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Menstrual cups have been around for a long time, before even tampons were invented. However, menstrual cups have only recently gained popularity as a way to supplement a woman's menstrual cycle care. Those who have used the menstrual cup feel really strong, deciding to "change their life" while some women are confused how to use the menstrual cup. Accordingly, when mastering the instructions on how to use the menstrual cup below, this product will become more user-friendly.1. What is a menstrual cup?
The menstrual cup is a cup made of premium medical grade silicone, specially designed to fit a woman's vagina. By inserting a menstrual cup during menstruation, the device can collect, rather than absorb, menstrual blood. Moreover, the edges of the menstrual cup have been designed to fit the vagina, avoiding spillage during menstrual days.
After a certain time of day, after taking out the menstrual cup, the user can pour the blood out, wash the cup with soap and water and then put it back or store it for a cycle other. The whole process is painless and the silicone material makes it reusable every month for up to 1 year. Thus, the introduction of the menstrual cup in the life of women has brought a new step forward.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups have a number of outstanding benefits. The first is a reusable menstrual cup, which not only saves women a fair amount of money in the long run, but also doesn't need to borrow tampons from friends if you don't bring them. Instead, users can simply rinse, rinse and reuse. Furthermore, it is safe to wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours, although you may want to change your menstrual cup earlier. Unlike tampons, menstrual cups can become invisible and often feel nothing if inserted correctly.One limitation is that it requires the user to know how to use a menstrual cup. This tool can be difficult to insert properly, especially if never used before. Manipulating the menstrual cup into the vagina must be based on your understanding of your anatomical structure, sometimes it takes several cycles. Besides, if installed incorrectly, menstrual cup can still cause leakage. On the other hand, using a menstrual cup is sometimes complicated, can't be thrown away immediately after use like when using a tampon, users must clean and store it properly to be able to use it for a long time.
3. How to choose the right menstrual cup?
Choosing the right menstrual cup is the first step in your guide to using a menstrual cup.Any woman can find a menstrual cup at her local pharmacy or online. Most menstrual cup manufacturers come in two different sizes.
Choose regular if: Usually use regular tampons or pads Have light to moderate menstrual bleeding Under 30 years old Have not had a previous vaginal birth Have a healthy pelvic floor Choose a larger type if: Usually uses extra-thick tampons or pads, nighttime type Has a heavy menstrual flow Over 30 years of age Has had a vaginal birth Have an unstable pelvic floor Both of the cups above can hold approx. 2.5 tampons and the same length (70mm including body). The difference is that the larger type will have a wider diameter. Also, if a woman has a particularly low cervix or has never had sex, a menstrual cup may not be the right choice.
4. Instructions on how to use a menstrual cup
Step 1: Fold Start by taking a deep breath.
Then fold the menstrual cup. There are several ways to do this and it all depends on how the user feels most comfortable. The easiest way - and therefore recommended for beginners - is to make a C-fold, which flattens the cup, clamps it in the center, and folds it over to form a C shape.
Step 2: Insert cup Next, insert the folded cup into the vagina as you would with a tampon. After releasing your hand, the cup will open.
To make sure the cup is firmly attached to the vaginal wall, tug on the stem a few times and rotate it in a circular motion. Usually, a woman will not be able to feel the menstrual cup once it is in place.
If not, you can take it out and reinstall it.
Step 3: Remove the cup Start in a squatting position and spread your legs. Find the base of the cup in the vagina and pull it out. This step should be careful to avoid spilling blood, wire sticking to clothes.
Menstrual fluid can be poured into the toilet and rinsed under the faucet or shower and soapy before reinstalling, can also use a washcloth if a sink is not available. Once your period is completely gone, give your cup a cleaner wash by placing it in a pot of boiling water for at least five to seven minutes, drying it completely, and storing it in its dedicated container until your next cycle.
Although it can be used for a long time, it is best to change the menstrual cup every year.
5. The secret to using a menstrual cup for the first time
Set to Relax and Take Time for Yourself: Choose time alone when you can fully concentrate without distractions or interruptions. Maybe after a warm bath and feeling relaxed. If you're too nervous, the vaginal muscles will spasm, making it uncomfortable, if not impossible, to successfully insert a menstrual cup easily.
Get to know yourself: Take some time to locate the vaginal opening and even put your finger in to locate the cervix with the exact same feeling as the tip of the nose. Knowing the position of the cervix will help in placing the cup correctly and not inserting the cup too high.
Practice during menstruation: The vagina is more flexible and the blood will be like a lubricant. Or...
Premenstrual Exercise: Some women may be more comfortable with a premenstrual workout if they feel uncomfortable touching the blood. In this case, use water as a lubricant.
Try different pleats for placement: Most use typical C pleats. However, there are many ways to fold a cup and choose the one that works for you.
Correct insertion direction: Note that the insertion direction needs to be in the vaginal axis and not simply upward.
Be patient: Be aware that it may take several tries before it succeeds. If you start with no expectation of perfect results, the user will feel more comfortable in the operation and be surprised when the success happens.
Remove Be gentle: When removing the cup, it can be painful and the cup will not be well supported, causing the cord to stick.
Squeeze the bottom of the cup to release the suction: This is the key to success - the bottom of the cup has ridges for retracting. Grasp the bottom and set the cup to the side. Ideally, pull one edge away from the vaginal wall to release suction, which will make a noise when this happens.
Shake gently: When the suction is released, shake the cup gently from side to side as you pull it out. This technique may not be necessary, but will make removal easier.
In short, every beginning can be difficult, including trying a menstrual cup for the first time. However, with the instructions on how to use the menstrual cup above, women can be more confident. A lot of times it can take a few days or a few periods to become more comfortable with a menstrual cup but it will all be worth it. Once a woman has mastered how to use a menstrual cup and enjoy its benefits, a woman will feel it is an integral part of her life.
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