menstrual cup Q and A
25 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Menstrual cup
Hi, Today I am going to answer the most frequently asked questions about menstrual cups. In the last post, I have discussed all menstrual cups. If you miss it please check it out here.
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How much does it cost?
Costs are from starting Rs.300 to 5000 depending upon the quality. If you are a newbie try using the cup at a low cost.
Where can I purchase the menstrual cup?
You can purchase online like Amazon or Flipkart. In India, it is still rarely available in drug stores.
How to know my cup size?( menstrual cup Q and A )
There are several factors to consider: childbirths, your physiques, what physical shape you are, and your age. Read the guidelines mentioned on the pack. They are available in three sizes Small, Medium, and Large. Small is for teenage girls, Medium menstrual cups are usually recommended for women younger than 30 years old who haven’t delivered vaginally. Larger sizes are often recommended for women who are over 30 years old, have given birth vaginally or C-section, or have a heavier period.
How to know my flow? (menstrual cup Q and A)
The usual length of menstrual bleeding is four to six days. The usual amount of blood loss per period is 10 to 45 ml. Each soaked normal-sized tampon or pad holds a teaspoon (5ml) of blood.
Can I do my regular work/exercise/walk/yoga while I am using the cup?
People who lead active lives love the freedom of using a menstrual cup while participating in sports and activities. They can be worn safely and comfortably during any activity.
I have never used it before is it hard and painful for me?
If you do it correctly and carefully, it shouldn’t. Virgins may have some discomfort at first, but unless there is a medical condition, the discomfort should go away. The vagina is a flexible muscle; it can expand during sexual activity, or to fit a baby’s head. Then it shrinks back down again. An average woman or girl’s body should be able to accommodate a cup just fine, with some practice.
Can the cup get lost inside of me? (menstrual cup Q and A )
No. You are sort of like a pocket up inside, with walls all around and a closed-off end. There is nowhere for a cup or anything else to go. You can reach the cup only half a finger away. The menstrual cup is designed to catch your menstrual flow rather than absorb it. Its bell shape allows the cup to fit firmly and comfortably up against your vaginal walls, below but not touching your cervix. The rim is designed to help create a suction that keeps the cup in place and collects your menstrual flow inside of it.
How does the cup stay in place?
The cup is held firmly in place by the muscular walls and closed-end of the vagina. It also stays in via a light suction that is formed up inside. Those little holes around the rim of your cup are there to help break the seal.
Will using the cup affect the tightness of my vagina and/or stretch it out at all?
Physically, the cup is suitable for women of all ages as the vagina is made up of very flexible tissue and muscles. Women’s bodies are designed this way to be able to deliver a baby. After being expanded, after intercourse or childbirth, the tissue returns to its normal size.
How many hours did it last for?
Menstrual cups hold a higher volume than disposable menstrual products. Someone who typically changes their pad every two hours may find that they can use their cup for 4-6 hours before needing to empty it. It all depends on how light or heavy your flow is. Because everyone has a different definition of light, moderate, and heavy, you will need to learn how long you can use the cup based on your own flow. A good idea would be to empty your cup when you would normally change out a pad. If there is still a lot of space in the cup, you can add a couple more hours to your next scheduled change. Over time, you will start to notice when your period lightens up and you can adjust your schedule to add even more time. If your period is light, you may only need to empty your cup every 12 hours or at least twice a day.
Can I pee while the cup is inside? (menstrual cup Q and A )
You can go pee and poo while having a menstrual cup inserted. With the cup inserted, you can easily go to the bathroom if you make sure it’s not out of place, like during a bowel movement.
Can I wear it during the night and go to sleep?
Yes. Just make sure to empty the cup right before you go to bed. This will give you a fresh cup with full capacity at the start of your night. Remember that most menstrual cups hold a lot more capacity than a regular absorbency tampon or pad. Many people use menstrual cups because they allow them a good night’s rest.
Can I cut the stem?( menstrual cup Q and A )
The stem of the cup can always be trimmed to your convenience. The stem is only there to help you pinch the bottom of the cup to break the seal at the removal. You shouldn’t pull the stem directly as this won’t break the seal and it would just feel uncomfortable. When your cup is placed properly, its bottom should be no further than about half a finger away from the entry of your vagina. The stem should be entirely inside or it could cause irritations to you. If you feel that the stem is too long, you can cut it partially or entirely, Be cautious while cutting it, not to pierce the actual bottom of your cup…you can use nail clippers or a regular pair of scissors.
