Knowing how one can placed on a menstrual cup and getting the mandatory practice will assist you feel comfortable with this method. Find out how here!
In our seek for eco-friendly and healthy alternatives, an increasing number of women are choosing sustainable and budget-friendly menstrual protection options. Nonetheless, doubts about how one can placed on the menstrual cup or fears of doing it unsuitable are some common reasons many ladies avoid using it.
Even though it may sound difficult at first, with the proper information and slightly practice, using the menstrual cup may be an easy and straightforward experience for most ladies. We’ll inform you all the pieces you’ll want to know to make use of this product appropriately from the primary time.
How does the menstrual cup work?
The menstrual cup, unlike tampons and pads, is characterised by collecting menstrual blood as a substitute of absorbing it. It’s manufactured from medical-grade silicone and has a special design to suit the anatomy of your body.
It’s inserted inside your vagina until the stick or ball at the bottom is just flush with the labia. This ensures a cushty and secure fit. As well as, its edges adapt to your body and generate a vacuum effect that forestalls leakage.
Unlike traditional methods, which have to be modified incessantly, the menstrual cup can remain in place for several hours, depending in your menstrual flow. After a certain time, the cup is solely removed, emptied, cleaned, and reused.
With proper care, the menstrual cup may be reused for several years.
How one can select the proper menstrual cup
There are several sizes, shapes, and storage capacities in terms of menstrual cups.
To wear the menstrual cup appropriately, it’s essential to have the proper product. There are several brands, designs, and sizes in the marketplace, so it’s necessary to think about certain criteria when choosing yours.
Selecting the proper menstrual cup is critical to make sure a cushty and effective experience during your menstrual period.
Selecting the proper size menstrual cup will depend upon several aspects, including your age and whether you have got had a vaginal delivery. As a general rule, for those who’re under 30 and have never had a vaginal birth, size S is often the very best fit. Otherwise, you’ll probably need size L.
Chances are you’ll must try several brands and designs until you discover the feel and shape that’s most comfortable for you. Keep in mind that every person is different. If you have got questions when selecting, seek the advice of a health skilled for advice.
Menstrual cups and virginity
If you happen to’ve never had sex, you should utilize a menstrual cup as a virgin. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll need slightly extra practice and time to turn into acquainted with your anatomy at first.
Virginity is a social and cultural construct that refers to not having had previous sexual activity. Using a menstrual cup doesn’t affect this status, because the cup is inserted into the vagina, but doesn’t involve sexual penetration.
As for the status of the hymen, an anatomical structure that in precedent days was used to find out whether a lady was a virgin or not, you need to know that today it’s known that its shape and size vary in each woman. With on a regular basis activities, the hymen tends to stretch and dilate. It could even have openings or be very flexible before a lady has sex for the primary time.
Using a menstrual cup, like other day by day activities, may exert a slight stretch on the hymen, but this doesn’t indicate a lack of virginity.
A step-by-step guide on how one can properly insert your menstrual cup
Now that you have got your menstrual cup, it’s time to make use of it. Follow this detailed step-by-step to do it right.
1. Sterilize your cup
Because you’re putting a product inside your body, to make sure your health and safety, it have to be clean and germ-free. Never insert a menstrual cup without first sterilizing it.
Essentially the most effective technique to clean and sterilize your menstrual cup is to soak it in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. This step removes bacteria and dirt, ensuring that it’s ready for secure use.
Some industrial brands include a sterilization kit whenever you buy your menstrual cup. This can be a collapsible container that may be placed within the microwave for just a few seconds.
During your menstrual cycle, it’s going to not be mandatory to re-sterilize the cup, just clean it with water and reinsert it. You’ll only must repeat the sterilization process the next month, in your next cycle, before using the cup for the primary time during that period.
2. Wash your hands
Since the cup will are available in direct contact together with your skin and vaginal mucous membranes, you have to at all times wash your hands with soap before handling it. This manner you’ll avoid introducing germs or bacteria that would cause vaginal infections.
If you have got long fingernails or porcelain nails, it’s necessary to be certain they’re clean and take special care to not pinch yourself during insertion or removal.
3. Find a cushty position
With regards to inserting your menstrual cup, you need to discover a position that feels comfortable and makes insertion easier. Try different positions until you discover the one which works best for you: lying on the bed, squatting on the ground, or with one foot resting on the sting of the tub may be helpful.
