All Those Nitty Gritty Details You Need To Know About Menstrual Cups!

You must have heard of the menstrual cup by now right? It goes by many names like the diva cup, period cup etc. So we're sure you know of it by now. But how many of you are actually utilising this great bit of modern tech?

Are you ready to break away from pads and tampons, and thinking about possessing your own shiny, new 'menstrual cup?'. You're almost ready to go! All you need to know is the nitty-grittty on what to expect when using a menstrual cup for the very first time! 

Here's the rundown - 

What is a menstrual cup?

It's exactly what it sounds like. It's a flexible, soft flexible cup that you insert into the vagina (in place of a tampon) that collects your menstrual flow. They are either made of skin-safe latex or silicone and are reusable. 

How do I use a menstrual cup? 

Like using a tampon, the first step is to wash your hands and get in a position that is most comfortable for you. 

To insert the cup, fold or squeeze it and carefully push it into the vagina. Follow the directs that come with your cup and practice when you are not bleeding to find the best way for you. 

You will know you've inserted the cup correctly and using the right size is when you don't feel it in your vagina and there is no leakage. (Similar to that of a tampon). 

When the cup is full or you have leakage, you probably just need to remove and empty the cup more often. 

It will probably take a couple of periods in to get it right. You can wear a liner or a thin pad as a backup while you're learning. 

Do not wear a cup and tampon at the same time. 

 How TF do I clean a menstrual cup?

Cleaning a menstrual cup is relatively simple. First things first, wash your hands like COVID-19 will never end. Basically, with warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap. Do the same with your silicone cup. Ensure the soap is free of colouring agents and perfumes to prevent irritation. After you've washed both your hands and cup, we advise soaking the cup in a small pot of hot, boiling water for 20 minutes to sterilise it completely. 

Pro tip: Place the cup in a wire strainer to prevent the cup fro coming into contact with the bottom of the pan or pot. The menstrual cup should float. We don't want it to burn! 

Be sure to check out the Hello Cup Menstrual Cups; the bigger  or smaller size (depending on what you need) , start your journey ASAP and add these to your cart 😉

FAQs

Burning questions you're probably dying to ask about the menstrual cup! 

I know the menstrual cup won't fit my body! What do I do? 

Every body is different so inserting/folding a menstrual cup into the vagina will be different for all. There are also cups of various sizes, and for specific flow so carefully choose one that is right fo you. We recommend inserting your cup higher in the vaginal canal than it needs to be so you have room to move it around, get it to pop open and allow you to manoeuvre it to make the cup more comfortable. Rotate the cup, pull it down gently to assist those stubborn folds to open up and form a seal. Also, RELAX. A Tense vagina is a friend to no one. 

Is inserting a menstrual cup the same as a tampon? 

Inserting a menstrual cup will be a more intimate experience. It's a little different from even non-applicator tampons since you have to position the cup as well. Like inserting tampons, don't forget to wash your hands each time you insert or remove the cup. Also make sure you don't have any cuts or infections while using the cup. From being more attuned to your health downstairs, getting acquainted to your vajayjay is awesome! 

What if the menstrual cup get leaks?

On your first tries, of course you should expect a few leaks. Don't fret as this is normal. Just like any new protection method, it's useful to have a few back up panty liners on hand just in time. As you get to know your body and how to use the cup, you'll be a pro in no time. There are also different sized cups to fit different anatomies, make sure you read the dimensions and details before you purchase. 

Will a menstrual cup hurt once it's in?

Once it's in, you can't feel it, which is why many cup users say they forget that they're on their period. Most cups are made with soft, medical grade silicone which doesn't absorb menstrual flow like pads and tampons do, so they don't cause irritation or that familiar, itchy dryness down there. Yay! 

What if the menstrual cup gets stuck in there? 

In the rare case when a menstrual cup is inserted incorrectly, a strong suction is crated making it a little more tricky to remove. First thing you need to relax as the menstrual cup can't get lost inside of you. Your cervix is too small! Stress isn't going to help you removing the cup from your vajayjay. Squat down low to short the length of the vaginal canal. Rather than using the attached 'handle' or 'ring' on the cup, if you can reach, squeeze the base to release the suction and gently wiggle it downwards. While squatting 'bear down' with your pelvic muscles. 
If all else fails, run your fingers up alongside the cup (between the cup and vaginal wall) and collapse the cup in on itself to break the seal. 

It doesn't absorb blood like a tampon. I'm gonna make a mess!

Periods are just messy in general. However, using menstrual cups are considered cleaner and easier to manage. It seems like an oxymoron as they don't absorb blood like a tampon especially when you have to roll up your sleeves and get in there.
However, once you've achieved inserting the menstrual cup down to a dine art, mess should be minimal and effortless because no actual blood falls out of you while inserting it. That, and smells will be eliminated completely as the blood is collected internally.
 

I'm going to to get TSS if I leave it in to long!

Generally speaking, most menstrual cups can be left in for 12 hours. As menstrual cups are made of skin-safe medical silicone and are designed to collect rather than absorb blood, you are not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome. You are more likely to experience minor irritation and discomfort from wearing the wrong cup size or without using the proper lubrication. Make sure you're shopping for the correct size!