These non-wing cups will give you those reality-based wings and will give you just the right about of comfort that you need. With so many alternatives available now, periods too have found an alternative for safe and comfortable periods. Period pain is similar to heart attacks and doing daily activities can add more and make it hell-like but menstrual cups are here to rescue.
But let’s face the reality, the sound of menstrual cups can be haunting at first and there will be numerous burning questions like which size and brand to buy, how to use, how to clean, and what about the hygiene. Well, all these questions will be answered here. And will make you say only one sentence over and over again after your first use – “where have you been all my life”.
What Are Menstrual Cups?
The first modern menstrual cup was invented in 1937 by American actress Leona Chalmers. Menstrual cups are small silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina and held by the vaginal muscles to collect period blood into the bell-shaped cup with a stem for removal. They are soft and are flexible to perform the daily life routine. Menstrual cups are eco friendly (one cup produces an estimated 4.0% of plastic waste) and are the best alternative that can be reused for up to one to ten years with the best price (starting from Rs300) compared to traditional single-use products (10,000 – 15,000 pads thrown by an average woman in her life and 6% of plastic waste by tampons) which can make you go bankrupt.
Are They Hygienic
Many uneducated people might see menstrual cups as nasty or gross and have made them taboo. But menstrual cups are made highly protective against leakage. The cups don’t cause rashes or discomfort. Menstrual cups prevent the risk of infection as they collect blood rather than absorb it like pads or tampons. They are made with medical-grade materials. These cups have gotten a BIG YES! and are approved by medical doctors who say that these menstrual cups are cool, wonderful, and very much hygienic. Period. In addition to that, menstrual cups seal in the blood scent.
How To Use/ Instruction
- Figuring out the cup size is very important. There are two most important factors that your need to consider which are the cups’ diameter and your cervix height. If you have never thought of your cervix height, you can measure it by finger and then compare that length with the cup you are planning to purchase. If you have a higher cervix you can try Diva cups and for a small cervix, you can try Merula one size or Hello low Cervix cups.
- People under 30 who haven’t had a baby can use the cup with a smaller diameter. And people who are allergic to silicon can use Hello cups.
- After figuring out your cup size you need to order menstrual cups of your preferred color.
- When the cups get delivered to you, you need to go through the instructions and read them carefully because you might be using the cups for more than a year.
- You’ll need to put the cup into the warm water for about 3-5 mins and dry it out. You can buy wet wipes or dry wipes to clean the cups.
- Don’t panic – sometimes the cup doesn’t fit because of stress or anxiety so relax your body by doing yoga or meditation before inserting the cup.
- If you’re worried about the pain of insertion then you can insert the cup before the period begins to know how it feels.
- During menstruation, the cup’s insertion won’t cause much pain because the body is already used to period cramps. You can use the menstrual cup lubrication during periods, even though the periods will act as a lubricant.
- You can use several cup folding techniques like 7 fold, the c fold, and most common the punch down fold method for insertion.
- After a few breaths in and out you can squat and insert the cup which will cause some natural pain and you will hear a pop sound of opening. But if you don’t hear or feel the opening, you can insert your finger and circle it on the button of the cup above the stem to see if it’s folded or opened. If there are dents or folds you can remove and insert them again.
- This will take many in and out tries but eventually, the cup will open.
- Your body will soon adapt to the feel of the cup in your body.
- You can remove the cup after 6-12 hours.
- To remove you’ll have to push the cup just like how you push out excrement and simultaneously use the stem to pull out, if the steam seems slippery you can use a dry wipe to pull down and flush the blood, clean it up and insert it back.
- Don’t be scared if you can’t find the cup, it won’t go anywhere. Breathe and insert a finger to find the steam.
- Make sure everything is clean and you’re in a clean washroom with all the facilities because it can get a little messy in the beginning and while removing.
Benefits & Downsides
Menstrual cups aren’t perfect. Even it has got some cons – You can leak if you buy the wrong size and if the cup isn’t inserted properly. And if you have heavy flow then you might want to invest in period underwear or pantiliner for safety. It can get annoying in the beginning.
And pros – you can workout, and even do deadlifts because the cups are body-friendly, environment-friendly, and budget-friendly which is safe and clean than the other alternatives. You can even use the washroom with the cup inserted which makes it an incredible invention.
Conclusion
It’s okay if you feel you’re not ready to use the cup now (takes a lot of mental strength) and want to stick to the pads but at least now you know that there’s a better option available for you. And yes let’s not romanticize this period’s pain, taking rest is advised. The menstrual cups won’t help you relax with the period’s pain. But it is the best alternative to help you perform your daily tasks.
