As more people are aware of the impact of our lifestyle on the environment, menstrual cups are becoming an alternative to regular sanitary napkins and tampons. What most people don't realize is that menstrual cups also have many benefits for health, hygiene, practicality, comfort and reliability.
The menstrual cup collects menstrual blood, not absorbs it like a tampon, and can be washed for reuse, with a shelf life of up to ten years. Menstrual cups have been shown to leak less frequently, and are very comfortable to wear. Moreover, menstrual cups pose fewer health risks than single-use products because there is no risk of fatal bacterial infections, do not cause vaginal infections, and do not contain chemicals or toxins such as dioxins. Reusable menstrual cups have been around since the 1930s and are made of soft silicone, rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and meet medical device standards. Continue reading to find out how to use a menstrual cup.
Step
Step 1. Read the instructions that came with the menstrual cup you purchased
Carefully read the pamphlet that comes with the menstrual cup until you feel comfortable continuing to use it. Also check out this wikiHow article on how to clean your menstrual cup to keep it clean. If this isn't enough to convince you, read an article on whether to use a menstrual cup to help you make up your mind. If you don't already have a menstrual cup on hand, read wikiHow's advice on how to buy a menstrual cup by choosing the cup that's right for you.
Step 2. Try wearing a menstrual cup for the first time, in a private setting in your bathroom
Most first-time users won't be able to insert a menstrual cup until several attempts, so it's best not to do it in a public bathroom. You may also be tempted to try it dry when you're not menstruating, but it's advisable not to try it, as more 'lubricant' helps and your cervix will be positioned differently during your period. Therefore, to try wearing it for the first time, do it while you are menstruating.
Step 3. Try different fold variations when inserting it
C-shaped folds as indicated by the instructions on the packaging are not necessarily suitable for many women. If you're using a C-shaped crease, the widest part is at the front. Another form of fold (one of the many you can choose from) is to fold it flat. To make this crease, place your finger around the rim of the cup and press it into the cup. Check out the video below for some other folds you can try.
Step 4. Wash your hands with soap and rinse the menstrual cup with water to remove dirt and dust
Before you use it for the first time, the menstrual cup should also be soaked in boiling water. Never use soap on a menstrual cup. This will lead to fungal infections and other problems.
Step 5. Stay calm, relaxed and don't tighten your pelvic muscles
Tight muscles make it difficult and painful to insert a menstrual cup. The pelvic muscles are a group of muscles that you use to drain and stop urination. Practice being able to relax and tighten these muscles (eg by doing Kegel exercises) so that you can set them to relax when you try to insert your menstrual cup. Be patient; the first time can be the most difficult, so don't give up if you're having a hard time, but take a break if this starts to frustrate you.
Step 6. Get into a comfortable position
You might try inserting it while sitting on the toilet. You can also try squatting on the floor, standing and raising one leg over the edge of the tub or toilet, leaning against a wall while squatting, or lying on the floor with your legs spread apart.
Step 7. Find your cervix
Insert your finger into your vagina and feel where your cervix is, which feels like the tip of your nose. It is a small round tip with a recess in the middle. Inserting a menstrual cup pointing toward your cervix will be very helpful. This way you won't accidentally nudge your cervix with the menstrual cup, or insert it so deep that the space of the menstrual cup is filled by your cervix. If you can't find your cervix, it's probably because it lies too deep, and this means it won't cause any problems while wearing a menstrual cup.
If you don't want to do this, aim the cup at the curve of your waist
Step 8. Insert the menstrual cup
Fold the cup and hold it in one hand (edge facing down). Widen your vaginal lips and find the vaginal opening with your other hand. After that, press in on the menstrual cup at an angle of about 45 degrees toward your pubic bone, rather than straight up. The cup will open inside. Continue pushing the cup inward until you feel comfortable. (How deep the menstrual cup is depends on your shape, but the bottom of the cup (not the tip) should not cover the vaginal opening).
Step 9. Make sure that the menstrual cup is completely open
You may hear or feel a "plop" sound. This is a sign that the cup is open. If you're not sure, reach out and feel the bottom of the cup, it should feel round or at least oval. The menstrual cup may not open completely, depending on your shape. If it's still closed, open it manually using your fingers. You can also try Kegel exercises, squats, frog jumps, or twisting the cup in a full circle by twisting the ends. You can also use your fingers to loosen the walls of your vagina, making way for air to fill the cup open. You may find it more comfortable to place the menstrual cup closer to the cervix than what the instructions say. Once it's in place, you can also try to pull it down a bit, to ensure that a vacuum has formed in the small holes that hold the cup securely in place.
