The menstrual cup, or menstrual collector, is an alternative to regular towels available on the market, its main advantages are the fact that it is reusable and environmentally friendly, more comfortable and hygienic, in addition to being much cheaper for women in the long run.
These collectors are sold by brands like Inciclo or Me Luna and have a shape that looks like a small cup of coffee, to use it just insert it into the vagina but it is normal to have doubts about its use, so look at the most common questions answered here.
- Yes.
- But it’s important to know that your hymen can break with the collector.
- So it’s best to consult your gynecologist before you start using it.
- In women who have a compatible hymen.
- The hymen may not break.
- Learn more about this elastic hymen.
Yes, anyone allergic to latex can use the collector, as it can be composed of medicinal materials such as silicone or TPE, material that is also used in the production of catheters, medical implants and bottle nipples, which do not cause allergy.
To choose the right size of your collector you have to consider
Find out how to choose yours in Menstrual Collectors – What are they and why use them?.
The collector can be used for 8 to 12 hours, but this depends on your size and the intensity of a woman’s menstrual flow.It is usually possible to use the collector for 12 hours in a row, but when the woman notices a small leak, it is a sign that it is time to empty it.
Yes, the collector may leak when it is lost or when it is very full and need to be emptied.To check if your collector is properly positioned, you should pull the collector rod slightly to see if it is moving and when you think it has gone astray, you need to rotate the cup, still in the vagina, to help eliminate possible wrinkles.See step-by-step direction: Learn how to place and clean the menstrual collector.
Yes, collectors can be used at any time, on the beach, for sports or in the pool, and can even be used for sleep as long as it does not exceed 12 hours of use.
Yes, the manifold can hurt or annoy you a little, so you can cut a piece of this rod.In most cases, this technique solves the problem; If the discomfort persists, you can cut the rod completely or switch to a smaller collector.
No, because it is located exactly in the vaginal canal and will not allow the penis to enter.
Yes, you can, as long as you use water-based lubricants
Yes, the menstrual cup is safe and comfortable to use even for those who have little flow or at the end of the menstruation, as it is not uncomfortable like the tampon, which is more difficult to grip when you have a short period.
No, as long as you use the collector correctly and make sure to always dry it after each wash, this treatment is essential to prevent the proliferation of fungi that cause thrush.
Menstrual collectors are associated with a low risk of infection, so toxic shock syndrome is more associated with the use of tampons. If you have ever had toxic shock syndrome, it is recommended that you consult your gynecologist before using the collector.
See also Ten myths and truths about periods.