The Rato Baltin project would not exist without the generous donations of cups from the company Ruby Cup and its program: “Buy one, and we’ll donate one to a girl in need.” For this reason, we encourage you to take a look at their online store if you want to buy one; this way, you will also be giving one to a girl in need.
1. What is the Menstrual Cup?
The Menstrual Cup is an easy-to-use alternative to tampons or pads. When you’re having your period, the flexible silicone cup can be inserted into your vagina to collect your flow. It’s safe, clean and reusable.
2. Why should I use the menstrual cup instead of pads or tampons?
• Use it again – the great thing about the Menstrual Cup is that it can be used again and again so there’s no need to buy a new one for each period. If maintained correctly, many cups will last up to 10 years. Not only will you save yourself money by using a cup, but by not using tampons or pads, you’re helping out the environment too.
• Takes up less space – as you only need to carry one cup, it takes up less space than carrying multiple pads or tampons.
• Lasts longer – you can leave it in for 10 hours. Tampons should be changed every 4 hours.
• Less smell – wearing a pad can lead to an odour when your period blood is exposed to the air but with the Menstrual Cup, there is no smell as the blood is not exposed to the air.
3. How do I insert a Menstrual Cup?
1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Sit or stand with your legs apart.
3. Pinch and fold the cup and insert the cup (bell first) at a 45 degree angle, aiming towards the base of your spine.
4. If you feel any discomfort or notice any leaking, it’s important to adjust the cup as it means it’s not fitted correctly.
4. Is it painful to use a Menstrual Cup?
Once you learn how to insert the cup, it won’t hurt a bit. Follow the steps above to learn how to correctly insert a Menstrual Cup.
5. What if I have heavy periods?
The menstrual cup can hold twice the amount of pads and tampons so is safe to use with heavy periods. Until you are familiar with the insertion of the cup you can wear a pad for extra protection with heavy periods.
6. Is it safe to use the Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is completely safe to use as long as you follow the hygiene and cleaning guidelines. You need to wash your hands with water from a tap thoroughly before and after each use. You also need to make sure the menstrual cup is thoroughly cleaned with water from a tap after each use and sterilised after each cycle. Follow the cleaning instructions below to learn how to correctly clean your cup.
7. How do I clean a Menstrual Cup?
Keeping your cup clean is very important as it ensures that bacteria doesn’t grow in the cup and contribute to an infection in your body. The following steps should be followed:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with clean water from a tap.
2. Before and after each use clean your menstrual cup thoroughly with warm water, ensuring that all traces of blood are washed away.
3. At the end of each menstrual cycle you should sterilise your menstrual cup. This can be done by putting the cup in an open pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.
8. How do I use the menstrual cup in a public bathroom?
Carefully remove the menstrual cup, and empty it into the toilet. Wash the cup with clean water from a tap or bring your own clean water in a bottle. Never use the water from the toilet or a bucket to clean the cup. Once the cup is thoroughly washed with clean water you can reuse the cup.
9. What if the menstrual cup falls into the toilet?
If the cup falls into the toilet, you must not use it until you have sterilised it by boiling it in an open pot of water for 10 minutes. This is to make sure that any bacteria is destroyed and does not enter your body and cause an infection.
10. Can I pee with a menstrual cup?
Yes, as the menstrual cup is inserted into your vagina, it will not impact your urethra and your ability to pee. You may experience increased pressure on the bladder from the cup, but it is unlikely to cause discomfort.
11. I’m worried the menstrual cup might fall out?
If you sense the menstrual cup is slipping out, its important to check if it is inserted far enough up the vagina, and to also check that the cup opened up. You should also check you have the correct size.
12. Can a menstrual cup dislodge an IUD (Intrauterine device)?
Yes, it is possible, but it very rarely happens. It is important to follow the below advice on how to use a menstrual cup with an IUD.
13. How do I use a menstrual cup with IUD?
Before inserting a menstrual cup, it is important to know where the strings are for your IUD. They should be checked each month to make sure they haven’t changed length. It is important that the menstrual cup does not touch the IUD strings. The menstrual cup should sit low in the vagina.
When removing the cup, be sure to release the seal on the cup before removing it. If the seal isn’t released first, it can pull on the IUD.
You can also speak to your gynaecologist about using a menstrual cup with a IUD and about the possibility of having the strings of the IUD cut shorter.
14. Will using a menstrual cup cause me to lose my virginity?
No, menstrual cups do not cause you to lose your virginity.
In some cases using a menstrual cup can cause the hymen to break, however other non-sexual activities such as horse-riding, playing sports, using a tampon, or visiting a gynaecologist can also cause the hymen to break. It is also possible to have penetrative sex and not break the hymen.
Authorship: Mowena Wilkins