Menstrual cups can be a convenient option to help a woman manage her monthly cycle. Using a menstrual cup can be an alternative to pads or tampons. Menstrual cups are available in disposable or reusable options. In addition, menstrual cups are also produced in various sizes, flexibility, sizes, colors, lengths, widths and are made of various materials depending on the brand you choose. In order to be able to choose the best menstrual cup, you must have a good understanding of the products available in the market while taking your personal needs and preferences into account.
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Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Best Menstrual Cup
Step 1. Identify the existing variables
There are many brands of menstrual cups on the market and they all offer several alternatives to choose from.
- Read the information provided by the different manufacturers so that you can have a better understanding of the materials used in their manufacture and the characteristics offered by their brands.
- Variables in question include cup size, color choice, disposable vs. reusable, liquid capacity that can be held, level of rim stiffness, bottom stiffness holding liquid, overall cup length, cup width measured from the rim, and materials used in making.
Step 2. Start with the size
There is no set standard for deciding the right cup size as there is when you choose shoes or clothes. “Small” cups manufactured by certain manufacturers may not be exactly the same size as “small” cups issued by other manufacturers. However, most manufacturers consistently recommend choosing a cup size, whether small or large, based on the characteristics and category of the woman herself.
- Menstrual cups are usually produced in small or large sizes. You can use the information on the packaging as a starting point, then you can adjust your brand and size options to find the cup that best fits your needs.
- If you're a teenager, haven't had sex, are under 30, haven't had a vaginal birth, or exercise frequently, you might want to start small.
- The smaller size usually has to do with how the cup fits snugly inside the vagina, and has less to do with how much fluid it can hold.
- Large sizes are usually recommended for women over the age of 30, have given birth vaginally, or have heavy menstrual cycles.
Step 3. Take time to adjust
Once you've chosen a specific brand and size, take some time to get your body used to the menstrual cup. Wear pads or pantyliners as you adapt to using a cup to prevent leaks or liquid overflowing.
- You may need to use the cup for one to three menstrual cycles before deciding whether your initial choice really suits your needs.
- Companies that manufacture menstrual cups understand that a person takes time to adjust. Many companies offer money-back guarantees for new users.
Step 4. Know the capacity of the menstrual cup you choose
Different brands have different capacities.
- All menstrual cups are advertised as holding more menstrual fluid than regular tampons or pads.
- The recommended average time to use the cup before emptying is 10 to 12 hours.
- If you have a very heavy menstrual flow, schedule the use of the cup for 6 to 8 hours to prevent leakage.
- Keep a spare cup available until you are comfortable with your period of using the menstrual cup without leaking.
Step 5. Consider other variables
Menstrual cups should be comfortable to wear. Reusable cups are built to last for years.
- When you find the right cup, you won't be able to feel its presence. If the cups are uncomfortable, try a different size or a different brand.
- Choose a cup with a smaller rim width, or a cup with a more flexible liquid-holding section.
Step 6. Try disposable cups
This type of cup may be more comfortable for you. There are two types of disposable cups that can be found in the market.
- The first type should be discarded after use, and the second type should be discarded at the end of the menstrual cycle.
- Disposable cups are made of a very flexible material. The part that holds the liquid is very light and thin.
Step 7. Consider the length of the cup
If you choose a reusable cup, but feel uncomfortable wearing it, pay attention to the length of the cup.
- Cup length is often the biggest issue causing discomfort when using reusable menstrual cups.
- If you're not sure, start with a product that's of medium length.
- Most cups have a protruding bottom, like a stem, that can be cut to help adjust the length of the cup for a comfortable fit.
- If your period is heavy or you're having trouble finding a cup that fits, consider comparing cups made by the same company and comparing cups made by several larger companies. Look for additional information on the internet to help compare details of cups manufactured by different manufacturers.
Step 8. Choose a cup with the right firmness
There is no medical term for this, but the cup can be too soft or too tight.
- Cups with a denser structure or firmer bell-shaped parts that hold liquids may be more comfortable for some women. Also, tighter cups are less likely to leak due to their stiffer structure.
- The tightness helps the cup open more easily when inserted, maintains its shape against the vaginal wall, and prevents the cup from sagging or bending on the inside.
- Tighter cups are often easier to remove because the walls of the cup will fold when the bottom is pressed making it easier to release the suction.
- However, a stiffer or tighter structure can make you feel the presence of the cup once it is inserted causing pressure and possibly some discomfort.
- Softer or more flexible cups will put less pressure on the bladder, and are usually more comfortable to wear, and more suitable for women who may have a unique uterine shape.
- Softer cups may be more difficult to remove because the entire cup doesn't respond to pressure from your finger when you try to stop sucking to get it out. In general, softer cups have a greater potential for leaking because the cup walls can bend or dislodge during changes in movement caused by the vaginal wall muscles.
Step 9. Choose a color
Several companies offer colorful menstrual cups.
- Disposable cups are usually colorless or clear. If you prefer clear cups, most disposable cup brands offer this option.
- Color helps hide blemishes from repeated use. Clear cups can also be cleaned thoroughly and soaked in hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from repeated use.
Part 2 of 4: Assessing the Benefits of Cups
Step 1. Know that you can use a menstrual cup during physical activity
Menstrual cups can be a good choice for women who exercise regularly. Some disposable cups can even be used during sexual intercourse..
- Disposable menstrual cups are not considered a contraceptive and cannot protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Disposable cups are made of a denser material and should not be used or left there during sexual intercourse.
