Menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are becoming more popular every year, gradually displacing pads and tampons from the pedestal. While operating them can be challenging at first, the sheer number of benefits that arise justifies the effort.

Menstrual cup, also known as mouthguard, refers to to reusable products of female intimate hygiene. It looks like a small elastic container in the form of a bell or tulip with a "tail", made of silicone. Installing on the cervix, it "opens" inside. The tray works like a tampon, but instead of absorbing the secretions, it simply collects them. After the silicone bowl is full, it only remains to remove and rinse it. This hygiene device, being reusable, can be used for several years. The menstrual cap comes in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

The principle of operation of the mouthguard is so safe and convenient that it can be used longer than the largest tampon - up to 12 hours in a row. Nevertheless, from time to time it still has to be removed, emptied and washed. Women who use the cup during their period report that a correctly inserted cap is almost invisible - you can neither see nor feel it.

The number and size of vents are different for different hoods.... Their presence and correct location provide better protection and extraction comfort.The container itself is the body of the bowl, and the area between it and the “tail” is called the base or the grip ring. Seal means a piece of silicone separating the "stem" and the base. Finally, the last component - the “tail” itself - helps to remove the mouthguard from the vagina and can have different shapes, sizes, thicknesses and rigidity. It is also worth mentioning that many bowls have lines or numbers that can be used to calculate the amount of discharge. The average volume of the cap itself is 15-42 ml.

Hygiene devices are most often manufactured made of medical grade silicone, but natural rubber and TPE, i.e. thermoplastic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, can also be used. Medical silicone is pre-tested for biocompatibility, which means it is absolutely safe to be placed inside the body. TPE, which is a mixture of plastic and rubber, is also not dangerous to use, but natural rubber can lead to negative consequences in people with latex allergies.

In regards to the history of the menstrual cup, its predecessor, called the vaginal vessel, was patented back in the 1860s. The device, which was fixed with a special belt, had a shape that was different from the modern one - it, thanks to two midwives, Perkins and McGlasson, was patented only in 1932. In 1937, the American actress Leona Chalmers invented the latex rubber mouthguard, which was refined after the war. The 1960s saw the introduction of Tassaway brand bowl, which did not find much success. The product gained popularity only in 1987 with the arrival of the Keeper latex rubber cap, and became widespread another 15 years after the development of the MoonCup silicone mouth guard.

The benefits of a menstrual cup are enormous. To begin with, this is a reusable product that, with proper care, can be used for several years, regardless of the abundance of discharge. From here its next plus logically "follows" - monthly saving of money. The product is completely recyclable, which allows you to contribute to the environment. A correctly inserted cap does not cause any discomfort and provides long-term protection.

The mouthguard does not harm the delicate microflora of the vagina, does not provoke allergic reactions, does not smell and can be used even during sleep. The lack of direct contact with air enhances the hygiene of the product. The product is suitable for virgins and adolescents, but you will have to give preference to models of a smaller size or diameter, as well as use a lubricant.

However, there are still a number of disadvantages to the menstrual guard. She has to learn to use, and for some women it takes a long time. Again, the first time there is a chance of spilling the contents of the cap. Some mouthguards may simply not fit - for example, the Diva Cup often gets negative reviews due to its excessive length. For a high-quality sample, you will have to pay from 15 to 40 dollars, in addition, unlike the same pads, it is not sold in every hardware store.

It should be mentioned that The "classic" menstrual cup is reusable, bell-shaped and made mostly of medical grade silicone. However, disposable menstrual cups, better known as discs, are also being found on the market today. Soft flexible structures are made of a polymer mixture and outwardly resemble a diaphragm - a hard ring with a soft center.They can be used during sexual intercourse, but are not responsible for contraception.

Bowls on the market can be sized S, M, L or even XL. This indicator is directly related to the intensity of discharge - the smallest is suitable for a small amount of menstrual blood, and also helps in the last days of menstruation, and the largest is indispensable for heavy bleeding. In addition, the height of the cervix and the condition of the vaginal muscles are taken into account. To determine the optimal size, all of the above parameters have to be taken into account.

The menstrual cup can be softer and denser. It is generally accepted that the second variety is more suitable for beginners, since it is easier to enter and extract, but you should always focus on your own feelings. The hardness level is indicated by the manufacturer as Soft, Classic and Sport. Cups Soft are almost imperceptible during wear and are suitable even for women with sensitive bladders. However, they open for a rather long time, and therefore sometimes leak.

Mouthguards Classic with an average level of elasticity are recommended for most girls with a normal body structure. Hard caps Sport quickly open and fix so tightly that they do not change their position even during active pastime. Unfortunately, their introduction is often accompanied by painful sensations.

Top budget models of menstrual cups cannot be imagined without products from Hot Planet, for example, Amphora... The anatomically shaped mouthguard with a shortened curved nose can be inserted and removed very easily and with little or no sensation, making it suitable even for those with a sensitive bladder. The model is available in sizes S and L, has a medium hardness and excellent protection against leaks.

