The Benefits Of Using Menstrual Cups With Insertion & Folding Techniques

It’s your moon time and you have gathered all your regular period-helpers: Advil, a heating pad, Fennel or Ginger Tea, sanitary pads, and/or tampons. And, while these conventional feminine products do the job, you may be looking for an alternative, eco-friendly way to deal with your menses—introducing menstrual cups.

You may have run into these products in your local drugstore or seen them somewhere on the interwebs. Perhaps you have even considered getting one but may have been intimidated by not knowing how to use one, which one to get, or if they are even safe. While the idea of using a period cup may seem daunting, these products are safe and easy to use with a bit of know-how and practice.

So, continue reading on to learn all about how to use a menstruation cup safely and comfortably with our step-by-step instructions.

While it may surprise you, menstrual cups are not a new idea and have actually been around since 1867[i], predating menstrual pads and tampons. Still, studies say that approximately only 31-33% of women are aware of these eco-friendly “feminine hygiene”[ii] alternatives to pads and tampons.

Why? Some experts suggest that there is not enough available information or education about them, so many vagina owners still perceive them as “messy, scary, gross, taboo, or all of the above.”[iii] In addition, “ignorance, prejudice, costs, and safety fears can impede girls and women from testing the full range of products available.”[iv]

Still, the use of period cups is on the rise now more than ever, due to the many benefits they have over traditional pads and tampons, which we will go over in a minute.

But, first, what exactly are menstrual cups and how do they work?

Menstrual cups are small bell-shaped, flexible containers that are used to capture menstrual blood during menses. They are inserted in the vagina, where they create a close-fitting seal, effectively capturing and holding 10-38 mL (0.33-1.28 fluid ounces) of menstrual blood in the receptacle.

They should be emptied every 4-12 hours depending on the size and type of cup you have, as well as the amount of menstrual flow, which differs for all menstrual havers.

Types of Menstrual Cups

There are two types of cups available on the market: the vaginal cup and the cervical cup. Most are reusable, while some are disposable or single-use. They are most often made of soft medical-grade silicone, a material that is body-safe, hypoallergenic, chemical, and phthalate-free, and can last up to 10-15 years.

What are the Benefits?

In a review of 43 studies on menstrual cups, their safety, and usage in The Lancet[v], researchers found that period cups are safer, more effective, greener, and more cost-effective than other mainstream products.

Here are their findings:

• Leakage: Menstrual cups don’t leak any more than pads or tampons and in some instances leak “significantly less”. Reasons for leakage included very heavy bleeding, unusual anatomy, using a cup that was too small, incorrect placement, or the cup had filled to capacity and overflowed. While most cups can be used for up to 12 hours, it is important to empty them on a regular basis. Menstrual cups hold 2-3 times more fluid than a tampon.
  
  
• Cost-Effective: Period cups are much cheaper in the long run than purchasing tampons or pads at 5-7% of the purchase price over 10 years.
  
  
• Eco-friendly: An estimated 45 billion[vi] disposable period products are used each year, most of which contain plastics. Over a 10-year cycle, menstrual cups cut down on plastic waste by up to 99.6%. Pads and plastic applicators take up to 800 years to decompose.
  
  
• Portable: Menstrual cups are very small and easy to carry.
  
  
• Care and Cleaning: Period cups only need to be rinsed with hot water once emptied, and occasionally boiled to disinfect them.
  
  
• Mess-free Sex: Disposable menstrual cups that look like a diaphragm can be used during sex.

Selecting Your Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different body types and flow levels. While cups may hold the same fluid ounces — indicating their capacity — they are offered in different widths to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Wide Cups Are Suitable For:

• Those with a heavier flow
  
  
• Those who have given birth vaginally
  
  
• Those who have a stronger pelvic floor

Narrow Cups Are Suitable For:

• Those with a lighter flow
  
  
• Those who are younger
  
  
• Those who have a more sensitive anatomy

The right fit is crucial for preventing leaks and ensuring comfort throughout the day.

How to Safely Use a Menstrual Cup

Using menstrual cups is fairly easy and intuitive once you get used to them. If you already use tampons, then inserting something into your vagina is not a radical idea. If you haven’t used tampons or other insertable products, there may be a bit of a learning curve involved.

When in doubt, always consult a medical professional before inserting a menstrual cup.

Inserting a Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are super-flexible and can be folded into a C-shape to insert into the vagina. Healthline[ix] recommends lubricating the rim of the cup with water, or water-based lubricant to smooth the way for insertion. However, it is important to read the manufacturer's guidelines before use. And, of course, wash your hands and sterilize the cup before use as well.

Once inside, release the cup, and slightly rotate the base 360 degrees to help it open up fully, thus, creating a light air-tight seal against the walls of the vagina, to prevent leakage. The cup, including the stem, should be fully inside the vagina, a few inches below the cervix.

Once inside, you shouldn’t be able to feel it, if it has been inserted properly. You can go about your normal activities: walking, sitting, jumping, swimming, sports, dancing, and even wearing it overnight, without worrying about leakage or the possibility of it slipping out.

How Long to Leave Inside?

Menstrual cups can be left inside the vagina between 4-12 hours before you need to empty them. The exact time will depend on the individual product and the heaviness of your flow.

It is important to empty before it overflows for obvious reasons. When you are first getting used to the timing, you may want to have a pantyliner handy, just in case.

How to Remove Them?