- Menstrual cups can be used during physical activities such as swimming, exercising, or cycling.
Step 2. Decide to extend the service life of the cup before replacing it and avoid odors that may arise as needed
Regular menstrual protection products should be changed every few hours. But the menstrual cup can be used for 12 hours.
- In addition, sanitary napkins can cause odor because menstrual fluid is exposed to the air.
- The menstrual cup holds the fluid in the vagina and prevents problems with odor.
Step 3. Know that menstrual cups reduce the risk of infection
As long as you keep your cup clean, using this method to treat your period can lower your risk of infection.
- Using a cup won't change the pH in the vaginal area and won't cause fine tearing of the tissue around the vagina as happens when you use a tampon.
- Changes in pH and “fine tears” can lead to bacterial infections. This will not happen with the use of menstrual cups.
Step 4. Consider the safe conditions for the use of menstrual cups
Cups advertised and sold in the US have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The menstrual cup is considered safe for use by BPOM. Most companies use non-allergenic and non-toxic materials in the cup manufacturing process.
Some menstrual cups can be safely used by women who have an allergy to latex. Check the product description to be sure
Step 5. Avoid TS syndrome (Toxic Shock Syndrome) by using a menstrual cup
TS syndrome has been associated with the use of tampons inside the vagina during menstruation.
- TS syndrome is a bacterial infection that is associated with problems arising from using tampons.
- So far there are no reports of TS syndrome associated with the use of menstrual cups.
Step 6. You can save money and protect the environment by using reusable menstrual cups
Menstrual cups that can be used multiple times can save you money and are considered an eco-friendly product.
- Menstrual cups may cost more than a pack of tampons or pads, but cups can last for years.
- Disposable menstrual cups are cheaper than reusable cups and comparable to other menstrual protection products, depending on where you buy them.
- The reusable cups will prevent the build-up of used menstrual protective products.
Step 7. Remember that menstrual cups are fairly easy to use
Once you're comfortable with the process of putting it on and off, using a cup will make it easier for you to handle your monthly cycle.
- Each manufacturer provides instructions on how to insert and remove the cup step by step in their product description, or on their website, and you can also watch videos on YouTube to help understand the procedure for using the cup properly.
- The cup is folded, then inserted into the vagina and directed to the back, then with a little push the cup will be securely in place.
- Remove the cup by pinching the base, then pull it out. Do not pull directly on the stem as this may cause injury to the surrounding tissue.
Part 3 of 4: Evaluating Cup Shortages
Step 1. Think about the process of cleaning the cup
Using a menstrual cup can be messy. When you remove the cup, you are also expelling any liquid that has accumulated for the last 8 to 12 hours.
- It takes practice to find a method that works for you. Many women remove the cup while “standing” on the toilet to avoid spilling liquid on clothes or the floor. If possible, you can also practice removing the cup while in the shower.
- The cup can be cleaned with clean water then put back in to work for the next 8 to 12 hours.
- You may need to use pads or pantyliners until you master how to insert and remove a menstrual cup.
- If you have to remove and re-install cups in a public toilet, you may have to strategize to find the best way to wash the cups before reusing them as there are usually no sinks in each cubicle.
Step 2. Be aware that you may have problems installing the menstrual cup
Some women have trouble fitting the cup.
- Adolescents and young women also sometimes have trouble fitting a menstrual cup.
- Some women who have never had sexual intercourse also have problems installing the cup.
Step 3. Be aware that you may have difficulty removing the cup
Difficulty removing the cup is actually more common than installation problems.
- It is important not to pull the stem. The cup can stay in place because of the help of suction, pulling on the stalk can irritate or even tear the surrounding vaginal tissue.
- The correct way to remove the menstrual cup is to pinch the base to release the suction, then pull it out.
- Drain the accumulated liquid into the toilet, clean the cup with clean water, and reinstall it.
Step 4. Consider whether you have time to sterilize the cup after use
Once the menstrual cycle ends, you should clean the cup until it is completely clean. If you feel like you don't have the time or don't feel like doing it, a menstrual cup may not be right for you.
- You can sterilize the cup by placing the cup in a pot of boiling water for five minutes.
- Other methods used to sterilize feeding bottles and teats with a sterilizing solution can also be used to clean menstrual cups.
- Follow the instructions on how to clean the cup as stated in the product description.
Part 4 of 4: Avoiding Possible Complications
Step 1. Choose products made from latex-free materials
If you are allergic to latex, some menstrual cups are made of safe materials.
Read the product description to be sure. Opt for cups made of medical grade silicone if you are allergic to latex
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about whether you are using an IUD/IUD
Most doctors do not recommend using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD.
- There are a number of reports that the IUD is detached during the insertion and removal of the menstrual cup.
- Talk to your doctor to make sure that it's okay for you to use a menstrual cup before you buy one.
Step 3. Avoid using a menstrual cup if you have certain medical conditions
Talk to your doctor to make sure using a safe cup is considered safe if you are concerned.
- Do not use a menstrual cup if you have recently given birth to a baby or have recently had a miscarriage or abortion.
- Do not use a menstrual cup if you have a tilted uterus (tilted uterus).
- Avoid using a menstrual cup if you have been advised not to use a tampon due to a surgical procedure or other medical condition.
- Do not use a menstrual cup if you have a condition called pelvic organ prolapse.
Step 4. Find out if you are at risk for endometriosis
Talk to your doctor about this before you try using a menstrual cup. The chances of developing endometriosis are very small, but you should discuss it with your doctor.
