We all shied away from discussing periods and I’m not sure why. Probably out of embarrassment or because it feels like an intimate topic, but that’s not helpful.
It’s important we break down the stigma surrounding periods so that people who menstruate can be empowered to make sustainable choices.
When we talked about period only a few options come in your mind- sanitary pads and tampons. There is one less talked about an option that has become popular nowadays- That is menstrual cups.
The menstrual cups brings lots of question to you are mind. Today I’m answering queries related to a menstrual cup. So let’s get started.
Did you know that…
2.5 million tampons & 1.4 million sanitary pads are dumped every single day.
Sanitary products are the 5th most common type of single-use plastics found in litter.
Disposable menstrual products generate around 200,000 tonnes of waste per year.
As per studies, over 10 years, a single menstrual cup cost much less than pads or tampons.
It could take up to 800 years to decompose a single sanitary napkin.
Healthy hygiene and sustainability is the only way forward.
That’s not a planet-friendly solution. So, instead of contributing to these data start investing in a menstrual cup and honestly it will change your life.
Once you got used to using it, which did take a couple of months, you will found much comfier and more convenient than disposable alternatives.
Most Commonly Asked FAQs About Using A Menstrual Cup
We are discussing all queries related to a menstrual cups.
1) What’s a menstrual cup? Can anyone wear a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped cup that is worn or inserted into the vagina during periods to collect the menstrual blood flow. They are made from medical grade silicone or rubber that is reusable as well as disposable. Hence skin-friendly.
2) Is wearing a menstrual cup is messy or difficult?
If the person is wearing it for the first time it can be a little messy. If inserted properly, It is a leak or spill-proof. You can wear it while swimming, bathing, sunning, exercising without any worries. As you practice it will become easier to use and less messy.
3) How long can I wear a menstrual cup? Is it safe to wear a menstrual cup at night?
There are two types of menstrual cups. The disposable has to be dump off after each use. The reusable cup can be worn for up to 6–12 hours. Yes, you can wear a menstrual cup while sleeping. Just make sure you wear a fresh or empty cup before going to bed.
4) Can a menstrual cups be used in case of heavy flow?
In the case of a heavy period, you have to empty it more frequently. It will be around 6-7 hours in a day.
5) Can a cup get lost inside me?
This is a big fear for new users. Menstrual cups cannot get lost because there is no way it can travel to other areas of the body. Sometimes you don’t find the stem of a cup while removing, your outer cervix is not completely open and thin that the menstrual cup can not get lost inside you. It’s important to relax the muscles, by exercising that strengthen the pelvic floor like planks, squads, or kegel exercise. Remember that the cup will ultimately slip down by the force of gravity.
6) Does it smell like pads during usage?
Smell is less in comparison to sanitary pads or tampons as blood doesn’t come in contact with air or bacteria, you will feel fresh during heavy flows.
7) How do I know which size cup will fit?
The large, medium and small sizes are available. Choose as per your menstrual blood flow and as per your cervix size and shape. Like if you are a virgin or not sexually active you can use the small size. If you are married, and don’t have babies or have babies via C-section delivery you can use medium size. If you are married and have a baby via a normal vaginal delivery method you can use a large size.
8) Will the blood backflow that’s back to the uterus?
No blood doesn’t backflow. As it’s a natural phenomenon that blood expel out from the shedding of endometrium lining through the uterus. The body never takes back or hold back the rotten things. Also, the cervix opening is very small or spatulas. Blood can come out of it but never get into it.
9) Can I wear a cup while doing any activity like running exercising etc.?
Yes, you can wear it while doing any activity like swimming, jogging, workout, exercise, working, etc. The menstrual cup holds to the cervix via a vacuum. It will not be displaced or comes out until you remove it.
10) Is the menstrual cup linked to TSS?
There is no history of menstrual cup causing Toxic shock syndrome. So far only one case is reported. It’s advised to keep your nails clean and short. Hands should be clean while removing the cup. TSS is a life-threatening condition caused by the release of toxin by bacteria S. Aureus and S. Pyogenes.
11) Can I pee or poop while the cup is inserted?
Yes, you can. The cup doesn’t collect your urine or stool. Hence, you don’t have to remove the cup when you pee or poop.
12) I am a virgin can I use a menstrual cup?
Yes, if you are a virgin, you can use it. But you should be knowing that inserting the cup may rupture the hymen.
13) How to clean or sanitize the menstrual cup?
