The menstrual cup is a small flexible bell-shaped cup that is made of silicone or latex rubber. It is in the shape of a cup and it fits inside the vagina. It is used during the period to collect the menstrual blood.
It is a very eco-friendly method for feminine hygiene use during the period.
Menstrual Cup Insertion Method
- Just before the period begins one needs to put the menstrual Cup inside.
- It is inserted just like a tampon.
- One pinches the opening of the cup, inserts it into the vagina, and then releases it.
- The broad rim will fit on all sides of the vagina and will cover the cervix and collect the menstrual blood in it.
- When it has been fitted properly one will not be able to feel it and there will be no leaking of menstrual blood.
Menstrual Cup Removal Method
- The process of removing the cup is remarkably simple.
- The cup must be pinched so that the seal along the vagina is released and then it is just removed out of the vagina by pulling on the base of the cup.
- The blood that has been collected is then emptied into the basin, and the cup is washed with plain warm water and reinserted in the vagina.
- At the end of the cycle, the cup can be sterilized in clean boiling water, and then it can be stored in a clean container with a lid.
Advantages of using Menstrual Cup
There are some advantages with the use of the menstrual cup.
The menstrual blood normally will smell and if a pad or the tampon has been kept for very long it can have a very bad odor but the blood in the menstrual cup will not smell.
The cup is not only eco-friendly, but it is also very economical because it is reusable.
You need to change the tampon every 4 to 6 hours depending on the floor but the cup can be left up to 12 hours.
Disadvantages of Menstrual Cup
It needs to be removed during sex.
The cups come in different sizes and therefore finding the perfect size for your own vagina is difficult and is done by trial and error.
The process of removal of the cup can be tricky. There is always a chance that while removing one may drop the cup or the menstrual blood. This can be messy, but most women will learn the art and a method that works for them.
In conclusion, the menstrual cup is a very useful additional method for feminine hygiene and each woman can use the cafeteria approach and choose the various methods depending on her needs.