For the primary time, you possibly can select to put your cup within the shower or bathtub. This can permit you to loosen up, spread your legs as wide as you’ll want to, and eliminate any worries about staining anything.
When you turn into acquainted with the method, you will definitely feel more comfortable and assured to put your menstrual cup anywhere, anytime.
4. Fold the cup
Whenever you see the cup unfolded, it could seem unimaginable for it to suit inside your vagina. Nonetheless, the secret’s to fold it before insertion.
There are alternative ways to fold the menstrual cup and you have to to seek out the proper one for you. We explain various kinds of folds so you possibly can select the one which works best on your body.
The Flower or “C” fold
The C-shaped menstrual cup fold.
That is one in every of the only and easiest folds to make. Flatten the cup and fold it in half to form a kind of “C” or “U” shape. This fold is ideal for beginners because it’s a smooth fold and opens easily once inserted.
The “Punch down” fold
The “punch down” menstrual cup folds for insertion.
If you happen to’re having problems getting the cup to open completely once inserted, the “punch down” fold could be the solution.
To do that, hold the cup in a single hand and use the index finger of the opposite hand to push one in every of the sides inward, forming a kind of fist towards the within the cup. This fold will open once it’s contained in the vagina.
The “S” fold
Bring the sides of the cup together to shut it after which, holding them together, push the 2 sides in opposite directions to create an “S” shape.
The “E” shape fold
The E fold.
For this fold, bring the sides of the cup together and fold it in half to form a “C” shape. Then take one in every of the ends from the middle outward to form the form of an “E” or “M”.
The triangular fold
The Triangular fold.
Pinch the sting of the cup to flatten it. Then, once closed, pull one end of the rim diagonally across the other side to form a decent triangle.
The “7” fold
This fold is called for the form the diagonal fold makes.
Just like the triangle fold, however the cup is less closed. Flatten the cup by squeezing the sting. Once closed, bring one end of the rim diagonally toward the other side of the cup, but not all of the technique to the tip, thus forming the number “7”.
The diamond fold
The diamond fold is one in every of the simplest to make.
Pinch the middle of the cup to shut it, then pull the rim of 1 side open over the middle, forming an “O”. Next, bring the other sides of the “O” to overlap and form a diamond.
The Origami fold
You will need to hold the sides of the cup firmly to maintain the origami shape.
Push the rim of the cup halfway inside. Then, fold one corner diagonally covering the previous fold.
5. Insert the cup
Once you have got chosen the specified fold and ready your menstrual cup, it’s time to insert it. To do that, take a deep breath, separate the labia with one hand, and with the opposite hand slowly and gently insert the cup into your vagina.
Follow a slight orientation towards your spine. The cup should sit contained in the vagina, but not too far in, simply enough in order that the underside ball is flush with the labia.
If you happen to’re used to using tampons, you need to know that the cup doesn’t sit as high up as these products. More often than not you’ll only must insert slightly little bit of your fingers to insert it.
Hold the bottom of the cup firmly while inserting it to forestall it from opening too soon. Once inserted, it should open robotically.
To make inserting the cup more comfortable, you should utilize a water-based lubricant to assist. You can even wet the cup or insert it while showering.
6. Check the seal
To be certain your cup is seated properly, touch the bottom of the cup and be certain it’s rounded all the way in which around. Also try rotating it 360 degrees, like a thread: a properly seated menstrual cup will rotate in all directions.
If you happen to feel any discomfort, try tilting the cup toward your tailbone and gently squeeze the bottom to assist it open fully.
Other suggestions for successful menstrual cup insertion
Along with the menstrual cup insertion steps we’ve already told you about, listed below are some additional tricks to assist you have a more comfortable and successful experience:
- Calm down and take your time: Select a quiet, undistracted time to insert or remove your menstrual cup. If you happen to’re nervous, your vaginal muscles may tighten, making successful insertion difficult.
- Familiarize yourself together with your body: Know your anatomy so you recognize where to insert the cup. Locate the vaginal opening and, if mandatory, insert a finger to seek out your cervix. Knowing where it’s positioned will assist you place the cup where it ought to be and avoid inserting it too high.
- Practice during your period: Your vagina is more flexible during menstruation and blood can act as a lubricant. Make the most of as of late to practice inserting and removing the menstrual cup and familiarize yourself with the method.
- Be patient: It’s normal to wish several attempts before you’re feeling comfortable using the menstrual cup. Don’t get frustrated for those who don’t succeed straight away. With practice and patience, you’ll improve your technique.