You have to clean or sanitize the menstrual cup before every use as well after the end of the cycle. On average you use menstrual cup 2-3 times a day. Clean before inserting it with chemical-free soaps or detergents. For daily use, you have to wash it. And after the end of the cycle, clean it by washing and boiling in water to the highest temperature for 5 minutes. Then store in a safe place like satin cloth.
14) How can you say that menstrual cup is economic, sustainable and eco friendly?
Sustainable- You buy a menstrual cup once every 5 or 10 years. While you buy tampons or sanitary pads every month. By using a single menstrual cup, you are adding zero waste and cutting all trash.
Economic- It cost around 300 INR- 1500 INR on average while sanitary pads cost around 100-250 INR per month. As you look at long term usage, pads cost more. A single cup can be used for years that is for 5-10 years. So it’s obviously economic
Ecofriendly- The blood flushed into the toilets hence less waste generation. While in pads or tampons you are adding to the waste mountains.
All the female population on earth have periods. Yet no major period innovations have happened in the last 50 years.
It’s high time that we should consider the waste generated by the disposal of period-related products. Think about chemicals like fragrance or gel they made off that comes in contact with our bodies.
We think it’s time for A New Period. A menstrual cup is the easier, healthier, and greener alternative to pads and tampons:
No leaks, no worries, and can be worn for up to 12 hours.
No dryness, no infections: It is made of medical-grade silicone that doesn’t mess with your body.
Save money, spare our planet: It lasts for years, not hours = No waste and no monthly purchases.
I'm writing this post for #CauseAChatter an initiative by Blogchatter for Blogging With A Purpose! Disclosure: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. DISCLAIMER: The content in this post is purely meant for educational purpose only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice. One should consult the expert for any related information Refrences: https://menstrualcupreviews.net/faqs/ https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cup
I always wanted to use a menstrual cup during my periods. My sister uses it well without any discomfort. Your post has given me so.e assurance to try it.
I had all these questions about the Menstrual Cup and thanks to this post I have all my answers now. My friends who have Cupverted swear by it and have been urging me to try it too. Time to take the plunge.
Bushra, you have answered almost all the commonly asked questions. I have never used menstrual cup but read a lot about it and those who use it are happy with the results .
Such an informative post about all the important aspect of menstrual cup. Of course it is an eco-friendly option and with practice and knowledge, many women can start using it without hesitation. Thanks for sharing useful info.
Thanks for sharing such an important post and answering all the questions which keeps popping up in mind especially for new users. Very informative.
I totally scared of this no matter what I have seen so many videos review also brought one for me but totally scared to go for eat… But yes will not give up I am going try out…
My number one reason to switch to Menstrual cups is that its really environment freindly, as it can be reused for months altogether. Its a great product, also no risk of running out of pads in the middle of the night 😉
So many doubts and myths cleared by this post. I have been hearing a lot about menstural cups, now its time to try them too.
There’s a lot of apprehension and fear about using menstrual cups. Your post is detailed and will help many to choose this environment-friendly product over others.
I love the fact that they are eco friendly but i have still not gotten the gutts to buy these and try them on. this lockdown is actually a good time to try them out and see if im really comfy in it.
I feel menstural cup is one of the most eco-friendly way instead of a sanitary napkin. It seems easy to use and is hygienic too.
I was always hesitate to wear menstrual cups but now I am more confident to use them. This is so well explained post.
I have read so many posts about menstrual cups but till now I didn’t succeed to convince myself to use these cups. I know these are safer. I hope, I will try soon. You cleared all the doubts.
These are some FAQs by everyone contelplatimg using a menstrual cup, while i feel this all in our minds, they are really easy to begin with and once we get in trying them, there is no looking back, they are really super comfortable
I have still not tried a menstrual cup as i find tampons really easy. my only worry for menstrual cups is cleaning it properly every time one has to use or empty. But the biggest plus point is menstrual cups are so eco-friendly!
Thank you. Have been reading a lot about mensural cups. My only question is – this weather is damp, and for those with ultra sensitive lining, would you suggest opting for cups made of certain material?
Thank you for this informative blog. It’s been quite some time that I want to start using menstrual cups instead of pads as they are very uncomfortable. Your post was very helpful and Insightful with all the information that I needed
This is quite a detailed post and much needed for sure. I too have started using menstrual cup since last six months and it is such a relief now. 🙂
I have recently switched to menstrual cups and these have turned out to be game changers for me. They make me feel much more comfortable in my daily activities.