How Does a Menstrual Cup Work?

We women every month are visited by as many people like to call them our “Lady friend”. While these 5-7 days are probably the most frustrating and painful part of our life, we are still glad that our menstrual cycle is working perfectly.

Thankfully, we were born in the century where great Tampons and pads are available that keep the blood from staining our clothes and also maintain our hygiene. But now there is one more product that although failed some years back now has come back with a bang and is gaining popularity and that is menstrual cups. They are silicone made cups to collect blood and are reusable.

You may have heard about it but never tried it because of various reason one being how they work? So, let’s dive into the article to know more about a menstrual cup and how exactly do they work.

Menstrual cup and its history

Menstrual cups are silicone rubber cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect blood. It is taken out after 8-12 hours, and its contents are thrown in the toilet. After that, clean it properly and re-use it. Once the monthly cycle is completed, boil it and keep it for using the next time. It can use up to 5 years.

It was developed in 1930 by a woman named Lenaa Chalmers but didn’t gain any popularity. Thanks to the internet, it has again come into existence, and more and more people are leaning towards it as they are safer, easier and don’t harm the environment.

How to choose menstrual cups and available brands?

Menstrual cups come in two sizes- small and large and they also vary in length, width and handle which is called stem’s length.
The small cup is for women under 30 and hadn’t had children while the large one is for women above 30 and had children.
This is the way you can choose the right fit for you, women who have had children don’t have to think about C-section or normal delivery while choosing the large cup.

Available cups in India are:

The Anigan Eva Cup offers a wide range to choose from and comes with a sterilization cup.
The Wow freedom menstrual cup and wash, that claims of having a form fit rim that makes it soft to insert so that you doesn’t feel a thing.
Silky cup re-usable menstrual cup claims that it is best for all kind of adventurous activities.
Sirona FDA approved reusable menstrual cup with medical grade silicone.
Diva cup, these are one of the best menstrual cups. They come in various size and great for beginners. You can learn more (Diva Cup Review).

How does a menstrual cup works?

Now let’s take a look at how to use them step by step:

Before using it for the first time, wash the cup with water and mild water and then boil it in a pot for about 15-20 minutes.
Wash your hands before you even touch the cup as your hands are a carrier for germs and you don’t want it to have germs.
There are different ways of folding a cup which you can choose by seeing which feels more comfortable to you. One of the folding methods is C or U fold in which you fold it in half to make a C or U.
Now hold it firmly with your thumb and forefinger in a manner that the stem or handle is facing your palm and the opening is towards you. Water or something related can be used if you feel difficulty in inserting it.
Now, relax and for inserting the cup choose a comfortable position from standing or sitting or even squatting. Rotate it in the vagina which will open the cup and it will a little lower in the vagina than pads. Rotate it completely so that it fully opens in the vagina and sits properly.

Now to remove the cup:

Firstly, wash your hands and then pull the stem of the cup until you reach its base. Next, break the seal by pinching on its base and once you feel the suction release, dislodge the cup using side-to-side motion.
If the cup is stuck and you can’t reach it, calm yourself, and then sit on the toilet or in a squatting position and try to reach it again.
Now, empty the content of the cup in the toilet and clean it water and soap before inserting it again.
Once your cycle ends, sterilize it by boiling it for 15-20 minutes. Let it dry and then store in a pouch/box till the next month.

So, now that you know how to use them go and try one and share this with your friends too.