New Frequently Asked Questions for 2023

Which menstrual cup is best for beginners?

  • There is no such thing as a single menstrual cup that is best for a beginner. It all depends on which menstrual cup is the most comfortable and easiest to reach. To be able to determine this, you need to begin by locating and measuring your cervix.
  • If you’re still unsure of which cup might be the best for you, you might consider purchasing cups in a kit from a company that offers that option. These kits usually consist of at least two sizes – small & large, for a slightly lower cost than if they were sold separately. This allows you to try both sizes to see which one you prefer. For example, Venus offers a starter kit, you can it and other brands here.

Which is the best menstrual cup?

  • The best menstrual cup for you depends on your wants and needs. Firstly, make sure that the cup is body-safe. Either make sure that it is made out of quality medical-grade silicone, TPE, or rubber, or that you don’t have any allergies to them.
  • A cup should be easy to fold and insert and should be comfortable while wearing it. You’ll want to make sure that the cup can be easily reached when it’s time for removal. You will need to know how to choose a menstrual cup if it is unfamiliar territory.
  • We’re all different. While a specific cup might be the best cup for one person, it might not be the best for another.

Can a menstrual cup damage my cervix?

  • A menstrual cup can bruise your cervix if the cup rim is very firm and it snaps open quickly.
  • If the suction is not broken on the cup when removing it, it could cause pain and even lead to cramping.
  • Although these are short term discomforts, there haven’t been reports of long- term damage done to the cervix while using a menstrual cup.

Do menstrual cups stretch you out?

  • The tip of a folded menstrual cup is about the same size as a finger.
  • A person that has not experienced penetration of any kind may feel tighter or have their hymen still intact (a thin tissue that partially covers the external vaginal opening).
  • The vaginal opening may be slightly stretched while inserting a cup but is very elastic and will contract after any object has passed.
  • Adequate lubrication, either through natural vaginal secretions or a water-based personal lubricant (water-based is safe for menstrual cups while silicone-based is not), can allow an object to pass through easier or with the least or no resistance.
  • The vaginal canal can expand upwards and outwards 200 times its normal size and can accommodate a wide range of shapes and sizes.
  • You should NOT experience pain at any time. If there is, make sure to relax, use a lubricant, go slower, or try a smaller/narrower cup.

Can I poop with menstrual cup?

  • A menstrual cup is worn internally like a tampon. However, unlike tampons, a menstrual cup does not have a string that hangs out which can be soiled while using the bathroom.
  • Most people can urinate and defecate (pee and poop) without having to remove their menstrual cups. However, some individuals feel more confident by removing them before toilet usage.

Why does my menstrual cup leak?

  • Most issues with leaking are due to mishandling of the menstrual cup. This could be because you are new to using cups or the cup is a new one to you.
  • Make sure the cup is inserted correctly. The cervix is not typically located straight up. Aim and insert the cup down and back towards the tailbone.
  • Make sure the cup is situated right below or right around the cervix and not pushed to the side. If it is not, wiggle the cup down a bit by rocking it back and forth so that the cervix can reposition itself.
  • Make sure there is a slight seal. Give the cup a gentle tug. It shouldn’t slide down easily.
  • Although most menstrual cups are safe to use for up to 12 hours, it may need to be emptied sooner depending on your flow.
  • Consider purchasing a cup with a larger capacity.

Should you feel a menstrual cup?

  • When a menstrual cup is inserted correctly, it should not be felt at all.
  • If you can feel the stem of the cup, you may be able to trim it down to suit your comfort. Make sure to trim the stem in small increments. You also want to be sure that you can still reach the cup when it needs to be removed.
  • If you can feel the base of the cup, use a cup to try and push it higher. If this does not help, you can turn the cup inside out (if you’re confident that you can remove it without a stem), or consider purchasing a shorter cup.

Can you put a menstrual cup in before your period?

  • Yes, a menstrual cup is safe to insert when you’re expecting your period but haven’t started yet.
  • You can also use a menstrual cup for discharge and spotting.
  • Even if you aren’t bleeding, a menstrual cup should be removed and cleaned, at least twice daily.

Is it okay to leave a menstrual cup in for 24 hours?

  • No, it is not recommended.
  • It’s a good health habit to remove and clean a menstrual cup at least twice a day to avoid allowing bad bacteria from growing.

Why does my menstrual cup smell?

  • Our bodies and our blood have a smell that may leave behind a trace of odor on the cup.
  • To eliminate this, rinse or wash your cup well, and then allow it to sit in the open air for a few hours.

Can a menstrual cup get lost inside me?

  • No, a menstrual cup can’t get lost inside of you. The vaginal canal is like a balloon with one opening.
  • The cup cannot travel to other areas of the body.

How far up should a menstrual cup go?

  • Menstrual cups should be inserted completely.
  • How far it goes depends on your anatomy.
  • Most stems can be trimmed to your comfort.
  • You should not feel a menstrual cup if it is inserted correctly.
  • Some individuals feel comfortable with part of the stem hanging between their labia.

Can Menstrual Cups Cause UTI’s?

  • If a menstrual cup is applying too much pressure on the bladder or urethra, it could potentially cause or contribute to a UTI.
  • Consider trying a softer menstrual cup.

Can I pee while using a menstrual cup?

  • You don’t need to worry about going to pee while you have a menstrual cup inside you. The cup is similar to a tampon, except is has no string, so nothing with dirty it.
  • The majority of people can both poo and pee with no need to remove their menstrual cups. If you feel that you will feel more comfortable by removing it then do so.

I have a small vaginal canal — can I use a menstrual cup?

  • A folded menstrual cup’s tip is around the same size as a finger.
  • The vaginal canal is able to expand upwards and outwards by 200% and can accommodate many things internally – even if you are worried that your vagina is too small.
  • You should NOT experience pain at any time. If you do, make it a priority to relax, use a lubricant you like (just not silicone-based), slow down the pace of insertion, or experiment with a smaller/narrower cup.

Can a menstrual cup reduce or stop cramps?

  • Although many people feel as though their period is lighter or their cramps have lessened due to menstrual cup usage, there is no scientific proof to back up these claims.

How many cups should I have?

  • If you find that your cup is comfortable and easy to reach throughout your whole period then one cup is sufficient.
  • If you notice that there’s a difference in comfort or ease of reach from the beginning of your period to the middle/end, you might find that a second cup, in a different size or length, is beneficial.
  • You may want to have a backup cup, just in case something happens to the first one. This may bring you much comfort and security, as you can easily store it in an “emergency period kit”, such as in your car or backpack. The best choice in this matter is to buy a menstrual cup kit which will offer you two menstrual cups in different sizes. It’s cheaper, time-saving and more efficient that buying two separately.

 

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