Why choose a menstrual cup?
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Unlike tampons that absorb your flow, the cup collects it and can be safely worn for up to 12 hours. The cup is then removed, emptied, wiped and washed, and can be reinserted.
Are they safe?
Menstrual cups maintain the optimal pH in the vagina – helping to avoid a terrible feeling of "dryness" that can result from the use of tampons.Because cups do not absorb menstrual fluid, but collect it instead, the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is minimal.
At Careboo, we adhere to strict manufacturing practices – which ensure that materials are safe for their intended use. Beware of cheap imitations - firstly because you cannot guarantee the purity and safety of the materials, and secondly because you get what you pay for... And who wants a leaky cup?
Most cups are made of medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Both materials are used in surgical implants and medical devices (such as catheters, IV lines, etc.).
YOU ARE ALL DIFFERENT...
If you've ended up with a less effective cut (leaky, hard to remove, uncomfortable), you may not have the right cut. Don't give up just yet, your perfect cut could be around the corner! What works for one may not work for another. Please keep this in mind as you venture into the wonderful world of cuts.
To help you make the fairest decision, we've listed the 5 things you need to consider before buying a cup.
The 5 things to consider:
1. The Length: lcuts are available in different lengths, the cut that suits you best will be neither too long nor too short. To determine the length of the cut you need, check the height of your cervix during menstruation (see the next question for how to check the cervix)
2. The Size: Most cuts are available in 2 sizes:
- A smaller one for women who have a solid pelvic floor, usually under 30, and who have not had vaginal deliveries or teenage girls who are not sexually active.
- A larger one for women over 30, or who gave birth vaginally, or with weak pelvic floor muscles.
3. The Volume: Is your throughput light, medium or heavy? You can choose to go for a larger cut so you don't have to empty it as often. The goal is for the cup to create a seal around the walls of your vagina when it has been inserted, this will prevent any leakage.
4. The Firmness: This is quite important. If your cut is too soft, you run the risk of it being crushed by your pelvic floor muscles, which may leak significantly.
5. The material: In addition to the material, silicone or TPE, there are different "finishes" that a silicone cut can have. Some are shiny, some are matte, some are colorful, some have grooves and some are smooth.
- To insert your cup, fold it first, then insert it into your vagina – make sure you don't let it unfold until it's high enough (usually right after the pelvic bone).
- To help with insertion, first wet the cup with a little water (you can also use a little water-based lubricant).
- Once the cup is unfolded, it should form a joint in your vagina – this will ensure that it does not leak. If you feel any sensation, the cup may not be high enough, remove it and try again.
- To remove your cup, you will first need to break the suction. Do not pull on it, but gently pull on the rod until you reach the base of the cup. To break the suction, squeeze the base of the cup, then gently slide the cup out of your vagina. If that's not enough to break the seal, stretch a finger to the side of the cup and press inward to break the seal.
- Don't panic if you have trouble removing your cup at first. It may take some time to figure it out, the best thing to do is to relax and try again.
- If you have trouble reaching the base of the cup, lower your pelvic floor muscles (as if you were having a bowel movement). This will move your cup lower, making it easier to reach.
- Put some water-based lubricant on your cup before inserting it.
- Some women find it helpful to practice inserting and removing the cup before their period begins (be sure to use some water-based lubricant).
- Try the different folds, find the one that suits you.
- Wear a backup cushion or liner when you start using a cup, this will give you more confidence until you've learned how to position it correctly for your anatomy.
- Do not panic if you are unable to remove it, follow these steps: Relax, reach out, press with the pelvic floor, locate and pinch the base, run your finger to the side, break the joint, slide it, remove.
- How do I know when to empty the menstrual cup?
- How to manage in public restrooms?
- Is the menstrual cup made of safe materials?
- If menstrual cups are so good, why haven't I heard of them?
- What about toxic shock syndrome?
Since the menstrual cup is simply a receptacle and does not interfere with natural levels of vaginal moisture and self-cleaning processes, it has no connection to TSS. However, remember to observe the 12-hour rule.
- Is the menstrual cup leaking?
- Are menstrual cups hygienic?
The silicone used to make menstrual cups has antibacterial properties and does not support the growth of bacteria in the form of tampons or tampons. It does not disrupt the acidic environment in the vagina and therefore does not increase the risk of infection and has never been linked to toxic shock syndrome as tampons did.
- Can the menstrual cup get stuck?
- How long can I use the same menstrual cup?
- I just started my period, can I use the menstrual cup?
- Can I use the menstrual cup when I have a luminous flux?
- Can I leave my menstrual cup during sex?
- Can I use lubricant to insert my menstrual cup?
- I recently had a baby, can I use the menstrual cup?
- I wear an IUD. Can I use the menstrual cup?
- I have very heavy periods, is a menstrual cup right for me?
- Can I swim and play sports when using the menstrual cup?
- How do I know that my menstrual cup is in the right position and is completely open?
- Does the menstrual cup contain phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA) as some silicones and plastics do?