What is a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cup is a device used to hold blood during menstruation rather than absorb as tampons or sanitary inserts. It is a flexible cup that is folded and placed in the vaginal channel, where it opens and collects menstrual blood. Depending on the brand, some menstrual cups may be re -used, while others are one -off. They were made of rubber and were not supple, which caused it difficult to insert them and wear unpleasant to wear for a longer period of time. Another possible reason for lack of popularity was that women still preferred external menstrual protection against hygienic inserts during this period; Tampons were also not commonly used. During the 80s. Menstrual cups began to be made of softer materials such as silicone, and then were produced in bulk as an alternative to sanitary inserts and tampons.

Accurate instructions for use for the menstrual cup may vary according to a particular manufacturer, but a woman usually has to fold the device in half or quarters thanPuts directly into his vaginal channel. Most menstrual cups are designed to be inserted into the lower vaginal channel rather than being pushed towards the cervix like tampons. The menstrual cup can be kept inside the vagina for approximately 12 hours before the user has to pour the collected blood. If the cup is disposable, it is immediately thrown away, while repeatedly usable can be washed with soap and water, then placed back to the previous position for another 12 hours. At the end of the menstrual cycle, the cup must be repeatedly used for about 20 minutes, then drying air before using next month.

One of the advantages of the menstrual cup is a longer protection time than sanitary inserts or tampons that can start in four to eight hours compared to the 12 -hour Menstrual Cup protection time. Menstrual cup supporters also feel that repeatedly usable cups are more environmentally friendly than other methods. Unlike individual tampons orSanitary inserts can only be washed and re -inserted.

menstrual cups can also have some possible disadvantages compared to other menstrual protection options. Some women are allergic to silicone, latex or other materials from which the cups are designed. If a woman has a shallow vaginal channel, it may be difficult to insert a cup. Also, the device cannot be so discreetly changed in public toilets because it must be re -washing.