hands holding menstrual cups | menstrual cup folds

How To Use Menstrual Cups, Folds And Inserts

How to use a menstrual cup and insert it is a major concern for beginners. So, we are here to provide you with an answer. Since this is your first time, learning how to insert a menstrual cup might be difficult. You may choose from a variety of menstrual cup folds, however, it can take you two or three tries to get it just right.

What are menstruation cups?

Menstrual cups are tiny, flexible receptacles placed in the vaginal canal to collect menstrual blood. During menstruation, they may be used instead of sanitary pads, period underwear, or tampons.

Menstrual cups exist in various shapes and sizes and are composed of various materials. These are some examples:

silicone
thermoplastic
elastomers
natural rubber (TPE)

The cups may now be cleaned and reused. Some menstruation cups may be used for up to ten years. Manufacturers do, however, offer disposable, one-time-use menstruation cups.

Here is a step-by-step use of a menstrual cup:

How to insert a menstrual cup for beginners & clean menstrual cup

Before the first usage, sterilise your menstrual cup in a saucepan of water for 5 minutes, using tongs or a slotted spoon to ensure the cup does not contact the bottom of the pan (this is also how you'll sanitise it after each cycle). Before using, let it dry and cool.

Clean your hands

After sanitising your cup, wash your hands in warm water with non-toxic hand soap and fold your menstrual cup

There are three suggested menstrual cup folds or menstrual cup inserts for beginners. Each fold has its own set of instructions.

C-fold menstruation cup: flatten your menstrual cup and bend it in the centre, bringing the two ends together to form a c-shape.
Punch-down fold menstrual cup: press down on the rim with your index finger to compress the menstrual cup. pinch to keep in place.
7-fold menstrual cup: squeeze the menstrual cup to flatten it. fold the top right corner of the rim down and over the opposite side of the cup's body to form a 7-shape.

Get into a comfortable space

Sit or squat on the toilet with one leg up. if you've already used a tampon, insert your menstrual cup.
once you've folded your menstrual cup and are in a comfortable position, use one hand to gently split your labia and the other to carefully push your cup, rim-first, into your vagina. slide it up and back at a 45-degree angle (towards your tailbone, not straight up) until the body of the cup is entirely within your vagina and the stem is within about 1/2 inch of your vaginal entrance (this will differ from person to person, depending on the position of your cervix). The cup should be placed lower than a tampon, with the rim just under or around your cervix.

Protect your menstrual cup

Once inserted, gently pull on the stem to verify the cup is securely in place and has established a suction-like seal around the walls of your vagina. As you gently pull down, you should encounter some resistance. You may also double-check the opening of your menstruation cup by sliding your finger around the body of the cup. If you see any folds, use the stem to gently spin the cup until it fully opens, forming a seal.

How to Take Off a Menstrual Cup: A Guide for beginners

Hooray! You are likely no longer a novice if you have reached this point and have successfully inserted your menstrual cup (at least at insertion).

It's time to remove and reinstall your cup after you've worn it for up to 12 hours (the timeframe varies on the type and size of the cup). The simplest method is as follows:

Wash your hands, get back into your comfortable position, and use the stem as a guide, not a pulling thing

Beginners should focus on this step since it seems natural to me to want to tug on the menstrual cup stem while removing it. Instead, find the ridging at the bottom of the cup using the stem as a reference. With your thumb and index finger, gently pinch the base of the cup as you wiggle it from side to side. Keep it standing erect to prevent spills. Tip your cup forward to remove the front rim first, then the remainder of the cup, after the base is beyond the vaginal opening.

Wash your cup after emptying it into the toilet

After fully washing with warm water and gentle, non-toxic soap, first, rinse in cold water. Follow the directions above to re-insert after a thorough rinse.

Why Should You Use a Menstrual Cup?

We will learn why we use a menstrual cup and why a menstrual cup is excellent for periods in this section. Using pads and tampons during your period is a no-no. Find out why here. The notion of a menstruation cup has altered the globe, transforming days of cramps, terrible odour, and unsanitary sentiments into days of no tension.

If you convert to the most comfortable menstrual hygiene product, you will no longer have to worry about leaks or changing pads regularly. We'd address your question: why use a menstrual cup to choose to purchase one easier for you?

It lasts longer:

A menstrual cup is not a throw-away product; rather, it is a reusable hygiene tool that may be used once it has been properly cleansed and sanitised. A menstrual cup may be used for up to ten years if properly cared for.

Saves a lot of money:

A menstrual cup is a hygienic device that can be used for a longer period since it is easily cleaned and sanitised. Unlike pads and tampons, they may be reused for years after purchase. So it theoretically costs less than its competitors.

You won't have to change it often:

It is also a reality that you can use a menstrual cup for 12 hours without having to empty and reuse it.

Holds More Liquid:

If you have heavy periods, a menstrual cup may easily replace any other hygiene product, such as tampons or pads, since it can retain more blood than any of them.

Keep You Away From Diseases:

Menstrual cups have numerous applications, but this is one of the most significant. Cups are devoid of latex, BPA, and artificial colours, and so do not contain dioxin or any other chemicals that may enter your body and cause dangerous diseases such as ovarian cancer or TSS.

More Hygienic:

Because menstruation cups can be disinfected and cleansed after each use, they do not make you feel unsanitary.

Eco-Friendly:

Menstrual cups are not harmful to the environment since they are used for a longer period and are not discarded regularly, adding to trash.

No Rashes:

It is unavoidable to have rashes while using pads during your period, however, this is not the case with menstrual cups. There is no risk of rashes with this fantastic product, which is one of the most significant applications of menstruation cups.

Take Away

All of the aforementioned characteristics combine to make it the finest first menstruation cup for first-time users. It will become your best friend if you learn how to correctly wear it and leave your worries to us.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Does the menstrual cup break hymen?

Your hymen is a small skin fold at your vaginal entrance that is part of your anatomy. Your hymen isn't a seal, can't be damaged, and, like your ears or nose, may appear different in various individuals. Using a menstrual cup will not harm your virginity or cause your hymen to rupture.

2. How to choose a menstrual cup size?

Know your monthly flow and cervix height to select the best-sized cup. Don't worry, this is simple to figure out, particularly with our sizing guide. A strong flow with a high cervix, for example, needs a bigger cup, while a mild flow with a low cervix necessitates a smaller cup.

3. How to clean a menstrual cup?

Remove the cup and dispose of the blood in the toilet. Then, rinse it with clean water and clean it quickly with a mild, oil-free, fragrance-free soap. You may re-insert the cup after it's clean.

References:

1. Menstrual cup use, leakage, acceptability, safety, and availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis.