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A menstrual cup is made of medical grade silicone, or TPE. It is a soft material that can adapt to the shape of the vagina and therefore provide a perfect fit for each user. When using a menstrual cup, the cup collects the blood unlike the use of a tampon which soaks up and absorbs the blood. When the cup is full, it needs to be emptied. You can do this in a toilet, in a sink or perhaps in nature if you are camping or hiking. But how does a menstrual cup work? That's a question many curious people ask.
Just as the name suggests, the menstrual cup is shaped like a cup with a spigot or ball. The cup also has holes that are very small. These will not cause menstrual blood to leak out of the cup. These holes are there to create a vacuum in the vagina so that the cup stays in place as it should.
To use a menstrual cup, you have to fold it. There are many different types of folds, so try out what works best for you. When folded, the cup is about the size of a tampon, so it is easy to insert.
You insert the cup, which unfolds into the vagina on its own so that it stays in place. When this happens, the cup will sit perfectly against the vaginal opening so that no blood can leak out. Instead, it will land in the cup and slowly fill.
When about 4 hours have passed, it may be time to empty the menstrual cup. You can use the same cup for up to 12 hours, but in the beginning it's a good idea to check the cup every four hours to see how full it is. In time, you will learn how long it can take between emptying. When you're a beginner, we recommend emptying your cup at every toilet visit.
To empty a menstrual cup, you have to break the vacuum that keeps it in place. You can do this by gently squeezing one side of the cup. When you break the vacuum, there is usually a sound. Now you can easily take the cup out and empty it, then rinse and put it back in. Sometimes you may need to push or cough again and the cup will come out more easily.
There are myths about the cup that its use relaxes the muscles of the vagina but, as I said, this is a myth. There are strong indications that the opposite is true. Muscles can be strengthened with use. This is positive for a woman who may have given birth or who has difficulty keeping tight.
When you ask the question "how does a menstrual cup work?" you may wonder how long you can use the same cup. It's a good question that's not just about hours. You can use the same cup month after month. If you keep it clean and take care not to damage it, you can get years out of the same cup. A menstrual cup saves money and the environment. Our menstrual cups have a shelf life of up to 10 years.
If you keep your hands and the menstrual cup clean, this menstrual pad will be hygienic. It may even be more hygienic than tampons and sanitary pads. The menstrual cup cannot absorb and give room for bacteria to grow. If it is clean, you are protecting the natural flora of bacteria in the vagina. You don't have to worry about diseases like TSS that are a risk when you use a tampon. Your menstrual cup should always be boiled in water to sterilise it between each period.
You'll be fine with one, but many people choose to have two or three to store in different places so that the menstrual cup is always ready when needed. If you often have an irregular flow, you can have two different sizes.
At first, handling the cup can feel a little tricky, but with practice you'll hopefully barely know you're having your period.
