WHAT IS A MENSTRUAL CUP?
A menstrual cup is a menstrual hygiene device which is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Its purpose is to collect menstrual fluid (blood from the uterine lining mixed with other fluids). Menstrual cups are usually made of flexible medical grade silicone, latex, or a thermoplastic isomer.
WHAT MATERIALS CAN BE USED TO MAKE MENSTRUAL CUPS?
Menstrual cups are generally made from three materials. These materials are silicon, natural gum rubber and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
Silicone menstrual cups
Silicone can be subjected to higher temperatures and it is easier to sterilize. Silicone is also shown to have high compatibility to human tissue and fluids compared to other elastomers and some silicones can be easily recycled. However, Unknown sources of silicone can be a danger to the health. They could contain other substances with unknown toxicity or contaminants and use of poor-quality silicone can result in cup rips, cracks, collapse, inability to hold fluids or failure to insert correctly.
TPE menstrual cups
TPE is easily recyclable compared to most silicone (although not all) and it also can become more flexible with your body temperature, molding to your shape and creating a more custom fit. However, because of this, TPE loses its shape over time.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN USING A MENSTRUAL CUP?
To figure out the right menstrual cup size for you, you and your doctor should consider:
Your age
Length of your cervix
Whether or not you have a heavy flow
Firmness and flexibility of the cup
Cup capacity
Strength of your pelvic floor muscles
If you’ve given birth vaginally
HOW TO PUT IN THE MENSTRUAL 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. It should sit a few inches below your cervix.
Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. It will spring open to create an airtight seal that stops leaks.
HOW TO TAKE THE MENSTRUAL CUP OUT?
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.
You can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours, depending on whether you have a heavy flow. This means you can use a cup for overnight protection.
You should always remove your menstrual cup by the 12-hour mark. If it becomes full before then, you’ll have to empty it ahead of schedule to avoid leaks.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING MENSTRUAL CUPS?
A menstrual cup
is affordable
is safer than tampons
holds more blood than pads or tampons
is better for the environment than pads or tampons
can’t be felt during sex (some brands)
can be worn with an IUD
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF USING MENSTRUAL CUPS?
A menstrual cup
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
POTENTIAL RISKS FROM MENSTRUAL CUPS
Leakage
As with any other menstrual product, menstrual cups can leak during use. Leakage is more likely if the cup is full or does not fit well. Emptying the cup regularly and using one that fits well reduce the chance of leaks. A menstrual cup that fits well will create a “seal” around the vaginal wall, and it will not move much during the day.
Pain and minor injuries
Inserting any object into the vagina can cause pain or small injuries.
Rashes and allergic reactions
In rare cases, this can also occur in people using menstrual cups. As the materials that companies use to make menstrual cups can vary, some people may find that certain brands work better for them than others.
Urinary issues
Inserting any object into the vagina can irritate the urethra and introduce bacteria to the urinary tract. Additionally, in rare cases, the cup may push up against the urethra and block it, leading to problems urinating.
IUD dislodgment or expulsion
Some evidence suggests that menstrual cups can dislodge IUDs, which can mean that they are no longer effective for preventing pregnancy. However, people who use an IUD may wish to avoid menstrual cups if they are worried about the potential risk of expulsion.
Infections
There is a small risk of infection when using cups, which increases if a person does not keep their cup clean.
Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that a strain of Staphylococcus aureus causes. It is most associated with tampons, but in very rare cases, it also occurs in people who use menstrual cups
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