There’s a lot to say about being on your period. Some love it, some curse the day as a reminder of the extra inconvenience of monthly living. Whatever side of the fence you find yourself on, I think we can all agree that having information about the sanitary products we’re using is a long-overdue conversation. From the heavily taxed products to the environmental impact, there’s much to think about when it comes to your preferred product of choice.
Lately, there’s been an influx of information about the different options available. From period panties to organic tampons, you’re able to take your pick and decide what works best for you. But today? Today, we’re speaking about menstrual cups and answering all the questions we think you might have. What it is, how you can use it and if you’re able to have sex with it – team FEMME MAG has got you covered.
Source: Put a cup in it
Ok, I’m interested. What exactly is it?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of rubber or silicone that’s inserted into the vagina to collect blood. It’s shaped like a funnel to make it easy to insert and remove. Most brands offer two size options – “small” and “large”. While there isn’t a standardized sizing for all, smaller menstrual cups tend to run anywhere from 35-43 mm and larger sizes around 43 – 48 mm in diameter at the rim of the cup. Some brands advise womxn under 30, and who haven’t given birth, to go for smaller sizes and womxn who have given birth and over 30 to go for larger sizes. If in doubt, read the brand guidelines or contact your gynaecologist before making a purchase.
Great. Now, how much is it going to cost me?
Glad you asked. Menstrual cups are definitely more cost-effective than sanitary pads or tampons. On average, it can cost anywhere between ₦4000 – ₦5,000. And did we mention that they’re also reusable?
According to experts, menstrual cups can be used anywhere from 6 months to 10 years. They should, however, be changed at least every 2 years.
Walk me through how to use it
The initial thought of how to use a menstrual cup can be intimidating. But not to worry, once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straight forward.
Source: peesafe.com
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use a menstrual cup:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Use a water-based lubricant on the cup or just water to make insertion less uneasy.
- Tightly fold the cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up.
- Insert the cup, rim up into your vagina. It should sit just below your cervix.
- Once it is in, rotate it. It will spring open to create an airtight seal that stops leaks.
The cup should be emptied at least twice a day and should be thoroughly rinsed before reinsertion.
Your menstrual cup deserves some care
This is probably the part most people dread – cleaning the cup. And we get it, it’s not a glamorous or fun thing to do, but it must be done. For daily cleaning, you can wash it in a sink with mild soap and hot water. For a more thorough clean in-between periods, or at the end of the day, it’s recommended that you boil your cup submerged in a pot of water for 5 to 8 minutes.
Is this something I can have sex with?
We’re not going to lie, as appealing as this might sound, it’s not something that you should attempt to do. So don’t do it sis.
If you do decide to give menstrual cups a try, we would love to hear all about your experience.
