In case you’ve missed the buzz about menstrual hygiene products over the last few years, let us take you through it. News flash: When it comes to picking an option for you, you don’t have to stick to tampons and pads. Enter, menstrual cups—period products that are having a serious moment in the wellness spotlight.
Why should you try using a menstrual cup
Menstrual cups provide tons of perks that other period hygiene products do, including the fact that they are reusable, hold more fluid than a pad or a tampon, and reduce the amount of waste generated drastically. The qualm that most people face is about how to insert or remove the cup and to be honest, it can be daunting at first.
Being a cupvert myself, it took me about three to four cycles to properly figure out how this little instrument worked. Cut to a year of using the cup and I am so upset I wasn’t even introduced to this as an option ever in my life before 2020!
Choosing the right menstrual cup for yourself
When picking a cup, it is essential that you keep the following factors in mind:
Capacity
If you have light to normal bleeding, you more than likely will need a small menstrual cup. Surprisingly, women bleed only three to four tablespoons of blood every month but it feels like a lot more because pads and tampons absorb the fluid whereas cups hold it.
Comfort
Make sure the cup you’re picking is flexible enough. I purchased one from a certain brand and re-purchased another one once I was sure I liked it and found a difference in the material used between both. Opt for a cup that feels comfortable and remember, the goal is to feel like you’re not even wearing one. If the cup hurts, maybe it is too big or hasn’t been inserted correctly and if it moves around, it is too small.
Check the rim
The rim of the cup should be thick so that it can create a vacuum and extra suction and prevent any leakages.
5 best menstrual cups that make periods a breeze
Best overall: Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup, ₹399
Sirona’s menstrual cup is good for the planet and your pocket as it is made with PDA-approved, medical-grade silicone and lasts for five to ten years. It is available in three sizes and is super flexible and easy to insert.
Best stem-free cup: Boondh Menstrual Cup, ₹500
If the stem of the cup bothers you, try this one by Boondh. It comes in a one-size option and moulds itself to your body. The downside is that because there is no stem, it can get a little challenging for you to remove it without spilling the fluids.
Best menstrual disc: Pee Safe Menstrual Disc, ₹999
Rather than relying on suction to hold them in place, menstrual discs sit in the body with the help of their own anatomy. Cups are inserted in the vaginal canal and discs are placed right near the pubic bone. The upside is that these work exactly the way a cup does but without the discomfort of a stem and the downside is that these like stem-free cups can be difficult to remove.
Best for heavy flow: Asan Menstrual Cup Heavy Flow, ₹1,800
For heavy flow, try a bigger cup. The medical-grade silicone device will zap out all the chances of leaks with its thick rim and larger storing capacity.
Best for beginners: Azah Menstrual Cup, ₹469
The main USP of this cup is the ring that comes attached to the bottom of it, instead of the stem. The bell shape along with the gripped ring makes it easier to hold and remove the cup, making this a great option for beginners.
How to use a menstrual cup
• Before using your cup, make sure it is clean and disinfected. Wash your hands with soap and water prior to insertion.
• Fold the cup from the rim so that it is easier to insert. You can try the ‘C fold’ where you fold it in half or the ‘triangle fold’ where you push down one corner.
• Squat or find a position that feels comfortable to you and use your free hand t find your vaginal opening.
• Slowly insert the cup and once it is in, let it pop open.
• If it isn’t in the right position, push up the rim of the cup with your finger so that the stem isn’t protruding out.
• Rotate it in place so that it is sealed and secure.
How to clean a menstrual cup
• Wash your cup with soap and water and then boil it in hot water for five minutes and then wipe and put it away in a clean pouch.
• If you’re disposing of the fluids during your period, simply rinse it with water and reinsert.
3 tips for beginners on how to use a menstrual cup
• A 2020 study published in the European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine noted that you can still experience toxic shock syndrome—a dangerous and sometimes fatal infection caused by an overgrowth of staph bacteria—when using period cups. So, make sure you wash and wear it every six to 12 hours.
• While removing the cup, clean your hands and find a comfy spot. Pinch the base of the cup to break the vacuum seal and pull it out carefully. Empty it and rinse it with water before reinsertion.
• Make sure the holes near the rim of the cup are clean as these are the little points that ensure there is no leakage.
FAQs
Are menstrual cups safe to use?
Yes, cups are extremely safe and even recommended by gynaecologists as neither do they upset the pH level of the vagina nor do they cause irritation or itching.
How do you know if a cup fits?
It should feel like you aren’t wearing anything at all. If the stem is irritating, you can always trim it.
What happens if the cup leaks?
It is the same thing as a tampon or a pad leaking. Just the way the former hasn’t been properly positioned, the cup needs to be adjusted.
Can a cup get lost in my vagina?
No, it cannot. If you’re having difficulty taking out the cut, take a deep breath and relax. Don’t stress and just try again.
How long can I leave my cup in?
You should ideally clean, remove and reinsert it every six to 12 hours.