Period FAQs

how to use a period cup

by Godfrey Murray Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Just follow these steps to use a cup:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Apply water or a water-based lube to the rim of the cup.
  3. Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up.
  4. Insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. ...
  5. Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. ...

Part of a video titled How to Insert a Menstrual Cup - YouTube
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Start by folding your cup in one of the three folds the C fold the punch down or the seven fold.MoreStart by folding your cup in one of the three folds the C fold the punch down or the seven fold. Then insert a trim first into your vagina.

Full Answer

What are some dangers of using a period Cup?

What are the potential risks?

  • Irritation. Irritation can happen for a number of reasons, and, for the most part, they’re all preventable. ...
  • Infection. Infection is a rare complication of menstrual cup use. ...
  • TSS. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious complication that can result from certain bacterial infections.

What is the best menstrual cup for beginners?

The 7 best menstrual cups for beginners

  1. Ruby Cup. Comfortable, discrete, and easy to use, Ruby Cup is 100% vegan, and latex- and plastic-free. ...
  2. Lena Sensitive Cup. Designed for sensitive bodies, Sensitive is made from softer silicone than the classic Lena Cup, so it’s more flexible and presses less on the bladder.
  3. Lunette Cup. ...
  4. Saalt Teen Cup. ...
  5. Flex Cup. ...
  6. Intimina Lily Cup One. ...

More items...

How do you put in a menstrual cup?

Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Inserting a Menstrual Cup

  1. Purchase a menstrual cup online or in a drug store. ...
  2. Read the instructions accompanying your menstrual cup. Instructions can differ from cup to cup, so it's always a good idea to read what comes with your cup!
  3. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the cup. ...
  4. Wash your cup with a mild soap before using it the first time. ...

More items...

What are the disadvantages of menstrual cup?

What are the disadvantages of menstrual cup? Menstrual cups may be an affordable and environmentally friendly option, but you still need to keep a few things in mind: Cup removal can be messy. …. They can be tough to insert or remove. …. It can be hard to find the right fit. …. You may be allergic to the material. ….

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How do you use a menstrual cup for beginners?

0:395:38How to Use a Menstrual Cup - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo again you squish it in half. And then you fold one of the corners. Down to the opposite. BottomMoreSo again you squish it in half. And then you fold one of the corners. Down to the opposite. Bottom corner this again creates a very small circumference for you to be able to insert the menstrual cup.

How do I know when my menstrual cup is full?

Menstrual cups can be worn safely for up to 12 hours at a time, but your cup may fill up well before that. And people with heavy periods may need to empty their menstrual cups sooner than others....Check for Signs That Your Menstrual Cup Is FullA “heavy” feeling. ... A bubbling sensation. ... Light warning leaks. ... A slipping cup.

Do menstrual cup hurts?

Do menstrual cups hurt or feel uncomfortable? Many people can't feel their cups at all once they're inserted, Dr. Cullins says, and it shouldn't be painful when you insert it, either (though it might take more practice to use than a tampon or pad).

What are the disadvantages of menstrual cups?

What are the disadvantages of using menstrual cups?can be messy.may be hard to insert or remove.may be tough to find the right fit.may cause an allergic reaction.may cause vaginal irritation.

Can you sleep in a menstrual cup?

Can you sleep with a menstrual cup in? Of course you can. One of the great things about period cups is that you can sleep soundly without having to wake up to change your pad or tampon.

How do you empty a menstrual cup in public?

Simply empty the contents of the menstrual cup in the toilet, then wipe out the cup with damp or dry toilet paper or a tissue. Be sure you remove any pieces of tissue that may have stuck to the cup before you reinsert it.

Does menstrual cup leak when full?

It's possible that your cup is leaking because it's overflowing. Although Sustain period cups are meant to hold between 20ml (size 1) to 29ml (size 2) of blood, everyone's flow is different.

When should you not use a menstrual cup?

