. After a certain time, the cup is solely removed, emptied, cleaned, and reused.
With proper care, the menstrual cup will be reused for several years.
Tips on how to select the appropriate menstrual cup
To wear the menstrual cup accurately, it’s essential to have the appropriate product. There are several brands, designs, and sizes in the marketplace, so it’s necessary to think about certain criteria when choosing yours.
Selecting the appropriate menstrual cup is critical to make sure a snug and effective experience during your menstrual period.
Selecting the appropriate size menstrual cup will rely upon several aspects, including your age and whether you might have had a vaginal delivery. As a general rule, if you happen to’re under 30 and have never had a vaginal birth, size S is normally one of the best fit. Otherwise, you’ll probably need size L.
It’s necessary to notice that the quantity of menstrual flow doesn’t determine menstrual cup size. If you might have heavy bleeding, you shouldn’t buy a bigger cup, but will simply need to alter it more regularly.
Chances are you’ll must try several brands and designs until you discover the feel and shape that’s most comfortable for you. Do not forget that every one is different. If you might have questions when selecting, seek the advice of a health skilled for advice.
We predict chances are you’ll be interested by reading this, too: The Menstrual Disc: What Is It and How Does It Differ from the Menstrual Cup?
Menstrual cups and virginity
In case you’ve never had sex, you should utilize a menstrual cup as a virgin. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll need somewhat extra practice and time to develop into conversant in your anatomy at first.
Virginity is a social and cultural construct that refers to not having had previous sexual activity. Using a menstrual cup doesn’t affect this status, for the reason that cup is inserted into the vagina, but doesn’t involve sexual penetration.
As for the status of the hymen, an anatomical structure that in precedent days was used to find out whether a woman was a virgin or not, you need to know that today it’s known that its shape and size vary in each woman. With on a regular basis activities, the hymen tends to stretch and dilate. It might even have openings or be very flexible before a lady has sex for the primary time.
Using a menstrual cup, like other every day activities, may exert a slight stretch on the hymen, but this doesn’t indicate a lack of virginity.
A step-by-step guide on methods to properly insert your menstrual cup
Now that you might have your menstrual cup, it’s time to make use of it. Follow this detailed step-by-step to do it right.
1. Sterilize your cup
Because you’re putting a product inside your body, to make sure your health and safety, it should be clean and germ-free. Never insert a menstrual cup without first sterilizing it.
Essentially the most effective technique to clean and sterilize your menstrual cup is to soak it in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. This step removes bacteria and dirt, ensuring that it’s ready for secure use.
Some business brands include a sterilization kit once you buy your menstrual cup. It is a collapsible container that will be placed within the microwave for just a few seconds.
During your menstrual cycle, it’ll not be needed to re-sterilize the cup, just clean it with water and reinsert it. You’ll only must repeat the sterilization process the next month, in your next cycle, before using the cup for the primary time during that period.
2. Wash your hands
Since the cup will are available in direct contact along with your skin and vaginal mucous membranes, you should all the time wash your hands with soap before handling it. This manner you’ll avoid introducing germs or bacteria that would cause vaginal infections.
If you might have long fingernails or porcelain nails, it’s necessary to make sure that they’re clean and take special care to not pinch yourself during insertion or removal.
3. Find a snug position
On the subject of inserting your menstrual cup, you need to discover a position that feels comfortable and makes insertion easier. Try different positions until you discover the one which works best for you: lying on the bed, squatting on the ground, or with one foot resting on the sting of the tub will be helpful.
For the primary time, you may select to put your cup within the shower or bathtub. This can mean you can calm down, spread your legs as wide as you should, and eliminate any worries about staining anything.
When you develop into conversant in the method, you will definitely feel more comfortable and assured to put your menstrual cup anywhere, anytime.
4. Fold the cup
Whenever you see the cup unfolded, it could appear not possible for it to suit inside your vagina. Nevertheless, the secret’s to fold it before insertion.
There are other ways to fold the menstrual cup and you have to to seek out the appropriate one for you. We explain several types of folds so you may select the one which works best in your body.