Step 10. Use for twelve hours
If you have heavy periods, you will need to clean more often, as this is the maximum recommended time. For the first use, you'll have to experiment a bit on how long you can wear it before it bursts and leaks. It's a good idea to be on guard by wearing pantyliners. Fabric pantyliners are a good choice for reuse.
Step 11. Remove the menstrual cup
Help pull it down with your muscles so the cup moves down faster. Do this until you can hold the ends. Shake the cup back and forth and down while removing it. Grasp the base of the cup, not just the body, and continue pulling it down. Slightly pressing down on the base of the cup helps remove the vacuum and makes it easier to remove. If he is about to come out of the vaginal opening, make sure his position is upright so that it does not spill. If the rim of the cup is too large for comfortable removal, use your fingers to fold it in a C-fold or flat-fold before removing it from your vagina. If you take it out on the toilet, allow the contents to spill out as you remove the menstrual cup, but make sure you don't get your hands on it.
Step 12. Drain the contents of the menstrual cup into the toilet or sink
Rinse the cup with water. To clean the vacuum holes in the cup, bend the cup under the water exactly where the holes are. You can also fill a cup full of water, cover the mouth of the cup with your palm and squeeze the cup to let the water come out of the small holes, but be careful not to splash it! Dry your cup if it feels too slippery (although water and a slick coating can help) and put it back in.
Step 13. Learn how to clean the menstrual cup
You can boil the cup, use a sterilizing tablet, wipe it with medical alcohol, or use other methods. Check out this wikiHow article on how to clean your menstrual cup to choose the method that works best for you.
Step 14. Keep in mind that it may take some time to get used to using a menstrual cup
Do not rush. Menstrual cups have a learning cycle of about three or four uses, and if in the end you still feel that this product isn't right for you, that's okay. If you want to stick with a reusable menstrual cleansing product, you can use a soft cloth or marine sponge.
Tips
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A recent study found that menstrual cups leak less frequently: the leakage statistic is half that of the tampons women use overall, so don't let fear of leaking deter you from trying it. However, if you find that your menstrual cup is leaking, here are some ways to fix it:
- The cup is not enough to accommodate. This is probably the easiest problem to solve. If the cup starts to leak and when you take it out it is almost full, it means that your cup is no longer able to hold menstrual fluid. Change cups more often. You can also buy a menstrual cup with a larger capacity, if with the current one you feel you have to replace it too often. Check out how to buy a menstrual cup.
- The cup is not fully opened. You will get quite a lot of leaks if this is the case. The main reason is that the menstrual cup you are using is not fully open, so make sure that it is fully open, every time you use it. Grab and feel the bottom of the cup, which should be round or at least oval. The cup may not fully open, depending on your body shape. If it's not already open, you can open it manually by hand. Also try doing some Kegel exercises or turning the cup a full circle by twisting the ends. You can also use your fingers to widen the vaginal walls to allow air to flow in and fill the cup until it is fully open. It's also important that you try out different fold shapes.
- The cervix fills the cup space. The sign that this is what's happening is that you have a cup leak, but when you take it out, it's only half filled. This means that your cervix hangs down into the cup and fills the space, reducing its capacity a lot. To solve this problem, try placing the menstrual cup further down, as far as you are comfortable. If this doesn't work, the cup you're using is probably too long, and you'll need to buy a shorter and wider cup to get a better fit.
- Residual dirt This is what happens when you get very little leakage. There may still be blood on the vaginal walls after you change your menstrual cup, and it will melt down and stick to your underwear. You can clean your vagina completely after changing the cup, but usually this will still happen. Since there is very little leakage, using a cloth lining or pantyliner will keep you dry.
- You put it too deep to pass through the cervix. If you have pain when inserting the cup and there is a lot of leakage, you may be inserting it too deep through the cervix. The cervix is very soft, and if the menstrual cup presses against it, it will hurt. To solve this problem, you need to screw the cup further down. First feel where your cervix is before inserting the cup to get an idea of where it is. Keep in mind that the position of the cervix can vary based on the day of your period, so it's best to check its location every now and then if this problem persists.
- You put the menstrual cup not facing the cervix. You also need to know where your cervix is to solve this problem. Most likely this is because you put it not facing the cervix, but against the vaginal wall. Pay close attention to the position of your cervix and the angle required to attach the cup properly each time you insert it.