Some manufacturers don't recommend using a menstrual cup if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted, as there's a chance the cup could pull on the string or dislodge it. But a 2012 study found no evidence of this. Still, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before combining the two.

Can you swim with a menstrual cup?

Can you wear a menstrual cup while swimming? Like tampons, menstrual cups are worn internally and can be worn while swimming in any kind of water.

Why is my period cup leaking?

The most common reason for leaks is that the cup edges are still slightly folded and have not opened fully to form a seal with the vaginal walls. This is especially common with new cup users and generally just takes a little bit of practice to get the perfect insertion method down.

Should menstrual cup stem stick out?

The end of the stem should be sitting no more than 1cm from the vaginal opening. Nothing should be sticking out, but it should be only just inside you. In some cases the menstrual cup may rise up higher and then settle in it's own position.

Is it normal to fill A menstrual cup in 2 hours?

Generally speaking, however, here are some signs and symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding to watch for: Having to change your pad or tampon every hour or filling a menstrual cup every 2-3 hours. Soaking through your bedclothes, pyjamas, clothing or upholstery.

Is it normal to fill a menstrual cup in 3 hours?

Generally speaking, however, here are some signs and symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding to watch for: Having to change your pad or tampon every hour or filling a menstrual cup every 2-3 hours. Soaking through your bedclothes, pyjamas, clothing or upholstery.

Does menstrual cup leak when full?

It's possible that your cup is leaking because it's overflowing. Although Sustain period cups are meant to hold between 20ml (size 1) to 29ml (size 2) of blood, everyone's flow is different.

Should the stem of my menstrual cup stick out?

The end of the stem should be sitting no more than 1cm from the vaginal opening. Nothing should be sticking out, but it should be only just inside you. In some cases the menstrual cup may rise up higher and then settle in it's own position.

Does a menstrual cup speed up your period?

The use of tampons or napkins further complicates the process. When you switch to a cup it may result in a shorter period. So our answer has to be positive. Yes, the menstrual cup has positive effects on the process of the period and often shortens the process itself.

What Is a Menstrual Cup?

Menstrual cups are bell-shaped devices you insert in your vagina during your period. Most have a stem or loop to make insertion and removal easier. They’re often made of silicone, but can also be made of latex or rubber. The cups collect, rather than absorb, blood as it is shed.

Try Different Insertion Techniques

All menstrual cup insertion techniques involve folding the cup and inserting it in your vagina. You can adapt the way you do it based on your body and the shape of the cup you’re using. Before inserting, rinse your cup; it will slip inside easier if it's wet.

Removal Is Easy

Depending on how heavy your flow is, you should remove your cup every 2 to 12 hours, once it’s full. The weight of the blood will pull the cup down as it fills, and with time you’ll learn to recognize the sensation that signals it’s time to empty it.

Clean Your Menstrual Cup After Each Cycle

When your monthly flow is done, give your menstrual cup a deep clean by washing and boiling it. After your final use, rinse the cup and wash it with a fragrance-free gentle soap. Some cups come with small brushes to remove blood and residue from the small holes in the rim that create suction.

Expect a Learning Curve

When I started using a menstrual cup years ago, it took a few months for me to get used to using a new type of product. But once I did, I loved it and will never go back. I often forget I’m on my period because I don’t have to think about it as often. Everyone leaks occasionally — and that’s okay. It takes time to learn.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup collects menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. You clean and reuse it, which means you don't need to replace it for a long time. Most people find they leak less than tampons and are more comfortable to wear.

How much do menstrual cups cost?

Menstrual cups run $30-$40 USD, but keep in mind that you can use them over and over. However, you can get them cheaper, usually in the $7-$10 USD range on the low end, so look around if you just want to try one out. Menstrual cups are typically made of silicone or rubber.

How to open a syringe that hasn't opened?

If it hasn't opened, pull lightly down on the stem without actually pulling the cup out.

How to seal a cup?

Twist the cup to make sure it seals. Grab the base of the cup by the sides (not the stem) and turn it at least 1 full rotation. This will help ensure that the sides pop out completely to create the seal.