The Flower or “C” fold
That is one in every of the only and easiest folds to make. Flatten the cup and fold it in half to form a kind of “C” or “U” shape. This fold is ideal for beginners because it’s a smooth fold and opens easily once inserted.
The “Punch down” fold
The “punch down” menstrual cup folds for insertion.
In case you’re having problems getting the cup to open completely once inserted, the “punch down” fold will be the solution.
To do that, hold the cup in a single hand and use the index finger of the opposite hand to push one in every of the sides inward, forming a kind of fist towards the within the cup. This fold will open once it’s contained in the vagina.
The “S” fold
Bring the sides of the cup together to shut it after which, holding them together, push the 2 sides in opposite directions to create an “S” shape.
The “E” shape fold
For this fold, bring the sides of the cup together and fold it in half to form a “C” shape. Then take one in every of the ends from the middle outward to form the form of an “E” or “M”.
The triangular fold
Pinch the sting of the cup to flatten it. Then, once closed, pull one end of the rim diagonally across the other side to form a decent triangle.
The “7” fold
Just like the triangle fold, however the cup is less closed. Flatten the cup by squeezing the sting. Once closed, bring one end of the rim diagonally toward the other side of the cup, but not all of the technique to the tip, thus forming the number “7”.
The diamond fold
Pinch the middle of the cup to shut it, then pull the rim of 1 side open over the middle, forming an “O”. Next, bring the other sides of the “O” to overlap and form a diamond.
The Origami fold
Push the rim of the cup halfway inside. Then, fold one corner diagonally covering the previous fold.
5. Insert the cup
Once you might have chosen the specified fold and ready your menstrual cup, it’s time to insert it. To do that, take a deep breath, separate the labia with one hand, and with the opposite hand slowly and gently insert the cup into your vagina.
Follow a slight orientation towards your spine. The cup should sit contained in the vagina, but not too far in, barely enough in order that the underside ball is flush with the labia.
In case you’re used to using tampons, you need to know that the cup doesn’t sit as high up as these products. More often than not you’ll only need to insert somewhat little bit of your fingers to insert it.
Hold the bottom of the cup firmly while inserting it to forestall it from opening too soon. Once inserted, it should open routinely.
To make inserting the cup more comfortable, you should utilize a water-based lubricant to assist. You may also wet the cup or insert it while showering.
Like this text? Chances are you’ll also wish to read: Did You Know a Woman’s Voice Changes Throughout the Menstrual Cycle?
6. Check the seal
To make sure that your cup is seated properly, touch the bottom of the cup and make sure that it’s rounded all the way in which around. Also try rotating it 360 degrees, like a thread: a properly seated menstrual cup will rotate in all directions.
In case you feel any discomfort, try tilting the cup toward your tailbone and gently squeeze the bottom to assist it open fully.
Other suggestions for successful menstrual cup insertion
Along with the menstrual cup insertion steps we’ve already told you about, listed here are some additional tricks to aid you have a more comfortable and successful experience:
- Calm down and take your time: Select a quiet, undistracted time to insert or remove your menstrual cup. In case you’re nervous, your vaginal muscles may tighten, making successful insertion difficult.
- Familiarize yourself along with your body: Know your anatomy so you understand where to insert the cup. Locate the vaginal opening and, if needed, insert a finger to seek out your cervix. Knowing where it’s situated will aid you place the cup where it needs to be and avoid inserting it too high.
- Practice during your period: Your vagina is more flexible during menstruation and blood can act as a lubricant. Reap the benefits of today to practice inserting and removing the menstrual cup and familiarize yourself with the method.
- Be patient: It’s normal to wish several attempts before you’re feeling comfortable using the menstrual cup. Don’t get frustrated if you happen to don’t succeed instantly. With practice and patience, you’ll improve your technique.
- Check the stem: Once the cup is inserted, evaluate whether you should hold the stem. If it stands proud too far and is uncomfortable, you may trim it as needed. Nevertheless, if it doesn’t trouble you, it might be useful to aid you with removal.
Do not forget that menstrual cup insertion and removal should never be painful. In case you feel discomfort at any stage, stop, calm down, and take a look at again later if you end up more relaxed.
