Menstrual cup - Advantages, disadvantages and where to buy it

There are very innovative methods to deal with those days of menstruation in the best possible way: in terms of comfort and that do not hurt the pocket. The opinion of gynecologists about the menstrual cup undoubtedly shows the advantages of the menstrual cup, so there is nothing to worry about, you should only know how to use the menstrual cup properly to avoid any of the disadvantages of the menstrual cup. That you still do not know what is the menstrual cup? In this article we will tell you all about this new gadget that simplifies life to women , especially the advantages and disadvantages of the menstrual cup and where to buy the menstrual cup.

What is the menstrual cup

Let's start with the foundations: what is the menstrual cup? As we can see in the image, the menstrual cup has the shape of a container that is inserted into the vagina with the aim that the menstrual flow is stored. Compared to other methods, such as tampons, the menstrual cup stores the flow, while the tampons absorb it.

How to use the menstrual cup

If what throws you back to throw you with this container is that you do not know how the menstrual cup is used, then we will explain the step by step that we must follow.

To proceed to introduce the menstrual cup in the vagina, we should fold it while inserting it. Once introduced, the menstrual cup will recover its shape automatically and naturally. It is not complicated since the procedure is very similar to that of the tampon. At the time of extracting it, it can be simpler or more difficult depending on the model that we choose. There are some menstrual cups without thread in which we must introduce the fingers to extract them; however, the new models of menstrual cups with thread allow us to extract them as if they were a tampon.

However, if you experience some type of problem when using a menstrual cup, you can try to introduce the menstrual cup before the menstrual cycle so that you get used to the method that is easiest for you.

Advantages and disadvantages of the menstrual cup

Like all the gadgets of this type, the advantages and disadvantages of the menstrual cup are diverse and you will have to evaluate them when choosing one or the other method.

Advantages of the menstrual cup

Among the advantages of the menstrual cup, we find that it is a very economical method, since, although the Initial investment is a little expensive (the price of a menstrual cup is around 30 euros ), in the long term we will not have to buy any other product for our intimate hygiene.

Although it may seem that it is an unhygienic product, that will depend to a great extent on how carefully we have it. When purchasing these products, many models include containers to proceed with the disinfection of the menstrual cup after each use or even each period.The normal thing in tampons is to take them for a maximum period of about 4-5 hours; nevertheless, the menstrual cup allows us to keep it up to 12 hours, since, depending on the size of the desired cup, up to 30 ml can be stored.

From the ecological point of view, a menstrual cup does not produce as much waste as other hygienic methods, such as tampons or the compresses, so it is beneficial for our planet.

Disadvantages of the menstrual cup

Once we have seen the advantages , we went on to analyze the disadvantages of the menstrual cup that we must also assess before launching to acquire one of these products. The first sensation when using a menstrual cup can be something repulsive because of the fact that one can touch the menstrual flow during the emptying of the cup; However, with practice you can get the menstrual cup empty without having to spend that bad drink: with skill, you get everything and more.

Likewise, if we do not maintain some hygiene habits , we risk having infectious bacteria that cause us very painful diseases such as It can be candidiasis or cystitis. Therefore, it is recommended to disinfect in the way we have indicated at the end of the menstrual cycle and at the beginning to avoid any harmful bacteria for our organism.

Opinion of gynecologists about the menstrual cup

It may seem that there is a variety of opinion of gynecologists about the menstrual cup, but the truth is that the vast majority of gynecologists consider that the menstrual cup is a 21st century advance in relation to products of intimate hygiene. In addition to the advantages of those discussed above, mainly those related to waste, they also qualify it as a healthy product because it does not alter the vaginal flora, since the other hygienic products contain various components, such as bleach. With good maintenance and use, any gynecologist would recommend this alternative since it would not present any difficulty or any risk in the organism.

Where to buy the menstrual cup

Being a fairly novel product, we do not usually find it in any supermarket this type of products. However, if you want to know where to buy the menstrual cup, you can go to any pharmacy , in case you want personal assistance, or if you have it very clear, you can go to any website and acquire the latest news at the best price.This significantly reduces the dimension of the upper edge, which facilitates the introduction.

Step 2: Clamp. Hold the already folded sides of the cup firmly and hold them together with the thumb on one side and the index finger so that the curved edge is facing away from the palm of the hand (or so the foot of the cup is in front of the palm).

Step 3: Insert. Place yourself in a comfortable position with your vaginal muscles relaxed, gently spread the vaginal lips with your free hand and insert the curved edge of the menstrual cup already bent in the vagina in a horizontal direction towards the coccyx .

Step 4: Turn. Hold the base of the cup (not the stem) and rotate it one full turn (360 degrees) in any direction or insert the cup approximately halfway, turn it one full turn and push it horizontally to the background. The cup should rotate easily since this ensures that it is completely open and placed horizontally towards the coccyx.

Step 5: Removal. To extract , gently pull the foot of the cup until you can reach the base of it . Squeeze the base to release the air and continue moving to remove it. After you have removed the cup, empty the contents in the toilet, wash the glass thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap without water-based perfumes (without oils) and reinsert it.

Empty

The cup should be emptied, rinsed and re-inserted at least twice a day (twice in a period of 24 hours) and can be used throughout the night without worrying about accidents. Most women only need to empty it in the morning and evening.

By monitoring the integrity of the cup in a couple of cycles, you will quickly learn how often You must empty it according to your specific needs. Most women find that the glass is not even half full after 12 hours. For those with more abundant flows, you should simply empty the cup more frequently.

If you have a regular cycle, you can insert the cup before your period reaches you to avoid spots.

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Menstrual cup sizes

Although we can think that all menstrual cups are equal, the truth is that we can find different sizes.

In fact there are models of menstrual cups small that are suitable for women under 25 who have not had children or who have had them by C-section . Then there are the large menstrual cups which are used for women over 25 and for women under 25 who have had children through vaginal delivery.

This is mainly due to menstrual cups are usually designed based mainly on the vaginal muscles, which may vary or perhaps extend more once we have given birth.

On the other hand some women choose to use both, depending on the flow.