How to fold a cup to make it easier to insert?

Fold the cup to make it easier to insert. You can try the c-fold, where you squeeze the opening together then fold the opening in half. You can try the 7-fold, which is similar, but you bring one edge up higher, making the cup a bit narrower. Another option is the punch-down fold.

How to clean a cup of coffee?

Pick a fragrance-free soap labeled for sensitive skin. Thoroughly rub the cup inside and out with the soap and warm water, and then rinse the soap off completely.

What to use on stained coffee cups?

If the cup is stained, use 70% rubbing alcohol on it.

How to open a menstrual cup?

You might need to give it a little nudge — running a finger up the cup to pop it open , a twist or a gentle ro tation — to get it sitting as comfortably as possible, but you’ll often feel when the cup seals into place. If it feels obtrusive, painful or just off, you can always take it out and try again. Sometimes I even recommend to newbies to give it a dry run ahead of your period so you’re not dealing with cramps, bleeding or high-pressure time constraints while getting to know your new cup.

What to do if you're struggling with inserting your cup of choice?

If you’re struggling with inserting your cup of choice, you may want to opt for one that folds a bit thinner or revisit some other options out there (‘kiss a few frogs,’ etc.)

Do menstrual cups have stems?

Most menstrual cup s have a little stem to make removal simpler and TBH the “if it doesn’t have a flare, don’t put it up there” instincts might kick in for folks making a stemmed cup preferable. For stemless cups, we highly recommend looking at the manufacturer’s guidance (but also squatting and pinching at the base of the cup is probably a good place to start).

Can you use a cup cleaner on a kegel?

There are also some cup cleaning spray cleaners on the market ( this one can clean pelvic floor/kegel exerciser tools too!) and even menstrual cup steamers and sterilizers — but real pros know that (provided your cup doesn’t warn you to the contrary) baby bottle sterilizing tablets are a great hack you might already have around your house.

Is a thorough clean up more time consuming than a last minute tamper?

Plus: A thorough clean-up is actually a bit less time consuming than a last-minute tampon run, in my experience.

Can you take out a cup when it's full?

But if your cup is full or you’re experiencing a leak or have any other reason to remove your cup, you’ll want to take it out and give it a rinse and re-insert.

Can you take your period cup out?

In this house, we don’t like period stigma and operate from the baseline that it is natural, comes from your body and is nothing to be ashamed about! But it’s also okay if you’re squeamish the first few times taking your cup out and disposing of the menses.

How to take out a menstrual cup?

To take out a menstrual cup, just follow these steps: Wash your hands thoroughly. Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina. Pull the stem of the cup gently until you can reach the base. Pinch the base to release the seal and pull down to remove the cup. Once it’s out, empty the cup into the sink or toilet.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid. Cups can hold more blood than other methods, leading many women to use them as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons.

How long do disposable menstrual cups last?

Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day. Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can last for 6 months to 10 years with proper care. Throw away disposable cups after removal.

Why are menstrual cups safer than tampons?

Menstrual cups are safer. Because menstrual cups collect rather than absorb blood, you’re not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use. Menstrual cups hold more blood. A menstrual cup can hold about one to two ounces of menstrual flow.

Why do women use menstrual cups?

Many women choose to use menstrual cups because: They’re budget friendly. You pay a one-time price for a reusable menstrual cup, unlike tampons or pads, which have to be continually bought and can cost upward of $100 a year. Menstrual cups are safer.

How much does a menstrual cup cost?

Menstrual cups are more cost-effective than tampons and pads. You can pay, on average, $20 to $40 for a cup and not have to purchase another one for at least six months. Tampons and pads can cost an average of $50 to $150 a year, depending on how long and heavy your period is and how often you have your period.

How long can you wear a cup?

And depending on your flow, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours. Available brands of reusable cups include the Keeper Cup, Moon Cup, Lunette Menstrual Cup, DivaCup, Lena Cup, and Lily Cup.

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