Just follow these steps to use a cup:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Apply water or a water-based lube to the rim of the cup.
- Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up.
- Insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. ...
- Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. ...
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
- Ruby Cup. Comfortable, discrete, and easy to use, Ruby Cup is 100% vegan, and latex- and plastic-free. ...
- 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.
- Lunette Cup. ...
- Saalt Teen Cup. ...
- Flex Cup. ...
- Intimina Lily Cup One. ...
How do you put in a menstrual cup?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Inserting a Menstrual Cup
- Purchase a menstrual cup online or in a drug store. ...
- 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!
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the cup. ...
- Wash your cup with a mild soap before using it the first time. ...
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. ….
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.
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.
Do menstruation cups hurt?
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).
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.
How do you remove a menstrual cup without pain?
What should you do if you experience discomfort during cup removal? If you try to pull the menstrual cup out without pinching the base, you may experience some pain or discomfort. That's because the suction seal that was created when you inserted the cup is still there. So try pinching and then pulling down.
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.
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.
Are menstrual cups safer than pads?
Infections. The Lancet review did not find evidence that menstrual cups pose an increased risk of infection compared with other period products. Some of the included studies indicated that cups are less likely to cause infections than tampons or pads.
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.
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.
What if menstrual cup doesn't open?
Run your cup under cold water prior to inserting. This will make the silicone slightly firmer than when the cup is warm which can help the cup spring open. Use a little water or water-based lubricant on the rim of your cup if you are new to using a menstrual cup.
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.
How do I know when to empty my diva cup?
In general across the cup using community the consensus is you should empty every 10-12 hours as an absolute maximum. If your periods are heavy or the first few days are heavy than you will need to empty more frequently to prevent leaks.
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?
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 many testimonials does wikihow have?
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 18 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why do people use cups over pads?
Others choose cups or tampons over pads to avoid constant friction from a pad against their vulva, which can cause irritation, Dr. Gupta says. Then there's the question of if using a period cup will reduce your risk of getting a bacterial infection that could cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
What is a period cup?
For the uninitiated, period cups (also known as menstrual cups) are flexible bell-shaped devices that you insert into your vagina to catch your menstrual fluid, then can empty out however often is necessary based on the heaviness of your flow.
How much does it cost to replace a period cup?
Ross. Forking out somewhere in the $20 to $40 range upfront might seem like a lot for single a period product, but many brands recommend replacing their cups every year or two. Translation: You’ll wind up spending less than you would regularly stocking up on tampons and pads.
Can tampons cause TSS?
Technically, sure, it's possible, especially since one theory holds that TSS is more likely to happen when tampons dry out and slightly tear the vaginal tissue, giving bacteria an easier way in. Since menstrual cups aren’t absorbent, that could theoretically lower your risk.
How to clean a cup between cycles?
Between cycles, most brands recommend that you clean and disinfect your cup by boiling it in a pot on the stove.
Where should a cup be placed?
It should sit below your cervix, the narrow neck-like passage below the uterus that blood flows through to get to your vagina. That might sound wildly uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be.
Is it safe to cut IUD strings?
Yep, totally safe! “You may want to ask your gynecologist to cut the IUD [strings] shorter so it won’t be accidentally pulled with removal of the cup,” adds Dr. Ross. Keep an eye on the string length throughout your period, too. Although your cervix’s position can fluctuate throughout your cycle and change the position of your IUD strings, if they seem to suddenly have gotten way longer and you’re dealing with symptoms like abnormally heavy bleeding, your IUD may have moved. Contact your ob/gyn.
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.)
Is Intimina a Sheknows sponsor?
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. INTIMINA is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
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.
How much blood does a menstrual cup lose?
On average we lose only 80ml or 5.5 tablespoons of blood each period – so your cup might look pretty empty even after 8 hours of wear.
What is the smallest cup?
Now, Lily Cup One is the smallest sized cup – but its bubble shape actually lets it hold a little more than a Lily Cup Compact Size A, meaning that it won’t make for too many more extra changes throughout the day (and, like I said, it’s so easy to use it doesn’t really matter).
How to get a cup ready for reinsertion?
Be gentle with your tap. A gentle rinse in any temperature water you have available, is enough to get your cup ready for reinsertion. While soap isn’t necessary, if you do decide to use it, be sure that it’s pH-balanced, to avoid any irritation or infections.
What is Intimina ladies?
A collective group of “lady experts” at Intimina who love sharing our personal experiences, even when they are a little too personal. We believe it’s time to start breaking down the taboos around menstruation, motherhood, and menopause, and start owning our female health.
Do menstrual cups have blood?
You’ve probably had your suspicions from experiences with other menstrual products, but menstrual cups allow you to see your menstrual flow in all its gloopy glory. Period blood is not just blood – it’s also uterine tissue, cells from the lining of the vagina, red blood cells and proteins.
Do you have to insert a menstrual cup?
Yes, you do have to insert your menstrual cup and yes, it’s a little different from even non-applicator tampons since you have to position it as well. Don’t forget to wash your hands each time you’re about to insert or remove your cup. Also make sure you don’t have any cuts or infections while using the cup.
Is Lily Cup One good?
All in all, I highly recommend Lily Cup One for those who are new to cups or find themselves having a little extra trouble with opening their cups – because Lily Cup One makes it all so incredibly easy!
How to insert flex cup?
To achieve this fold, place a finger on the top rim of the cup and press it down into the center of the cup to form a triangle.
Why is my cup leaking?
While there are a few reasons your cup may be leaking, the first line of defense is to ensure it's sitting low enough in your vaginal canal. When inserting the cup, stop once it's in the lowest position you are comfortable with (about a knuckle deep).
What is the only cup that removes like a tampon?
The only cup in the world that removes like a tampon. With a patented pull-tab that breaks the seal for easy removal, Flex Cup is the #1 menstrual cup for a reason.
How long to boil a sourdough bread pot?
You may also want to do a deep clean periodically. To do that, unthread the pull-tab, rinse the cup, and boil for 10 minutes in an open pot with plenty of water. Do not leave the boiling pot unattended. Use tongs to ensure the cup does not touch the bottom of the pot.
How long to boil a boiled cup?
You may also want to do a deep clean periodically. To do that, unthread the pull-tab, rinse the cup, and boil for 10 minutes in an open pot with plenty of water. Do not leave the boiling pot unattended. Use tongs to ensure the cup does not touch the bottom of the pot. If you burn your cup while boiling, your cup should be replaced.
Do you need to sit in the vaginal canal for a cup?
The cup does not need to sit super high in the vaginal canal. When inserting, stop once it's in the lowest position you are comfortable with (about a knuckle deep). If the pull-tab is external, you can position the ring so it's parallel to the labia for added comfort.
