What is a menstrual cup and what are the pros and cons?

The menstrual cup is a small, flexible plastic cup that is folded and inserted into the vagina, reaching the cervix. The cup is reusable, making it a sustainable alternative to tampons and sanitary pads. The advantages of a menstrual cup are:

• The cup can be worn for 8 to 12 hours and therefore needs to be changed less often during the day.
• A cup can last up to five years and costs between €15 and €30, which is very economical, unlike tampons and pads, which need to be replaced every month. 
• A cup is free from synthetic substances, perfumes, and other harmful substances. Ecological and organic products are better for both people and the environment and are biodegradable.

How do you use a menstrual cup and which one is right for you?

Cups, like pads and tampons, come in different sizes. The size you need depends on the heaviness of your flow. A small cup is suitable for light flow. If you experience heavier flow, it's wise to choose a larger cup.

1. Sterilize the cup by boiling it in water for three minutes. Make sure you have two cups.
2. Clean your hands thoroughly and insert the cup. When it is full, replace it with the second cup.
3. Rinse and sterilize the first cup again before using it again.

Watch the video:  How to use a Menstrual Cup – In-depth Instructional Video - YouTube .

The other side of the menstrual cup

When we first heard about this, we cheered so loudly, because yess!! How sustainable is this product?! Scientifically proven safe, and it lasts much longer than any other menstrual product.
And then the complaints started pouring in...

Of course, I also recently shared @nosstories' findings.
We certainly shouldn't underestimate the power of a vacuum, just as we shouldn't underestimate the power of steam.

The main complaints we received were that women had weaker muscles (pelvic floor muscles) than before using the cup, urine loss, etc.

Because you're constantly working with pressure and constantly pulling the uterus up and down, the muscles eventually start to strain. That's why it's important to use the cup correctly. You'll need to practice a few times to insert the cup correctly. Once you've mastered it, it's ideal for use during menstruation.

Hygiene is crucial when using a cup. To protect your health, it's important to clean the cup thoroughly.

• Sterilize the cup at the beginning and end of each cycle.
• Store the cup at room temperature and in a room out of direct sunlight.
• Keep it in the packaging or a cotton bag.

To gauge our community's experiences with the cup, I interviewed 46 women. Eight of these women experienced these negative effects, and the rest were satisfied to very satisfied with their menstrual cup.

Thank you so much for your input and time!

Share your experience with us!
If you use a menstrual cup and want to share something about it, head over to our Instagram and share your experience in the comments below.