- Check the stem: Once the cup is inserted, evaluate whether you’ll want to hold the stem. If it stands proud too far and is uncomfortable, you possibly can trim it as needed. Nonetheless, if it doesn’t hassle you, it might be useful to assist you with removal.
Keep in mind that menstrual cup insertion and removal should never be painful. If you happen to feel discomfort at any stage, stop, loosen up, and take a look at again later when you find yourself more relaxed.
When must you empty the menstrual cup?
Now that you recognize how one can insert your menstrual cup, recent questions arise: When to take it out? Can it get stuck in there? How do I remove it?
Calm down! Removing the menstrual cup also has its tricks, but it surely at all times comes out and is kind of easy.
The time to remove your cup will depend upon the quantity of your menstrual flow. At first, you possibly can empty it every 4 hours. Never use it for greater than 12 hours at a time to avoid the chance of infection.
Whenever you remove it, flush it down the bathroom after which wash it with soap and water, taking care to rinse it thoroughly. At the top, you possibly can reinsert it to proceed using it.
How one can remove it
The primary few times, to remove the menstrual cup and avoid stains, try removing it within the shower or bathtub. This can assist you to be more relaxed and never be anxious about spilling the contents. You’ll be able to do that standing, squatting, or sitting.
To remove it, take a deep breath to loosen up. Then gently squeeze the underside of the glass and move it to the side, to interrupt the vacuum that has been created. The thought is to move one fringe of the cup away from the vaginal wall to release the suction.
You can even achieve this effect by inserting your index finger from the side, between the cup and the vaginal wall, and pressing toward the middle. If you happen to also press your pelvic floor muscles downward, using force like whenever you urinate, you may also help release the cup.
Once you have got released the suction, gently rock the cup forwards and backwards as you pull it down and out. Avoid pulling on the lower stem or ball to remove the cup, as this may occasionally cause discomfort.
How one can clean and store your menstrual cup
To handle your menstrual cup and, at the identical time, your health, it’s necessary that you just take care to maintain the product clean and in optimal condition.
At the top of your period, wash your menstrual cup with cold water and mild soap to remove blood residue. Avoid using soaps with fragrances or harsh chemicals, as they’ll damage the silicone. To complete, rinse well and dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Store your menstrual cup in a clean, dry place when not in use. Use the bag provided by the manufacturer or an air-permeable container. Avoid storing the cup in airtight containers or plastic bags that don’t allow air circulation, as this will promote bacterial growth.
Before each use, inspect your menstrual cup for cracks, tears, or other signs of degradation. If you happen to find any damage, chances are you’ll want to interchange it.
Sex and menstrual cups: What you need to know
Compatibility between sex and menstruation, especially for those who use a menstrual cup, is a standard query amongst women. Nonetheless, the choice regarding whether or to not have sex during your period depends upon you and your partner’s comfort.
Sex during menstruation is secure and natural. During this time, the endometrium sheds and is expelled from the body. In some women, this causes irritation, inflammation, and menstrual cramps. Alternatively, others experience a rise in sexual desire and a better time reaching orgasm.
It’s necessary to notice that vaginal penetration just isn’t possible when you are wearing a menstrual cup. If you happen to insert anything besides the cup, you’ll displace it at the top of the vaginal canal, putting pressure against the cervix. This will cause some damage and complicate the means of locating and removing the cup.
If you happen to want to have sex while using your menstrual cup, you possibly can explore other types of non-penetrative intimacy, corresponding to masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, fondling, and erotic massage. The cup facilitates these experiences by eliminating concerns about staining whenever you move.
It’s possible to have sex together with your menstrual cup in, but vaginal penetration just isn’t possible.
If you happen to resolve to remove your cup before having sex, be sure you empty and wash it before doing so. The shower is a super place to have sex during menstruation, because it’s more hygienic and cozy.
Finally, it’s at all times idea to use condoms to forestall sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. Keep in mind that menstruation just isn’t a way of protection in these situations.
You’ll be able to with the cup!
The menstrual cup has revolutionized the way in which women experience their menstrual periods. Greater than a female hygiene product, this method is a conscious and environmentally friendly alternative, along with providing you with comfort and freedom during those days of the month.
If you have got chosen to make use of it, keep in mind that every person is different, so take your time to seek out the technique that works best for you and keep in mind that if you have got doubts about its use and which one works best for you, don’t hesitate to go to your gynecologist. Soon you’ll feel secure and assured using your menstrual cup!