Menstrual cup: what is it? clear your doubts NOW!

The main difference between menstrual cups and regular tampons is their lifespan, it lasts an average of 10 years, while a disposable tampon takes about 500 years to decompose in the environment.

What is a menstrual cup?

The menstrual cup, also known as menstrual cup, is a great strategy to replace the tampon during menstruation , being a more comfortable, economical and ecological option. It is easy to use, leaves no period smell in the air and only needs to be changed after 8 hours.

How to put the menstrual cup?

Unlike the tampon , which must be pushed deep into the vagina, the menstrual cup sits right at the entrance. The first step is to find a comfortable position. There is no rule, it can be standing, squatting or sitting on the toilet. Then, fold the cup and insert.

There are several types of folds, a well-known one is the letter ‘C’ shape, but each woman has her own preference . make sure it is not bent.

How to remove the menstrual cup?

To remove, pull the menstrual cup  by the base. The tip is to press the base a little to facilitate the entry of air and avoid the formation of a vacuum. Then just pull. The blood in the cup will not leak. Empty the menstrual cup  into the toilet and wash the piece with mild soap and water .

How to clean the menstrual cup:

Silicone makes cleaning easier. During the cycle, wash the menstrual cup with mild soap and water (so as not to damage the silicone) after emptying it and rinse it well. At the end of each cycle, it is recommended that the piece be boiled. Follow the specific directions in your collector’s manual.

No brand is registered with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). This is because there is still no health regulation. Anvisa says, however, that a commission has already been defined to discuss this topic. Once the rules are defined, brands will need to be registered with the regulatory agency.

How to clean a sink that has fallen into the toilet?

If the menstrual cup  has fallen into the toilet, it is possible to sanitize it safely, following the steps below:

• Soak the collector in 1 liter of water with a tablespoon of bleach for 15 to 20 minutes;
• Then, transfer  to other containers and add 10 volume pure pharmacy hydrogen peroxide . You must add enough hydrogen peroxide to cover, leaving it to soak for between 5 and 7 hours.
• Finally, you must sterilize the collector, letting it boil for 5 minutes. If possible, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the water .

Disadvantages of the menstrual cup:

• May cause irritation, especially if inserted with dirty hands.
• There is a learning curve to being able to insert the menstrual cup  correctly.
• Some women take a long time to find the correct size.
• Removal can be embarrassing and cause some accidents such as splashes on clothing, especially in the first few months of use.
• Some gynecologists do not recommend its use in women who use the IUD because of the risk of its displacement. Is not
• contraindicated, but authorization from the gynecologist is required.
• It does not allow having sex (except for disposable models).
• Removal and insertion in public restrooms can be difficult, especially in places with poor hygiene.
• It cannot be used in the postpartum period as it increases the risk of infection and damage to the vaginal canal.

Generally speaking, menstrual cups are better options than tampons . For women who adapt quickly to the product, it is clearly a far superior option. In addition, the problem, however, is that for some women, the learning curve and the adaptation time are a little long, which causes some of them to end up giving up on the product.