Menstrual cups are gaining popularity and it’s not difficult to see why. For starters, they’re legit money-savers as one cup can last for almost a decade. Secondly, they are much more environmentally-friendly in comparison to pads and tampons. However, the fact that they can make your period way more comfier than pads and tampons takes the cake. Oh and we’re not just talking about their leak-proof protection for up to 12 hours. According to several cup users, menstrual cups can take the edge off period cramps too!
Despite everything that they bring to the table, many of us still resist giving them a go. But here’s the truth–they’re soft, funnel-shaped devices that can be inserted in the vagina to collect period blood and make your life much easier. No harm involved, pinky promise.
In fact, we reached out to Dr. Shilpa Ghosh, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, to debunk your cup-related myths. Here’s all you need to know:
What If My Vaginal Opening Is “Too Small” For A Menstrual Cup?
“The vaginal walls are made of the mucosal tissue with several tiny folds for flexibility. When you insert something like a menstrual cup inside the vagina, these folds squinch in to make space for it. So, contrary to what you think, there’s more than enough room for a menstrual cup to be pushed inside,” says Dr. Ghosh.
Not to mention, starting off with a good-quality cup can also help you feel at ease. Sirona’s Reusable Menstrual Cup, for one, is made of soft, flexible material for easy, painless insertion and removal. You can fold it into a C-shape and slide it in comfortably.
Can A Menstrual Cup Break The Hymen?
Believe it or not, this is one of the most commonly asked questions about menstrual cups. But let’s break it down for you. “The hymen is a thin tissue at the opening of the vaginal canal. It stretches and compresses like any other muscle in the body and can get ripped during exercise or any vigorous physical activity. It is not an indicator of one’s virginity,” explains Dr. Ghosh.
“In fact, the hymen of an adolescent with an active lifestyle might be broken already. So the chances of a menstrual cup’s role in it are very bleak,” she adds.
How Can You Change Your Menstrual Cup In A Public Washroom?
If you’re worried about cleaning or emptying the cup while on the go, Dr. Ghosh has an easy hack for you.
“Keep a water bottle handy when going to the loo. Empty the cup in a drain or the pot, and wash it with water. Wipe the cup with a tissue paper, remove any tissue remains and once the cup is dry, put it back on,” she suggests.
Pro tip: You can keep a pack of Sirona’s Intimate Wet Wipes in your bag while travelling. Trust us, these wipes are godsent for wiping the cup as well as the toilet seat in case of any spillage. The best part? They’re infused with natural ingredients like aloe vera, neem, and lavender oil. So, they’re extremely gentle on your sensitive genital skin and do the job without disturbing the natural pH.
How Do I Find The Right Menstrual Cup For Myself?
“The key to finding the right-sized menstrual cup is to understand the intensity of your period flow and know your cervix height. Higher the cervix and heavier the flow, bigger the cup size required,” Dr. Ghosh explains.
Click here to take a quick size-guide quiz for a more precise estimation of your menstrual cup size.
How Much Time Does It Take To Get Comfortable With A Cup?
While many women take an instant liking to a menstrual cup, others may take some time to get used to handling it properly. Either way, you will enjoy using a cup eventually, we assure you. But till you get there, you can try this hack suggested by Dr. Ghosh to make your life easier during the initial phase: “Insert and remove the menstrual cup while taking a shower. The water will act as a lubricant and prevent any mess too.”
Can You Use A Menstrual Cup If You Have An IUD?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped coil inserted into the uterus for birth control. According to Dr. Shilpa, one can easily use a menstrual cup even with an IUD. “Just like a tampon, a menstrual cup is placed in the vagina. An IUD, on the other hand, sits inside the uterus. Thus, the cup has no chance of interfering with the contraceptive device,” she explains.
Can A Menstrual Cup Get Lost Inside Me?
The cervix is a rounded tissue that acts as a wall between the vagina and the uterus. “A menstrual cup cannot pass through the cervix, so it cannot get lost inside your body for sure,” explains Dr. Ghosh.
What If The Cup Leaks And I Get A Stain?
The most common cause of leakage while using a cup is its misplacement. “When you insert a menstrual cup, it should pop open and create a firm grip with your pelvic floor muscles to collect period blood,” explains Dr. Ghosh. You can easily get a hold of this after using the cup a few times.However, we understand that you may have apprehensions about stepping out with a cup on while you’re still learning how to handle it. In this case, you can count on the Dry Comfort Panty Liners by Sirona to feel more confident while on the move. They’re ulta-thin and can be worn with a cup as backup to prevent any staining.
How Do I Clean My Menstrual Cup?
Follow these three cup cleansing steps suggested by Dr. Ghosh and you are sorted:
Step 1: Wash the cup with a mild soap and water. Be mindful of the soap you’re using as a harsh one can disturb the natural pH of the vagina and lead to several infections.
The Hygienic Menstrual Cup Wash by Sirona is a safe-choice, we say. It’s formulated with mild surfactants to clean the cup thoroughly and is extremely gentle on the sensitive genital skin too.
Step 2: Boil some water and submerge the washed cup in it for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use Sirona’s Menstrual Cup Sterlizer to disinfect the cup in just three minutes. It’s a hassle-free device that can spare you the effort of boiling water and cleaning utensils while guaranteeing safety. Cool right?
Step 3: Pat your cup dry with a clean towel or a tissue paper and store it in a cotton pouch for your next period.
All in all, your first experience with the cup can range from being fantastic to slightly uncomfortable. Your body will need 1-2 days to get accustomed to it and once it does, there’s no looking back. Cheers to a happy, sustainable periods for life!
Featured Image: Pexels