It overflows or spills or leaks?
You keep them for hours without a problem. The smallest cup can hold from around 15ml up to 42ml for the biggest one. So even the smallest cups are the equivalent of a super + tampon. There is no absorption happening, it is all collected in liquid form, it will be a lot less than what you imagine. So even if you keep your cup all day long, it is very unlikely that it will get full (unless you chose one that is too small for you of course)
How to know it is full and time to clean?
Because you can’t see the cup while it’s inserted, there is no definite way to know when it needs to be emptied. Some experience a different sensation such as a bubbling or gurgling feeling, but it’s not always the case. The best way to avoid overflow leaking is to schedule toilet breaks to empty the cup depending on how light or heavy your flow is. Remember that a menstrual cup holds a considerable amount more than disposable products. For example, if you normally change your tampon or pad every two hours, try removing the cup and emptying it then. If there is still space, use it for four hours next time and see if it’s full. If your flow is light, you might be able to use it for 12 hours before emptying it. Make sure to remove your cup and rinse it well every 12 hours or at least twice a day (morning and night).
How to clean and sterilize?
You can boil the cup for sterilization in a pan, I would recommend one you only use for non-greasy food or make sure you wash it very well. Boil it for a few minutes. Always use safe and brand-recommended cleaning/sterilizing methods. The best idea is to keep a separate vessel for it.
Why I am having difficulty while removing it?
Some people find their cup or rim to be causing too much pressure during removal. You can pinch the body of the cup to collapse it for easier removal, but make sure to empty your cup before the capacity gets too high. You may also consider purchasing a softer cup.
Does it break the hymen?
Physically, there is no reason why a virgin cannot use a cup. However, some cultures or religions have certain beliefs about internal menstrual products, or their hymen (a menstrual cup can alter the hymen). So this will need to be taken into consideration. But if this is not an issue for you, your family, and/or your culture– then yes, a virgin can use a cup.
Can I use it with IUD?
Some menstrual cup manufacturers support the combined use of a menstrual cup and an IUD, while others do not. You must read all the information in your product instructions. As with all medical concerns, you should also ask your doctor for additional advice. But if you compare a cup with a tampon, the tampon sits much closer to the cervix than a cup does since it’s almost only halfway in the vagina while the tip of the tampon almost touches the cervix. It is always the best idea to use a menstrual cup after 3 cycles when you newly inserted an IUD.
Can I use it immediately after childbirth or delivery?
The menstrual cup should not be used for post-natal bleeding. Because open wounds are healing up inside, there is a greater risk of infection with any kind of foreign object, no matter how clean. Please wait until your doctor says you can use internal menstrual products again, before using a menstrual cup (same goes for tampons). The muscles of the uterus are expanded during delivery and it needs time to recover. Chances are high that it will not fit properly and cause discomfort. After 6 months the muscles get to their normal position and you can use a menstrual cup.
Is there any risk of getting UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) while using the cup?
Menstrual cups are not associated with an increased risk of UTI. You may need to trim the stem a bit so that it does not hinder you. Also, it is important to wash and rinse the cup and the stem thoroughly. It is best to use a mild and perfume-free soap, so that residue is not left on the cup. The residue may cause irritations. As for all gynecological concerns, we suggest you consult your doctor.
Is it messy to use a menstrual cup?
There will always be blood, just like there would be with a disposable menstrual product. However, with practice, it will become easier to insert and remove. It will also become less messy to handle as you become more comfortable with using a menstrual cup as compared to pads and tampons.
Can I use any type of soap to wash my cup?
Wash the menstrual cup carefully in warm water and soap to clean it sufficiently before reinsertion. Use a mild soap for washing. The cup should first be rinsed in cold water, so that menstrual blood does not stain the cup or make it develop an odor. Do check the little holes near the rim of the cup are clean.
How do I store my menstrual cup when I don’t use it?
Always sterilize the cup when your period ends. Never store your cup in a plastic bag, or an air-tight container, as this can cause mold. A cup must have airflow when being stored away for the rest of the month. The best thing to store a menstrual cup in is a clean, dry cloth pouch (which are provided), and away from extreme heat, cold, or sunlight. After your period is over and you have cleaned your cup, store it in the cloth pouch.