How to use a Menstrual Cup?

Menstrual cups are a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. A menstrual cup is a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup composed of rubber (or silicone) that the female inserts into her vagina to collect the period fluid.

Menstrual cups can hold more blood than other methods like tampons or pads. This makes them a leading feminine hygiene product for the menstrual cycle for many females. Depending on the flow, a female can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours.

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How to use a Menstrual Cup?

If a female is interested in using a menstrual cup, she should first talk about it with her gynecologist. Although one can buy a menstrual cup of any brand online or in medical stores, a female first needs to find out what size she will need.

To find out the right menstrual cup size for you, your gynecologist would consider the following factors-

The female’s age
Length of her cervix
If she has a heavy flow or not
Flexibility and firmness of the cup
The capacity of the menstrual cup
Strength of the female’s pelvic floor muscles
If the female has had a vaginal delivery

Smaller menstrual cups are mostly recommended for females younger than 30 years old and who have not had a vaginal delivery. Larger sizes of menstrual cups are often recommended for females who are over 30 years old and who have given birth vaginally or females who have a heavier period.

Also Read: Menstrual Cups: Will It Affect My Virginity?

Before putting a menstrual cup-

When a female uses a menstrual cup for the first time, she may feel uncomfortable. But “greasing” the menstrual cup can help make it slide in smoothly. Before putting in the cup, lubricate its rim with water or a water-based lube ( or lubricant). A wet or lubricated menstrual cup is much easier to insert.

How to put in the menstrual cup?

If a female can put in a tampon, she should find it relatively easy to put in a menstrual cup. Just follow these steps to use a menstrual cup-

Wash your hands.
Gently apply water or a water-based lube onto the rim of the cup.
Tightly fold the menstrual cup into half and hold it in your hand with the rim facing upwards.
Insert the cup with the rim upwards into your vagina, just like you put a tampon. The cup should sit a few inches below the cervix.
Once the cup is inside the vagina, gently rotate it. It will open up to create an airtight seal that would stop leaks.

You should not feel your menstrual cup if you have inserted the cup correctly. You should also be able to comfortably and properly move, jump, sit, stand, and do all the other everyday activities without any discomfort or your cup falling out. If you are having trouble putting in the cup, speak with your gynecologist.

Also Read: Pros and Cons of Menstrual Cups

When should you take out your menstrual cup ?

A female can wear a menstrual cup for about 6 to 12 hours, depending on whether or not she has a heavy flow. This means that she can use a cup even for overnight protection.

A female should always remove her menstrual cup by the 12-hour mark. If it gets full before then, she will have to empty it ahead of schedule to avoid leaking.

How to take out your menstrual cup?

To take out your menstrual cup, you need to follow these steps-

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Put your index finger and thumb inside your vagina. Pull out the stem of the cup until you reach the base.
Slowly pinch the base to release the seal.
Pull down and then remove the cup.
Once the cup is out, empty it into the sink or toilet and flush.

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