Many ratings often include a brand Yoba Nature, rigid mouthguard which is suitable for girls leading an active lifestyle. The description looks very interesting Exquisite by Pretty Woman. A delicate pink tulip cup is equipped with a thin spout that makes it easy to use. The resilient model costs quite a budget, lasts from 5 to 10 years and is available in sizes S and L.

The best soft hygienic caps include MeLuna Soft - a sample of a German brand, created from a thermoplastic elastomer. Available in all possible sizes, the model can be completed with an elongated stem, ring or ball at the base. Loved by customers and Satisfyer Feel confident with a convenient loop-shaped holder. The softest medical grade silicone prevents any pain during insertion and removal.

Looks impressive MermaidCup Soft, the colored surface of which is decorated with a lace pattern. This soft product with holes under the rim is suitable for both young girls and older ladies. If we talk about the best burls of medium elasticity, then we will have to mention Reusable Menstrual Cup by Lunette, Fun Cup by Fun Factory curved tip and OrganiCup Bdesigned for heavy menstruation. Top hard menstrual cups include MeLuna Sport, Yuuki Classic and LadyCup.

Many factors are taken into account when choosing a sanitary cup.

• For example, differences in the shape of the bowl and its legs do not play a fundamental role, especially since the latter is always allowed to be cut with scissors.... On the other hand, how flexible the material turns out to be can in many ways affect the comfort of wearing the cap.
• Transparent mouthguards over time, they begin to turn yellow, and the colors remain unchanged.
• It is better to take a larger device at night., and the model with a valve is recommended to be worn in situations where it becomes necessary to quickly drain its contents, for example, at work or in a public toilet.
• The best mouthguards for wearing are those that are optimally matched in size. First of all, it is necessary to focus on the height of the cervix: for high, models with a length of 54 millimeters and more elongated are suitable, for medium - size M with a length of 45 to 54 millimeters, and for a low one - short and compact.In addition, for girls under 30 years of age, as well as for women who have not given birth or lead an active lifestyle, mouth guards with a diameter of up to 43 millimeters are recommended, and for the rest of the fair sex - with a diameter of 44 to 48 millimeters.
• To prevent leaks, it is better to take caps with a massive rim, which will not only secure the cup, but also prevent it from turning over in any situation.
• For sensitive girls who experience discomfort even with the introduction of a tampon, models are more suitable anatomically shaped with a curved tip. Swatches with ball-shaped "ponytails" are suitable for lovers of cropped models. It is convenient to hold on to the flat "tail" with your fingers, and the part in the form of a ring or even a chain speeds up the process of removing the mouthguard.

Detailed instructions will help you learn how to wear the hygiene cup correctly. It should be inserted, being in a calm state, beforehand, be sure to wash your hands.... You can sit on the toilet and lean back, place one foot on the cistern or edge of the tub, or just bend your knees. The device is folded in such a way that the rim becomes as compact as possible, after which it is inserted in the same way as the introduction of a tampon, that is, towards the coccyx until it stops. However, remember that you do not need to locate the device deeply. As soon as the mouthguard, placed inside, is released, it opens on its own. In the case of rigid models, this action is felt, but for thinner models it is better to check manually for the absence of folds and the creation of the required reversal.

It is allowed to take out the cup again with washed hands.... You can sit on the toilet and lean back, lift your foot to the edge of the tub, or sit down. You will need to first pull on the tail, and then grab the base of the device and lightly squeeze it with your thumb and forefinger, breaking the vacuum. Further, the device stretches down, slightly to the side and gets out, swinging a little. The removed cap is freed from the contents and rinsed with water. After wiping with an antibacterial cloth, the bowl can be reinserted. Often it is not necessary to change the mouthguard - you should be guided by the actual filling of the cap, within 12 hours.

If you have difficulty inserting the bowl, it is allowed to use a small amount of water-based lubricant. It makes sense to also experiment with the ways of folding the cap: "C-shape", Punchdown, "seven" or "triangle". The rim of an open bowl always has the shape of a circle or oval, which is quite easy to check by touch.

Most manufacturers recommend sterilizing the mouth guard before and after each cycle: boil in clean water for 3-5 minutes. During menstruation, it will be enough to wash the device with running water and soap, or wipe it with an antibacterial cloth. The cup should be stored in a cloth bag or container with holes, ideally in a cool and dark place.

If there are ventilation holes in the device, they will have to be cleaned from time to time with an old toothbrush. Surface stains can be removed by preparing a 1 to 1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. In the resulting mixture, the bowl will have to be soaked overnight and then rinsed in the usual way.

In principle, the reviews on the use of the menstrual cup presented on the Internet are quite opposite. Most of the girls note difficulties during the first attempts to insert the device, as well as the fact that the object is quite clearly felt inside, even despite its small size. However, many of them believe that the discomfort can disappear by choosing a mouthguard from another manufacturer or made of softer silicone.

Negative reviews often mention the difficulty of extracting a foreign object, especially if it is made of hard material. In addition, even the most voluminous models can leak.