Uncomplicate: What Is A Menstrual Cup?

For all of you who are not aware or not sure about a menstrual cup, it is a small bell-shaped cup that can be inserted into your vagina for collecting menstrual blood during your period. Although it has been around for quite some time, it is only now that it is becoming increasingly more popular. 

What Is A Menstrual Cup?

An effective alternative for sanitary napkins and tampons, menstrual cups are available in various materials like medical-grade silicone, plastic, and rubber. They can safely be used multiple times, provided it is cleaned properly while some others of its kind are for one time use and need to be disposed of after a single usage. A cup can be used for up to 6 to 12 hours, as mentioned on the product label. The heavier the flow, the more frequently you should empty the cup and clean it before inserting it again. 

4-Step Guide On How To Use A Menstrual Cup?

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with water and a disinfectant before reaching out for the menstrual cup. 
2. Read the direction of use that is likely to be printed on the packaging of the cup and follow the instructions carefully.
3. A menstrual cup has two distinctive parts – the bell-shaped part known as the cup and the narrow step that makes it easier for you to remove it easily. 
4. Fold the top of the cup while inserting it into your vagina. There are various methods you may

3 Different Menstrual Cup Folds You Can Explore

1. C-Fold or U-Fold

Push the rim of the menstrual cup closer, such that it looks elongated. Next, fold it into half to make it resemble the letter “C” or “U”.

2. 7-Fold

Push the rim of the cup together to make the period product take the shape of a long oval. Now, fold one of the sides diagonally, so it resembles the number 7.

3. Punch-Down Fold

Place a finger anywhere on the rim of the cup and nudge it towards the centre of the product, closer to the narrow stem. It should now take the shape of a triangle.

Experiment with all the three folds as we just discussed above and see what works the best for you. 

3 Ways To Know Your Menstrual Cup Has Been Inserted Correctly

1. Once the rim has been inserted, continue pushing the cup inside your vagina till the time you’ve inserted it entirely – the cup and the stem, both. Once inside, a pop sound will indicate that it has been inserted the right way. 
2. You can feel the cup’s rim to be sure that it has been placed correctly and has also opened the right way.
3. Once you have worn it right, it is likely that you will forget that it is there. 

4-Step Guide On How To Remove A Menstrual Cup

1. Mimic a sitting position, as if you’re sitting on an imaginary chair. This usually proves to be useful if you find it difficult to use their vaginal muscles to push out the menstrual cup.
2. Insert your thumb and forefinger into the vagina to grab the stem of the cup. If you are new to wearing a cup, you may find it difficult to locate its stem inside your vagina. Don’t panic as that may make it more difficult for you to locate it. Remember that a cup cannot get lost inside you. If you’re losing your patience, take a break of a few minutes and relax before trying again.
3. Pinch the base or step of the cup to overcome the suction and slide it out of the vagina.
4. Try taking it out in an upright position to avoid spillage of blood.

4-Step Process To Clean Your Menstrual Cup After Use

1. Clean the menstrual cup with clean water and a soap, preferably a mild, chemical-free, disinfectant or soap, immediately after pulling it out.
2. Boil it in water for about 5 to 10 minutes before using it again, if yours is of the reusable variety. For cups meant for one-time use, wrap it up in paper or in a biodegradable polythene bag before disposing of it.
3. You may place the cup inside a metal whisk while boiling the cup so as not to burn its bottom or sides. However, not all cups need to be boiled this way. Read the cleaning instructions for your cup and follow the same closely.
4. Next, wipe off the cup with a clean toilet paper before you re-insert it. Alternatively, you can carry water to clean the cup over the toilet.

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