Menstrual Cup: What It Is, How to Use It, and What Benefits It Offers

In recent years, the menstrual cup has gained popularity as an eco-friendly and practical alternative to traditional pads and tampons. But what exactly is it? How is it used? And what are the advantages it offers compared to more common menstrual products? Let’s explore these questions together.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a silicone, rubber, or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) device designed to collect menstrual flow. Unlike pads and tampons, which absorb blood, the cup collects it safely and hygienically. Its bell shape, with a small stem at the bottom for easier removal, allows it to fit perfectly into the female anatomy. Once inserted into the vagina, its flexibility allows it to adhere to the vaginal walls, creating a slight vacuum that prevents leaks.

How to use a menstrual cup?

Using a menstrual cup may seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, it becomes easy and intuitive. Here are the main steps to use it correctly:

1. Sterilization: Before each menstrual cycle, the cup should be sterilized by boiling it for about 5-10 minutes. This ensures that it’s completely hygienic before insertion.

2. Insertion: After washing your hands thoroughly, fold the cup into one of the recommended shapes (such as the "C" or "S" fold). Once folded, gently insert it into the vagina. The cup will open inside, creating a gentle seal against the vaginal walls.

3. Positioning: Check that the cup is positioned correctly. You can do this by gently rotating it or pulling slightly on the stem to make sure it has fully opened and is well sealed.

4. Removal: To remove it, gently grasp the base of the cup (do not pull just the stem) and press slightly to break the vacuum. Once released, carefully pull it out. After emptying the contents into the toilet, rinse it with water and mild soap before reinserting it.

5. Cleaning between uses: During the cycle, simply rinse it with warm water each time you empty it. After the cycle ends, you can sterilize it again to store it for the next month.

What benefits does a menstrual cup offer?

1. Eco-friendly and sustainable: The menstrual cup is reusable for many years (typically between 5 and 10 years). This drastically reduces the amount of waste associated with disposable products like pads and tampons. Over the course of a year, someone who uses only a cup can save hundreds of disposable products, helping to reduce pollution.

2. Cost-effective: While the initial cost of a menstrual cup may seem higher than a pack of pads, it’s an investment that pays off quickly. A cup can cost between 5 and 20 euros, but lasts for years, resulting in significant savings in the long term.

3. Comfortable and practical: One of the most appreciated features of the menstrual cup is its capacity. It can hold more menstrual blood than a tampon or pad, which means it doesn't need to be changed as frequently. Typically, a cup can be used for up to 12 hours without needing to be emptied, making it ideal for overnight use or long, busy days.

4. Health-safe: Unlike tampons, which can be associated with the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), the menstrual cup does not absorb blood but collects it, reducing the risk of infections or irritation. Additionally, the materials used (medical-grade silicone, rubber, or TPE) are safe and do not alter the natural balance of vaginal flora.

5. Discreet and versatile: Once inserted correctly, the cup is invisible and imperceptible. It's ideal for athletes, swimmers, or anyone who wants to avoid the bulkiness of pads. It doesn’t emit odors and prevents the wet sensation typical of absorbent products.

Some initial challenges

It’s important to note that, like with any new method, using a menstrual cup may take a bit of practice and adjustment. Some people might find inserting or removing it difficult at first, but with patience, it becomes easier to handle. Additionally, there are different sizes of menstrual cups, so it's useful to choose the one best suited to your needs, depending on age, flow intensity, and whether you’ve had children.

Conclusion

The menstrual cup represents an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and safe alternative to traditional methods for managing the menstrual cycle. Not only does it help reduce environmental impact, but it also offers unparalleled comfort and convenience. If you’re looking for a more sustainable and comfortable way to manage your period, the menstrual cup might be the right solution for you.