When must you empty the menstrual cup?
Now that you understand methods to insert your menstrual cup, latest questions arise: When to take it out? Can it get stuck in there? How do I remove it?
Calm down! Removing the menstrual cup also has its tricks, however it all the time comes out and is kind of easy.
The time to remove your cup will rely upon the quantity of your menstrual flow. At first, you may empty it every 4 hours. Never use it for greater than 12 hours at a time to avoid the chance of infection.
Whenever you remove it, flush it down the bathroom after which wash it with soap and water, taking care to rinse it thoroughly. At the tip, you may reinsert it to proceed using it.
Tips on how to remove it
The primary few times, to remove the menstrual cup and avoid stains, try removing it within the shower or bathtub. This can aid you to be more relaxed and never be fearful about spilling the contents. You may do that standing, squatting, or sitting.
To remove it, take a deep breath to calm down. Then gently squeeze the underside of the glass and move it to the side, to interrupt the vacuum that has been created. The thought is to move one fringe of the cup away from the vaginal wall to release the suction.
You may also achieve this effect by inserting your index finger from the side, between the cup and the vaginal wall, and pressing toward the middle. In case you also press your pelvic floor muscles downward, using force like once you urinate, you may help release the cup.
Once you might have released the suction, gently rock the cup backwards and forwards as you pull it down and out. Avoid pulling on the lower stem or ball to remove the cup, as this may increasingly cause discomfort.
Tips on how to clean and store your menstrual cup
To handle your menstrual cup and, at the identical time, your health, it’s necessary that you simply take care to maintain the product clean and in optimal condition.
At the tip of your period, wash your menstrual cup with cold water and mild soap to remove blood residue. Avoid using soaps with fragrances or harsh chemicals, as they will damage the silicone. To complete, rinse well and dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Store your menstrual cup in a clean, dry place when not in use. Use the bag provided by the manufacturer or an air-permeable container. Avoid storing the cup in airtight containers or plastic bags that don’t allow air circulation, as this could promote bacterial growth.
Before each use, inspect your menstrual cup for cracks, tears, or other signs of decay. In case you find any damage, chances are you’ll want to exchange it.
Sex and menstrual cups: What you need to know
Compatibility between sex and menstruation, especially if you happen to use a menstrual cup, is a typical query amongst women. Nevertheless, the choice regarding whether or to not have sex during your period will depend on you and your partner’s comfort.
Sex during menstruation is secure and natural. During this time, the endometrium sheds and is expelled from the body. In some women, this causes irritation, inflammation, and menstrual cramps. However, others experience a rise in sexual desire and a better time reaching orgasm.
It’s necessary to notice that vaginal penetration just isn’t possible when you are wearing a menstrual cup. In case you insert anything besides the cup, you’ll displace it at the tip of the vaginal canal, putting pressure against the cervix. This may increasingly cause some damage and complicate the strategy of locating and removing the cup.
In case you want to have sex while using your menstrual cup, you may explore other types of non-penetrative intimacy, reminiscent of masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, fondling, and erotic massage. The cup facilitates these experiences by eliminating concerns about staining once you move.
It’s possible to have sex along with your menstrual cup in, but vaginal penetration just isn’t possible.
In case you determine to remove your cup before having sex, make sure to empty and wash it before doing so. The shower is a super place to have sex during menstruation, because it’s more hygienic and cozy.
Finally, it’s all the time an excellent idea to use condoms to forestall sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. Do not forget that menstruation just isn’t a technique of protection in these situations.
Like this text? Chances are you’ll also wish to read: What’s Menstrual Fatigue and How Can You Deal With It?
You may with the cup!
The menstrual cup has revolutionized the way in which women experience their menstrual periods. Greater than a female hygiene product, this method is a conscious and environmentally friendly alternative, along with providing you with comfort and freedom during those days of the month.
If you might have chosen to make use of it, do not forget that every one is different, so take your time to seek out the technique that works best for you and do not forget that if you might have doubts about its use and which one works best for you, don’t hesitate to go to your gynecologist. Soon you’ll feel secure and assured using your menstrual cup!
