What are they?

Menstrual cups are a wonderful addition to the world of feminine hygiene products. They are a small ‘cup’ looking object which is inserted into the vagina to collect the flow of Menstrual blood. The materials used range between TPE, latex, non-medical grade silicone and medical grade silicone depending on the brand and they often come in two sizes – smaller (10-20ml) and bigger (30-40ml). The smaller size is generally recommended for women who have not delivered vaginally or are under 30, the bigger size is designed to suit women with a heavier blood flow, women who have delivered vaginally or are over 30.

Since they first appeared in the market in the 90’s they have evolved and progressed through ergonomic studies to fit the different needs of women. Ranging from Factory Fun’s – “Fun Cups” which are shaped to fit with the curve of your body to Femmy Cycles’s – “Petite” which has the perfect small design for young, teenage or small bodied women, menstrual cups offer a bigger range of comfort and support that pads and tampons can not provide. No matter where you look, you can find a flourishing variety of products aimed to satisfy a large majority of women!

How are they good?

The reusable and durable material used in these cups provides the luxury of them being cost effective – after spending $30-60 on a pair, you may find yourself saving the same amount each month on pads and tampons. Their reusable nature can also mean less run to the pharmacy and you may rest easy knowing that your entire period will be covered by the nifty menstrual cup.

These cups can offer even more – they can benefit your health! Products such as tampons can cause microabrasions as they are inserted and removed from the vagina causing discomfort and dryness in your delicate regions. As tampons will absorb the fluid which causes pH to increase, the pH balance will become disrupted. The higher the pH, the more suited an environment for bacteria to grow. Doesn’t sound too fun does it? Well, a menstrual cup is guaranteed to not interfere with pH, nor cause micro cuts when inserted or taken out making it an ideal substitute to its competitor and reducing risk for bacteria to grow. And did you know that cups can hold 4-6x more fluid than tampons??

In addition, unlike pads, menstrual cups will not reveal an embarrassing odour if kept in for too long. These cups are designed for longer and more comfortable wear and if inserted correctly the cups will stay comfortably, odor free, leak free and offer more time between changes – up to 12 hours in fact!

This isn’t where the pros of menstrual cups even end. Unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups are more sex friendly. Having one inserted, oral sex and even light penetration become possible and more comfortable. Although most cups aren’t designed to allow you to explore the full potential of sexual activity, the Ziggy Menstrual Cup in particular offers a unique shape which allows full penetration.

How are they bad?

Whilst the menstrual cup does offer some pretty great benefits, it still has its fair share of negatives – the first being, it’s rather messy in nature. When starting out with a cup, it can be quite fiddly, discomforting and not to mention embarrassing. The insertion and removal processes take time to become acquainted with, and if taken out incorrectly a great big mess is likely to happen. Alongside that, it takes time and maybe even a bit of money to figure out which cup suits you best. Depending on the position of your cervix, the shape and size of your cup may be important. Women with a low lying cervix may find that a shorter cup is more suited to them, or a specifically shaped cup such as Fun Factory’s “Fun Cup” may sit more comfortably, visa versa for women with a high cervix.

Maintenance isn’t always happy go lucky when dealing with these cups. If you ever find yourself in a public restroom, you will most likely find yourself in a squatting position squished up in a public bathroom stall. Whilst most women will need to tip out the collected fluid into a sink and wash the cup in public, some manufacturers suggest you bring an extra water bottle to clean out your cup in the hidden safety of a stall, nonetheless this method isn’t empathetic to the ease of disposing a tampon or pad. In addition, menstrual cups demand regular maintenance and cleaning. It is required that you wash a menstrual cup with soap and water after every use. Improper care can increase the risk of bacteria and hygiene issues.

How do I use one?

1. Before you start, be aware that you may not be comfortable wearing a cup long term straight away. These cups are a process and you will need to familiarise yourself with your anatomy. Before inserting, make sure your cup is completely sterilized – boil the cup for roughly 3 minutes and allow to cool before insertion.
2. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water ensuring that no bacteria can enter with the cup. Hygiene is super important with this product.
3. This step is optional, although highly recommended. Apply water based lube to the cup, into your vagina or both to allow the cup to enter with more ease.
4. Fold the cup using a method which suits you best. Research on the internet to find the many inventive ways a cup can be folded – have some fun with it! A common method is to fold the cup in half to make a ‘c’ shape.
5. Insert the cup by either lifting up a leg or crouching down to the floor, you may find a squatting position with your legs spread most comfortable. Guide the cup rim first into the vagina and let it open.
6. Feel around the cup by inserting a clean finger to ensure the cup has fully opened. The cup should feel round or oval (depending on the product itself).
7. Check that the cup has created an air locked seal by clenching your abdominal muscles, pinching the end of the cup and pulling it out slightly. The tension caused by this action will ensure that the cup is securely sealed.

*Now your cup should be sitting comfortably at your cervix and you’re ready to go about your day. It is advised that you empty out your cup 2-4 times a day, although that will depend on your flow. Most cups are fine to wear for up to 12 hours, so feel free to sleep with one in.*

1. Before removing the cup be sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water. To remove it, slide in a clean index finger and thumb and pinch the cup. Slide it out and be sure to hold it upright so as not to spill out any fluid.
2. Rinse the cup with warm water and soap and reinsert if needed.
3. Remember, that if a menstrual cup isn’t sitting comfortably and unnoticeably, you may have inserted it wrong or have not yet found a cup that is suited to you. Try taking it out and placing it back again. If the idea of a menstrual cup intrigues you, keep searching for the one that will suit you best.

Find out more information about menstruation issues with the knowledgeable Oh Zone Consultants!