- Menstrual cups work by collecting menstrual blood, not absorbing it like a tampon, so they don't need to be changed frequently. This means that you can also enter it when you have your period, or earlier. You can also use it to collect a lot of cervical fluid.
- If you're a virgin, you'll find that your vaginal opening, especially in the thin part of skin called the hymen, doesn't stretch easily enough for a menstrual cup to fit. This can be helped by making it wider using your finger for a week or so. Start with one or two fingers and work your way up to your body's ability. Looking at a diagram of the female body anatomy while exploring your own will make it easier to install. Experiment with flat folds, triangles or origami as these can make the menstrual cup less wide and thinner when inserted. Try to take it a little at a time, and if it hurts, remember to calm down and relax. You can try again another time. When removing it, also remember to be patient and relaxed. Take it out carefully so as not to tear your hymen.
- Menstrual cups are very comfortable to use and sports activities such as swimming or yoga can be done without any bad side effects. Make sure your cup fits tightly, and it's best to empty your menstrual cup before you start exercising. You may find some water in it after swimming, but this is not a problem.
- Some women think that using a little lubricant can help insert the cup more easily. If you're going to use lubricant, apply it to the vagina, not the cup, so it doesn't slip when held. Use only water-based lubricants.
- Menstrual cups are usually available in two sizes. Small sizes are recommended for women under 30 years old, and large sizes for those over 30 years old and/or have given birth naturally through the vagina. Even so, sometimes a big size in one brand is a small size in another! Therefore, it is more important to take into account how much you menstruate and the shape of your anatomy rather than fixating on size. For more information, see the wikiHow article on how to choose a menstrual cup.
- Public toilets with sinks in each space are the best places to empty your menstrual cup, if available. For public toilets that don't have a sink in every room, bring feminine wipes and a bottle of water to rinse the cup, or use toilet paper. You can also just throw away the contents of the cup and then put it back in.
- If you're not comfortable with the crested edge of the cup, you can cut it off partially or completely. Make sure the cuts are smooth so they don't puncture you, and remember that if you cut them, you'll have to hold onto the bottom of the cup to get them out.
- If you're not comfortable with the concept of a tampon or menstrual cup but still want to use a reusable product, try subal cloth. You can buy them online or make your own.
- If you use the diaphragm as a contraceptive, it can double as a menstrual cup! The shape of the two is very similar. However, to extend the life of the diaphragm, only do this if the diaphragm is made of silicone, not rubber.
- Maybe you want to save your menstrual fluid to fertilize plants. The high nutrient content of a woman's menstrual blood can be used for a variety of purposes, including diluted with water and used as a plant freshener at home or in the garden.
- The first time you use a menstrual cup, you may have to insert the tip of the cup so that it doesn't stick out of the vaginal opening. This is normal.
- While many menstrual cups come with a carrying case, what you buy may not have one, or you may want to keep it somewhere else. Anything you use to store should have room for air to flow and be clean or hygienic. Braces containers are a good choice, as they are designed for similar products (the plastic thing that gets wet in your mouth) to 'breathe', and are less likely for other people to open and see what's inside. Most people know what the box is for and certainly don't want to deal further with other people's drool.
- If you are disgusted by reusing menstrual cups, there are brands that provide disposable menstrual cups, which are available at pharmacies and drug stores. The shape is a ring with a plastic bag and is inserted like a diaphragm. Check out the related wikiHow article on how to use it.
Warning
- On days when you have a heavy menstrual flow, a full cup can cause leaks; wearing sanitary pads just in case and emptying the cup more often is a good move.
- Carefully keep the cup upright when you take it out, so the contents don't spill.
- Don't be discouraged if your friends don't like the concept of a menstrual cup. Some people may be able to accept it, and some may not. A good way to start talking about it is by asking, "Ever heard of menstrual cups?" This way you can gauge their initial reaction, and decide if you want to try to convince them to try using a menstrual cup and share your experience.
- Menstrual cups are not contraceptives and must be removed before having sex. However, disposable menstrual cups can still be used during sex, along with other forms of contraception.
- Don't forget that you're wearing a menstrual cup. Empty and clean at least every 12 hours. If you wear it longer, be aware of the danger of infection. So far there have been no cases related to the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), but if you notice any symptoms of TSS, contact your doctor immediately.
- Don't get hung up on making sure that the position of the menstrual cup you are wearing matches the picture or diagram given. What's important is that the cup doesn't leak and you can wear it comfortably, even without feeling it. The cup can be placed high or low, depending on the shape of your vagina and the location of your cervix. Once inserted, it will usually adjust to fit properly.
