If you have been considering ditching your non-biodegradable and expensive sanitary napkins and tampons for reusable menstrual cups—you’re on the right track. However, if you’re worried about a cup getting stuck or lost inside your vagina, we’re here to steer your thoughts in the right direction. Read on for some menstrual cup facts that are sure to ease your beginner’s anxiety:
Hey, Your Vagina Is No Bermuda Triangle!
Your Ms Vayjayjay might be a hundred things, but a mysterious black hole ain’t one of them. The vagina is not a bottomless pit, a mystery or an enigma. It is a muscular canal extending from the vulva (outer part of the genitalia) to the neck of the uterus. Think of it as a canal that connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body and enables menstruation, intercourse and childbirth.
Now, coming back to your menstrual cup dilemma. Here’s the thing—if your cervix is high or if you’ve chosen a smaller menstrual cup, chances are that the cup might move slightly higher up than usual in your vaginal canal. This might make getting a hold of it slightly difficult. But disappearing? No chance! A menstrual cup might get stuck inside your vagina but it won’t remain there for a lifetime or simply disappear. Explaining this further, Dr. Sapna Raina, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Narayana Multispeciality Center, Bangalore, says, “Your vaginal canal is roughly 7-12 cm long and is bound by a rounded tissue called cervix, which lies at the lower end of the uterus.”
“It is impossible for a menstrual cup to permeate or cross the cervix and enter the abdominal cavity,” she adds.
“If the size of your menstrual cup isn’t appropriate for you, it can get displaced and you might face a difficulty in locating the stem of the cup during removal,” warns Dr. Raina. Here’s the thing about choosing the right menstrual cup size—stronger your pelvic floor muscles (a group of muscles that support your bladder and bowel), better their ability to hold the cup in place.
Even if all’s well and you’ve chosen the right cup size and inserted it properly, there’s still a chance of the cup getting misaligned. According to Dr Raina, this can happen if you have a sexual intercourse or finger your vagina while your menstrual cup is on.
Don’t Worry! It Won’t Kill You Either
Most tampon users know about the downside. For the unversed, keeping a tampon on for too long can lead to bacterial growth, which can release toxins into your bloodstream and lead to instant death. This is referred to as Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS. Now, while the chances of tampon usage-induced TSS are rather slim, they are never zero. Fortunately, menstrual cups are nothing like tampons in that regard. We’ll tell you how.
Basically, the thumb rule for using a menstrual cup safely is to empty it at least twice a day. However, it can stay in for 24 hours straight without causing any harm (apart from some leakages here and there). So, relax, you’ve got plenty of time to figure out how to pull the cup out safely. And no, it won’t give you TSS while you’re at it—not unless you leave it in for more than 48 hours or so.
But What Should You Do If Your Menstrual Cup Gets Stuck?
For starters, don’t panic because you’ve got this. If you’re unable to locate the cup while sitting, Dr. Raina suggests squatting before you insert your fingers and begin your search again. This can help expand your pelvic muscles and loosen their grip on the cup. The result? Your cup might fall out on its own.
She also recommends mimicking the straining movement during constipation. Remember not to go overboard with this. Just a little abdominal pressure is enough to let out the cup.
Give These 5 Brands A Try
1. Sirona Menstrual Cup
A lot of menstrual cups available in the market are made of latex, which has been reported to cause allergies in many women. But the Sirona menstrual cups are made using FDA-approved, medical-grade silicone—an inert material which does not elicit any reaction from the body. They are available in three sizes: small, medium and large.
The high-quality cup acts as a physical barrier between the sterile menstrual blood collected inside it and any bacteria that might be present on the vaginal wall, thus, preventing the TSS.
Not to mention, the stem at the back of the Sirona cup can help you locate the cup and reach its rim, which has four holes to create a suction. As soon as you pinch the cup with your fingers, it will lose its suction and come out—all thanks to its soft, flexible material.
2. Shecup India
Shecup comes in two sizes that can comfortably fit everyone–from teenagers to women nearing menopause. In fact, their special C-range can be used pre and post maternity as well and is appropriate for both high and low cervix height. Shecup uses special-grade silicone and food-grade dyes to make their cups, which can be sterilised and reused.
3. Gaaia
The menstrual cups by Gaaia are perfect for beginners because they focus very hard on the ease of use for first-time users. The cups are soft, light and flexible for easy insertion and removal. The best part about the brand is that they offer a dual pack containing both small and large size cups. So, you can use the smaller one on days when your period flow is light and the larger one for the heavier-flow days.
4. Plush
Plush menstrual cups offer 10 hours of leakproof protection. Made in an FDA-approved plant, the cups come in three sizes: Extra-small for teens, small for adults and women who’ve given birth via C-section, and Large for women who’ve given birth viginally.
5. Gynocup
The Gynocup is one of the most economic menstrual cups available in the market. It is easy to wear and lasts for up to 12 hours. The medical-grade material of the cup doesn’t disturb the natural pH of the vagina and keeps rashes, wetness, and discomfort at bay.
The Final Word
If you’re planning to use menstrual cups for the first time, make sure to always wash your hands and the cup thoroughly before and after each use. Follow the instructions carefully while using it for the initial few times. Once you get a hang of it, you’ll never look back at tampons and sanitary napkins, we promise.
Featured Image: Pexels
