20 helpful tips for first time Menstrual Cup users.

Tips for first time menstrual cup users Menstrual Cups can be every woman’s BFF! Making the switch from Sanitary Napkins/ Tampons to Menstrual Cups can be a total game-changer. 

With Indian women ready to experiment, many are taking the plunge and opting for Menstrual Cups. After all, who doesn’t want a mess-free period?

If this is your first time using a Menstrual Cup​,​ it is usual to have multiple questions in your mind.

So, let’s decode all the common myths revolving around Menstrual Cups and remove all your angst.

Here is the list of 20 tips for first time menstrual cup users!

Keep reading!

01: What is a Menstrual Cup?

A Menstrual Cup is a funnel-shaped cup that is inserted into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual fluid. Not only is it eco-friendly but it is sustainable as well. Usually, Menstrual Cups are made up of medical-grade silicone or rubber. Always opt for FDA-approved Menstrual Cups which are made out of 100% medical grade silicone. In comparison to sub-standard rubber-based Menstrual Cups, FDA-approved Menstrual Cups are considered safe for maintaining menstrual hygiene.

02: Can all women wear Menstrual Cups?

Yes, Absolutely! Women irrespective of size, shape, and age can wear Menstrual Cups. Just make sure to lay your hands on the correct size.

03: Do Menstrual Cups come in different sizes?

Yes! Since every woman is built differently, Menstrual Cups are available in multiple sizes, lengths, and widths.

04: Can a Menstrual Cup get lost inside my vagina?

No way! A Menstrual Cup can never get lost inside your vagina. The Cervix, which lies between the Vagina and the Uterus, is not large enough to slip in a Menstrual Cup. Nevertheless, it can sit sideways or can be stuck too high.

05: How long can I wear a Menstrual Cup?

A Menstrual Cup can be worn up to a maximum of 12 hours. After that, one must empty, rinse and wash or sterilize before the successive use of it to maintain hygiene.

06: Can I pee with a Menstrual Cup on?

Yes, peeing with your Menstrual Cup on is easy-peasy. Always remember, a Menstrual Cup is inserted inside your Vagina, but urine is passed through the urethra. Since Urethra and Vagina sit very close to each other, most women have this question in their minds.

07: Can I poop with a Menstrual Cup on?

It is better if you remove your Menstrual Cup before visiting the restroom. Pooping while wearing a Menstrual Cup can interfere with your bowel movements. When you pass stool through the anus, the ongoing pressure can shift the Menstrual Cup in your vagina and cause uneasiness.

08: How to cleanse a Menstrual Cup for the 1st time?

Step 1: Use specially formulated wash to cleanse your Menstrual Cup. Along with maintaining the pH level of your Vagina, it protects the cup and ensures a longer lifespan.

Step 2: Boil water using a saucepan and place your cup inside it.

Step 3: Sterilize it for up to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Allow the Menstrual Cup to cool down and dry off.

09: How to insert a Menstrual Cup?

Here is a step-by-step guide for inserting a Menstrual Cup for beginners::

Step 1: Based on your comfort, choose any 1 of the 3 folds.

1. C-Fold:

-Use your index finger and thumb to press the sides of the Menstrual Cup together.

-Fold the Menstrual Cup to form a C-shape/ U-shape.

2. Push Down Fold:

-Press down the rim of the cup and insert it into the center of the base.

3. 7 Fold:

-Use your index finger and thumb to press the sides of the Menstrual Cup together.

-Diagonally fold the right side of the cup and gently bring it towards the base so that it looks like “7”.

Step 2: Sit in a squatting position to relax your vaginal muscles.

Step 3: Use your other hand to separate the outer labia and insert the C-shaped folded Menstrual Cup into the vaginal opening at a 45° angle.

Step 4: Ensure whether the stem of the Menstrual Cup is within 1/2 inch of your vagina.

10: How to remove a Menstrual Cup?

Step 1: Squat on the floor to relax your vaginal muscles.

Step 2: Insert your index finger and thumb inside the vaginal canal to reach for the Menstrual Cup stem.

Step 3: Go slightly above, locate the base of the Menstrual Cup and pinch this part to release the suction seal.

Step 4: Gently pull the Menstrual Cup downwards to prevent spillage.

Step 5: Empty your menstrual fluids from the Menstrual Cup in the toilet.

11. How to cleanse a Menstrual Cup after every use?

Home

Once you remove the Menstrual Cup from the vagina and empty the period fluids in the toilet, cleanse the cup with both cold & warm water. One can also use a specially formulated wash to cleanse the Menstrual Cup.

Check Menstrual Cup Wash

Another easy-to-clean method is to use a Menstrual Cup Sterilizing Container.

Step 1: Place the Menstrual Cup in the Sterilizing Container.

Step 2: Fill it with water.

Step 3: Put on the lid.

Step 4: Place the Menstrual Cup Sterilizing Container inside a Microwave and let it boil for 2.5 – 3.5 minutes.

Check Sterilize Container

Public Toilet/ Travel: In case you are traveling and using a public toilet, cleanse your Menstrual Cup with specially Formulated Wipes or toilet paper. Make sure to wash the rims to remove minute remnants properly.

12: Do Menstrual Cups cause pain?

Usually, inserting a Menstrual Cup correctly doesn’t hurt at all.  Most of the users don’t even feel that they are carrying the cup inside them. All it takes is a few rounds of practice and you are good to go.

13: Can I swim while wearing a Menstrual Cup?

Oh, yes! You can easily indulge in swimming while wearing a Menstrual Cup without having to worry about leakage. Nevertheless, our advice would be to empty and rinse the cup before hitting the waters to waive off any unforeseen trouble.

14: Can I sleep while wearing a Menstrual Cup?

Since Menstrual Cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, you can sleep safely while wearing one. It won’t matter how many times you twist and turn during sleep; you don’t have to worry about waking up to unwanted stains in your underwear or on the mattress. Cheers!

15: What is the ideal age to use a Menstrual Cup?

Well, there is no ideal age to start using a Menstrual Cup. If you have started menstruating, you can start using one right away. FYI, girls as young as 13 are using Menstrual Cups. So, what’s stopping you?

16: Will wearing a Menstrual Cup tamper my hymen and impact my virginity?

The concept of virginity varies from nation to nation. In most cultures, virginity is associated with an intact hymen. Unfortunately, it is just a misconception. Hymen can get torn for a multitude of reasons. In addition, many girls are born without a hymen. In reality, a lady is referred to as a virgin only if she has never engaged in sexual intercourse. Hence, wearing a Menstrual Cup won’t impact your virginity.

17: Will wearing a Menstrual Cup stretch my vagina?

No! Wearing a Menstrual Cup won’t stretch your lady parts. A vagina is like an elastic band. It can expand and retract back to its original state. The moment you insert a Menstrual Cup inside the vagina, it will adjust to create room for it.

18: Can I wear a Menstrual Cup for heavy flow?

Yes! Having the capacity to hold 30 ml of period fluids, Menstrual Cup can be worn during heavy flow. However, make sure to remove cups at an interval of 4-6 hours when you are experiencing heavy flow to prevent leakage.

19: Do Menstrual Cups release any odour?

Menstrual Cups start releasing foul smell with regular usage. It is essential to cleanse your Menstrual Cup properly every time you remove it.

20: Do I have to wear Sanitary Pads along with the Menstrual Cup?

Don’t worry! It will take 2-3 Menstrual Cycles to get a hang of a Menstrual Cup. Once you get accustomed to the nitty-gritty, using a Menstrual Cup will seem like a cakewalk.

So, these are the tips for first time menstrual cup users you can easily use your menstrual cup with these tips.