Have you just entered the big girls’ club and are looking for a period product for max comfort? Or are you a teen’s mommy contemplating the best period product for your daughter dearest? Well, a menstrual cup is exactly what you should be looking for. Given the hype around these reusable wonders, you might have heard about them already. But if you’re seriously considering giving them a go, we’re here for you. Here’s everything you need to know about menstrual cups and why teenagers should be using them:
What Are Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual cups are funnel-shaped flexible devices made with medical-grade silicone. Unlike pads and tampons, they’re inserted into the vagina to collect period blood instead of soaking it. You don’t even have to discard them after use as they can be washed and reused with ease.
Benefits Of Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are widely loved for being sustainable and environment-friendly. One cup can last up to a decade if maintained properly, which means that they’re environment and pocket-friendly. But their comfort beats all their other advantages. On an average, a menstrual cup can hold almost 28-30 ml of blood in one go and provides leak proof protection for eight hours straight. This means that you can sleep tight or go on with your hectic day without having to change every three-four hours in order to prevent leakages.
In fact, the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS, a fatal condition in which bacteria enters your bloodstream, releases toxins and causes instant death) is considerably low with menstrual cups in comparison to tampons. Additionally, these internally-worn period aids are discrete. So you can flaunt your fave bikini at a beach vacay and take a dip in the pool without a care in the world even while you’re on your period. They also increase your body confidence because using them involves getting up close and personal with your body and your vaginal fluids. Lastly, since menstrual cups don’t come in contact with your genital area, they don’t cause rashes and itching down there and keep your intimate area fresh even on those heavy flow days.
How Does It Feel To Use A Menstrual Cup For The First Time?
Menstrual cups literally have a no-wear feel. If they’re inserted correctly, you might even forget there’s something inside your vagina. However, getting used to a menstrual cup can take you a few cycles. It’s a learning curve that gets better and better with each period. Trust us, the initial phase of some struggle and mess is worth the comfort and the many benefits of the menstrual cup.
Can Using A Menstrual Cup Break Your Hymen?
As a teenager, you might be curious to know whether inserting a period aid into the vagina can break your hymen. Well firstly, the hymen is a thin membrane that covers a part of your vaginal opening and not the entire opening. So it’s not a seal that can be broken by inserting a menstrual cup as there is enough room for it despite the hymen coverage. Secondly, an intact hymen is not a proof of virginity since it can be damaged even during a physical activity like horse riding, high-intensity exercise or playing a sport. Thirdly, new-age women like us shouldn’t give any importance to the patriarchal ideology of virginity, whatsoever.
How To Choose A Menstrual Cup
When it comes to a menstrual cup, one size doesn’t fit all. They’re usually available in four different sizes–small, medium, large, and extra large. Now your perfect cup match depends on a variety of factors like cervix height, intensity of period flow, age, childbirth, and your pelvic floor strength. For instance, a person with a lower cervix height, who hasn’t given vaginal birth and has strong pelvic floor muscles should opt for a small-sized cup. If their period flow is extremely heavy, a medium cup might be a better fit for them. You can take this quiz for a more accurate estimate of the right cup size.
Apart from the right size, you must always look for a cup that’s made of skin-friendly, flexible material for easier insertion if you’re a teenager.
How To Use A Menstrual Cup
Here’s a full-fledged guide to using a menstrual cup for an smooth beginning:
How To Insert A Menstrual Cup
Contrary to popular belief, menstrual cup insertion isn’t painful–if done right. The key is to sit on a pot or a comfortable place with your legs wide open and muscles relaxed, fold the menstrual cup in a C-shape, and gently slide it in. You can use a natural lubricant to ease the process and any pain that happens. Once inside, the cup will open up on its own and form a suction grip with the muscles of your vaginal canal. It’ll stay in place and collect the period blood.
How To Remove A Menstrual Cup
Again, sit in a comfortable position with your legs wide open. Gently insert your thumb and pointer finger into the vagina to locate the stem of the cup. Now, pinch it to weaken its suction grip, and pull it out slowly. You can also push your pelvic muscles downwards just like you do when pooping. This can provide additional help in removing the cup easily.
How To Clean A Menstrual Cup
It’s important to clean the cup thoroughly before using it for the first time. You can use a mild cleanser to wash the cup first. Next, sterilise it using an electric steriliser or dip it in hot, boiled water for ten minutes. The same process needs to be followed once a day as well as before storing the cup in a clean cotton pouch after shark week is over. For mid-day cleaning, all you need to do is to empty your cup in the pot or a drain, rinse it with water and put it back on. You can do this even while you’re on the go by carrying a water bottle to the loo to wash it.
Sirona Recommends Best Menstrual Cup: Sirona Menstrual Cup
The Sirona Menstrual Cup is made with 100% medical-grade silicone and is dermatologically tested. This funnel-shaped device is super-safe to use and has a whopping capacity of 28 ml. It gives leak proof protection for eight hours straight and keeps you covered all day long.
Folks, using a menstrual cup comes with a bit of a hit and trial. But we’re sure that all this info will make your cup experience smoother and help you learn sooner. We promise that it’s worth the effort.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
How to Remove Stuck Menstrual Cup: Menstrual cup stuck? Here’s what to do
How to Use Intimate Wash: Here’s how to use an intimate wash on your sensitive genitals.
Can a Virgin Use A Menstrual Cup?: The most-asked menstrual cup question answered.
Menstrual Cup Size Guide: Wondering how to choose the right size of menstrual cup? Follow this guide.
How to Use Sanitary Pads: The best way to use a sanitary pad for a leak proof period explained.
