Menstrual cups come in many different sizes, and these cups are meant to be used as a hygiene product for women when they are on their periods. The main purpose of menstrual cups is to collect menstrual fluid that is the uterine lining blood, mixed with a few other fluids. Menstrual cups are mostly made flexible if bought from the right place, such as Libby Cup. Most cups are made of silicone, thermoplastic isomer, or even latex.

All menstrual cups have a shape that looks like a bell, where the long piece is the stem. This stem is used to help with the insertion and removal of the menstrual cup. The bell-shaped cup will seal itself close to the cervix wall once the cup has been successfully inserted into the vagina.

Menstrual cups collect the fluids released during menstruation; it does not absorb it like tampons and pads. One menstrual cup can be used for up to ten years if it is taken care of properly. This long-term use of the product allows menstrual cups to be a cost-effective alternative to other hygiene products.

The Benefits of Using Menstrual Cups

There are many perks to using a menstrual cup; the biggest reason why people tend to use a menstrual cup is because it is reusable. Most menstrual cups can be used for years. Thus, instead of continuously using money to buy tampons and pads each month, you can now buy a menstrual cup and save money.

Menstrual cups can also be worn for a long period of time. On average, it can work for up to four hours, and if your flow is not too heavy, you can wear it for twelve hours.

This product also does not dry the vagina the way tampons do. Thus, it lets the vagina preserve the healthy bacteria, which prevent vaginal infections from occurring.

Menstrual cups are also not linked to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) like tampons are. This is a rare, life-threatening condition that is often linked with the use of tampons.

Menstrual cups do not contain chemicals like pads and tampons. Pads and tampons contain bleach and dioxin, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are known to cause cancer.

This product also reduces the odor of menstrual fluids. Many women also report that they do not feel the menstrual cup once it has been inserted in. Menstrual cups that are reusable are also environment-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Menstrual Cups Safe to Use?

Menstrual cups are extremely safe to use, but that is only if the person follows all the guidelines. There has been no pure evidence that suggests that menstrual cups are more dangerous than tampons. 

Will My Menstrual Cup Leak If I Lay Down?

Menstrual Cups do not leak if they have been inserted properly. But if it leaks when you lay down, then it means that it has not been inserted properly.

How Exactly Do Menstrual Cups Work?

You can consider menstrual cups like small buckets that collect your period blood for a certain amount of time. This bucket is more flexible since it is made of silicone and latex rubber. It doesn't absorb your blood flow like a pad or tampon would; all it does is it collects it until you remove it and toss it into the toilet or sink.

How Will I Know When My Menstrual Cup is Inserted Properly?

Once your menstrual cup has been inserted into the vagina, you will most likely hear a pop sound or even a suction sound. This means that the cup has been inserted properly. If you have doubts about the menstrual cup, then reach into the vagina and feel the base of the cup. If the cup feels round or oval, then it has been inserted perfectly. If there are folds, then it has not been inserted properly.

Should the Stem of The Menstrual Cup Be Sticking Out of The Vagina?

Your menstrual cup should be sitting low in the vagina; if you have used a tampon before, then you should know that it must be placed lower than that as well. Usually, menstrual cups should not be placed right on top of the opening of the cervix. The end of the stem should sit at least one centimeter from the vaginal opening. Nothing should stick out of the vagina; everything should remain inside.

How Often Should My Menstrual Cup Be Sterilized?

You should sterilize your menstrual before your cycle begins and after your cycle ends. You can sterilize your menstrual cup at the end of your cycle by simply cleaning it with water, boiling it, or steaming it.

What Will Happen If I Boil My Menstrual Cup for Too Long?

Do not leave your menstrual cup in boiling water for too long. This is because boiling your menstrual cup for too long will cause the silicone cup to start thinning and softening. It may seem unhygienic to many to place a menstrual product into a kitchen pot, but buying a small pot just for your cup can be useful and safer for you.

What Is the Other Alternative to Cleaning Menstrual Cup Without Boiling?

If you don't like the idea of boiling your menstrual cup, then you can place the cup in a steam bag, which is most often used for sanitizing different parts of breast pumps. You can also use Milton's tablet or soak the cup in hot water. There are also specific menstrual cup containers that can be used to steam menstrual cups in the microwave.

Conclusion

Menstrual cups have become a need in many places. Not only is it convenient to use, but it is small and can be reused. This invention has allowed women from poor communities to also be able to live a normal life without having to stay home for days due to the chances of blood leaking. Now women of all backgrounds can take advantage of life without feeling like there is a wall stopping them.