Embracing the Cup: Your Ultimate Guide to Menstrual Cups
Are you done with that monthly red alert causing chaos in your life? Well, it is time to embrace the cup—menstrual cups. The eco-friendly, budget-saving, and ultra-convenient alternative to traditional menstrual products. If you are a newbie to the cup squad, fear no more. This guide will walk you through how to use it, ways to fold it, busting some of the common myths, and highlighting its incredible benefits. Let's get into it!
What is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a reusable bell-shaped silicone or rubber cup that is inserted in the vagina in order to collect menstrual blood. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup doesn't absorb the blood; it just catches it and retains it until you're ready to empty it. It is a game changer in the world of menstrual hygiene.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup
Using a menstrual cup might be quite daunting at first, but its usage is nothing quite complicated. First and foremost, it's crucial to sterilize your cup before the first use and after each cycle. Bring it to a boil for 5-7 minutes. It should be perfectly clean and ready to use. Next, fold and insert the cup into the body. There are many ways to fold your menstrual cup to make insertion easier. C-Fold is the most popular; all you do is make your cup flat, squeezing in the middle, then fold in half so that it makes a C shape. Another favorite fold among users is the Punch-Down Fold, in which you press down one side of the rim into the base to make a triangle. Then there's the 7-Fold, where you flatten out the cup and fold one corner down diagonally so that it now looks like a 7.
Get yourself into a comfy position, let your muscles go, and allow the folded cup to slide back towards your tailbone as you insert it into your vagina. Once inserted, the cup will pop open and form a seal to stop any leaks. To take out, gently pinch the base to release the seal and pull it out. Empty contents into the toilet, rinse the cup with water (and mild soap if necessary), and reinsert. Repeat every 8-12 hours.
A lot of myths are going around about menstrual cups; let's just bust a few now.
Myth 1: Menstrual Cups are Unhygienic
Fact: Menstrual cups, when used correctly, are extremely hygienic. Sterilisation before and after use highly keeps them sanitary. Plus, they reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) compared to tampons.
Myth 2: They're Hard to Use
Fact: Mastering a menstrual cup is about as hard as learning how to ride a bike. There might be a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, but once you know how to do it, it gets easier. Just have to learn to relax and find the fold that works best for you.
Myth 3: Cups are Only for Women with Children
Fact: Menstrual cups come in different sizes so they can fit all women, whether or not they have given birth. You just have to choose the right size according to your body's requirements.
Myth 4: Menstrual Cups Leak
Fact: Menstrual cups give up to 12 hours of leak-proof wear when worn properly. They also have a higher fluid capacity compared to other feminine products like tampons or pads, decreasing the chances of flow leakage.
Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup
To begin with, if you need an eco-friendly option, then menstrual cups are way up on the list. The end of monthly waste! One menstrual cup can last for almost ten years, which also makes it a cost-effective option. So investing in a menstrual cup means no more monthly expenses on tampons and pads. It might have an initial price, but that pays off within just a few cycles.
Convenience is another major draw for it. No more emergency runs to the store. Whether it's for sleeping, swimming, or doing yoga, a menstrual cup has got your back. The product offers up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection.
From a health point of view, menstrual cups are a safer product for your body. They are chemical- and bleach-free, whereas those tampons and pads have. Another point is that they will not disrupt the pH of your vagina, and for that overall vaginal health, this is very important. And not to mention, of course, the capacity! A menstrual cup can gather up to three times the amount of fluids than a tampon, most useful for those heavy days.
Transitioning to a menstrual cup is such a big decision, but the benefits are worthwhile. It's now time to take the challenge and be part of the revolution. You won't only be doing it for your planet, but you'll really feel the convenience and comfort using a menstrual cup.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Give it a couple of cycles to grow on you, and before you know it, you'll be like me—wondering how you ever got along without it. Happy cupping, Flawsome readers!