While there were previously variants A, pads, and B, tampons, to catch the blood during the period, the menstrual cup is becoming increasingly popular. The small cup is made of soft medical silicone, is cup-shaped, comes in different sizes and colors and is about as long as a tampon. The difference to conventional hygiene items is that the cup is not disposed of after use, but only emptied and washed. This makes them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to pads and tampons. When used properly, a menstrual cup can last up to 15 years!
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Benefits of the menstrual cup
- Costs
A menstrual cup lasts between 10 and 15 years and costs between 15 and 30 euros for a one-off purchase . In contrast, even the cheapest tampons cost 15 euros per year ! A definite saving! - Application
If the cup is the right size, it can stay in the body for up to 12 hours . This makes the time of the period more relaxed for many, since they do not always need a toilet nearby. The cup is also perfect for long journeys and can be worn during sports , swimming or in the sauna . - Residue
There are no longer any thin ribbons that can appear. Just change the cup in the morning and evening, wash it out and put it back in. Another advantage is that the cup does not leave any residue , such as cotton wool in tampons, and does not dry out the vagina. - Environmentally friendly
The cup is made of medical grade silicone, non-toxic and reusable . This saves up to 17,000 pads and tampons over a lifetime. There are only about four to five menstrual cups per quantity. - Cups for everyone
There are many different models from numerous manufacturers : for every woman, large or small, heavy, medium or light periods, with or without children. The selection spans different colours, sizes, handles and levels of softness . There is something for every woman of every age!
Disadvantages of the menstrual cup
- As with tampons, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome . It is triggered by personal hygiene items that are left in the body for too long, causing bacteria to multiply and get into the blood. So far only one case is known for menstrual cups ( Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology ). And this despite the fact that menstrual cups have been around for as long as tampons.
- For some women, the sight of menstrual blood can be unusual. However, a cup is a good way to get more in touch with your own body and to get to know it better and to understand your period better.
- Emptying the cup in public restrooms can be uncomfortable. Instead of rinsing it out in the sink, take a bottle of water into the cabin and rinse it out there. Alternatively, it is enough if you clean the cup with toilet paper and wash it out again at home
Use the menstrual cup
Insert
Before inserting, you should always boil the cup for five to ten minutes. This kills germs and bacteria. Fold the cup and insert like you would a tampon. It then unfolds and “sucks” itself onto the vaginal wall with a vacuum. This prevents the blood from running past. The cup is properly seated if you can run your finger around the rim once without feeling any bumps.
Before inserting, you should always boil the cup for five to ten minutes. This kills germs and bacteria. Fold the cup and insert like you would a tampon. It then unfolds and “sucks” itself onto the vaginal wall with a vacuum. This prevents the blood from running past. The cup is properly seated if you can run your finger around the rim once without feeling any bumps.
Empty
the cup If the cup is full, carefully release the vacuum by gently pressing the cup in. The handle at the end of the cup is perfect for gently pulling it out. Caution: hold the tasser straight so it doesn’t spill over. After removing, empty the cup over the toilet or in the sink. Then wash and reinsert. How often the cup has to be changed depends on the strength of the period.
the cup If the cup is full, carefully release the vacuum by gently pressing the cup in. The handle at the end of the cup is perfect for gently pulling it out. Caution: hold the tasser straight so it doesn’t spill over. After removing, empty the cup over the toilet or in the sink. Then wash and reinsert. How often the cup has to be changed depends on the strength of the period.
After the period
The cup can be used until the period is completely over without drying out the vagina like a tampon. After the last removal, boil the cup again for five to ten minutes and keep it in a cloth bag. This is usually provided by the manufacturer.
The cup can be used until the period is completely over without drying out the vagina like a tampon. After the last removal, boil the cup again for five to ten minutes and keep it in a cloth bag. This is usually provided by the manufacturer.
Which model is suitable for me?
You can use the manufacturer’s tables to find your correct size and try it out. In addition to different sizes, there are also different degrees of softness . Larger cups are suitable for women who have already given birth to children. Slightly firmer cups are suitable for women with a strong pelvic floor and for athletes. The choice is huge. Even when choosing the handle : you can choose between no handle, a ball, a ring or a rod, which can still be shortened individually.
When buying, make sure that the cup is not made of TPE plastic or simple silicone. These “cheap” variants are often contaminated with pollutants . Better to use medical silicone.
