Introduction
When you use menstrual Cup you will satisfied with its reusability and convenience
Over the years, women’s use hygiene has evolved significantly – from sanitary pads use to tampons use to the most efficientmenstrual cups. Menstrual cupsuse are the most economical, safe and leakage-free alternative to trap the period flow and enjoy the day tension-free.
But the use menstrual cup is new to Indian society, and also most women hesitate to use it as they feel it would be hard to use. They generally have a lot of questions, like are these safe? Which brand is best suited? How to use menstrual cup? etc.
At Bloom and Flourish, we understand how important it is for you to feel comfortable and confident during your menstrual cycle. That’s why we’ve put together all the details about how to insert a menstrual cup so you can have one less thing to worry about.
Also, you can check out our last blog to find out about the best menstrual cup in India (link). But for now, let’s take a look at how to use a menstrual cup.
Use the steps below to learn how to insert a menstrual cup:
Wash your hands
Check out if the air holes at the top of your cup are open.
Firstly, make sure to wash your hands and the cup with warm water and mild soap. This will ensure hygiene before use of menstrual cup.
2.Find a relaxed position
Next, find a relaxed position (sitting on the toilet or squatting in the shower works for most people). If you’ve used a tampon before, inserting your cup will be similar. Once you’re in a comfortable position, check that the air holes at the top of the cup are open.
3.Fold the cup
Get comfy by sitting or squatting with your legs spread for a successful and comfortable insertion. Relax and fold the cup in on itself to make it flat, then in half to form a C shape.
Place your index finger in the middle of the cup, and using your thumb and middle finger, fold the cup into a ‘C’ shape. Slide your index finger out of the middle and hold the sides firmly together (you can also use two hands, do what suits you best ).
To finish the fold, push down on one side of the rim to create a narrow point.
Now when you have folded the menstrual cup, it’s time to insert it into the vagina
4.Insert in the vagina
Holding the folded menstrual cup with one hand, use your free hand to part your vagina and locate your vaginal opening. Slowly insert the menstrual cup into your vagina in the direction of your tailbone, maintaining the folded position of the menstrual cup as you do so.
Once the cup is in your vagina rotate it a few times so that it sits a few inches below your cervix. The cup will bounce open to make an airtight seal that prevents leaks.
If you’re feeling like the Cup isn’t in quite the right place or that it isn’t fully open, it’s likely because it hasn’t formed a seal yet. You may require to adjust it a little – either rotate it a little or try some pelvic floor exercises to set it in place.
Now it comes to removing your menstrual cup, it is best to do so either once it’s full of blood or at least every 8 hours (whichever comes first). This will help maintain hygiene and avoid any leaks.
Stepshowto remove your menstrual cup:
Wash your hands with warm water.
Now to remove your menstrual cup after use, sit in a comfortable position and use one hand to gently part your outer labia. With your other hand, insert your fingers (thumb and index, or thumb, index and middle – whatever works for you!) into the opening of the vagina and locate the stem of your menstrual cup. You’ll feel some embossed ribbing or ridges just above the base of your cup – hold and gently pinch this grooved area to release the suction seal (don’t pull on the stem! This can tear the cup).
Gently (and slowly, to prevent spills!) wiggle your Cup down and out through the vaginal opening, keeping the Cup upright. If you’re struggling to get it out, use your pelvic floor muscles to help push the Cup down.
While removing the cup, slowly wiggle it down and out of the vaginal opening while keeping it upright. If you have trouble removing it, use your pelvic floor muscles to push it down.
To ensure optimal hygiene and comfort, it is important to properly clean your menstrual cup before each use. Depending on your flow, you should empty your cup at least 2-3 times a day.
For reusable cups, simply wash and wipe the menstrual cup clean before reinserting it. For disposable used cups, throw the cup away after each use. With proper care, your menstrual cup can last 6 months to 10 years!