Everything you need to know about menstrual cups

Have you been considering Menstrual Cups but have more questions than answers? How do they work? How often do I change? Look no further, everything you need to know is just a scroll away. 

What are Menstrual Cups?

A menstrual cup is a small, bell-shaped product that is a sustainable alternative to pads and tampons and is perfect to pair with Modibodi for extra protection (especially on those super heavy days). They are made out of silicone (Lunette and Juju are both made from medical-grade silicone) or rubber which allows it to be soft, flexible, and able to collect the liquid rather than absorbing the flow like pads or tampons. It can be worn for up to 12 hours before being emptied and rinsed, and last for up to 10 years. 

What are the benefits?

According to Elisa Ross, MD, some of the benefits include:

• Hygienic and safe
• As it is made from medical grade silicone, it is free of latex, plastic, PVC, acrylic, colours, dyes and chemicals 
• Environmentally friendly and can last for approximately 10 years 
• Cost-effective 
• If we think about it in terms of the lifetime of a menstrual cup (10 years) costing approximately $50
• Using tampons would cost about $820 over the period of this time 
• Using pads would cost about $680
• Less odour as the blood doesn’t get exposed to air
• Easy to use 

How to use menstrual cups?

1. Fold the cup into a ‘C’ shape and hold it in that position

2. Apply water or a water-based lube on the rim of the cup and insert the cup into your vagina and ensure it is sitting low in your vagina with the stem sitting just inside

3. Let go of the cup and it should now act as a suction to prevent any leaks (check with your finger that it has unfolded)

4. With clean hands, remove the cup by gently pulling the stem downwards until you can feel the base of the cup - pinch the cup to release the suction and empty the contents

5. Rinse the cup in cold water, then warm water (only using warm water can cause stains in the cup) and re-insert again 

NOTE: At the end of your cycle, boil for 2-10 minutes making sure it doesn’t come into contact with the bottom of the saucepan where it could stick and dry the cup in the sun if possible to reduce decolourisation. 

What size is best for you?

Here’s the quick and simple guide to choosing your cup size.

Lunette and Juju recommend:

• Cup Size 1 for light to medium flow, suitable for those who have not given vaginal birth or are under 30
• Cup Size 2 for medium to heavy flow, suitable for those who have given vaginal birth or are over 30

However, occasionally you may need to consider additional factors like:

• Tone, strength and tightness of your pelvic floor 
• If you have a very strong and toned pelvic floor (all those kegel exercises from doing pilates and yoga) or have a tighter pelvic floor (normally if you’re younger than 30), a size 1 may be better suited for you 
• Location of cervix 
• If you find that you have a low cervix, a size 1 may be more suitable and if you have a high cervix, a size 2 may be a better fit 

Are you a fan of menstrual cups? Would you give Modibodi a go? Share your experiences with us in the comments!