Menstrual Cups, what are they? We'll tell you everything you need to know about using them

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Menstruation is a difficult period for women and what adds to the tumultuous hormonal upheaval is the terrible mess a woman finds herself in while dealing with all that bleeding. Women tend to use sanitary napkins or tampons, however, it still is a messy business as it might not stop leakage completely and needs to be changed every few hours. Wearing them for a long time might even cause a danger to life.

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A menstrual cup comes to one’s rescue in this condition, it is made of silicone or rubber and is in the shape of a funnel-like cup that can be inserted in the vagina. It is small in size and is flexible, it is quite easy to use. It can be used for up to 6 to 12 hours depending on regular flow. Not only that It is also an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to a tampon or sanitary napkin as it can be reused.

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‍Menstrual cups are safe to use

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‍Menstrual cups collect blood instead of absorbing it, and hence are more hygienic. They hold about 2 to 3 ounces of blood as compared to tampons that hold only 1/3 ounce. Menstrual cups are a practical and a one-time investment that can be used for years to come. An air-tight seal is created by these cups so that no leakage is possible.

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‍Selecting a menstrual cup

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‍Menstrual cups are available in various sizes and brands. Before investing in a menstrual cup, consider consulting a gynaecologist. Usually, there are two sizes available: small and large. The small cup is recommended for women who have not given birth naturally. On the other hand, the large cup is suggested to be used by women who have given vaginal birth.

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‍Learn to use a menstrual cup

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‍Most women are a little sceptical or scared about how to use a menstrual cup, however, there is nothing to worry about as its usage is quite simple.

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‍To use it –

1. Make sure the hands are clean, wash them carefully before using the cup to avoid infections
2. Use a water-based lubricant on the rim of the cup to insert the cup effortlessly
3. Fold the menstrual cup in half
4. Insert the cup rim side facing up into the vagina, it is supposed to sit a few inches below the cervix
5. Rotate the cup once after inserting in your vagina
6. Once inserted, you should not feel the cup in your vagina. In case it is a little uncomfortable, it means that you haven’t inserted it properly

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To remove it –

• Start by washing the hands and making sure that they are clean
• Use the index finger and thumb to reach the rim of the cup and then pull out gently
• Empty the cup into the toilet and wash until clean for reuse

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A menstrual cup can be used up to 5 years, however, changing it every 6 to 12 months is a good practice. It must be sterilized and cleaned in boiling water every month or after every period.

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Things to be mindful of when using a menstrual cup

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1. Although menstrual cups are environment-friendly, if the right care is not taken, they may cause infections or irritation
2. It is crucial to make sure that the cup is clean before you insert it, else it may cause an infection.
3. It may cause spillage and create a mess if not inserted properly.
4. It is completely against personal hygiene to share one’s cup.
5. In a few rare cases, women might be allergic to the material used to make these menstrual cups.

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Hence, in case someone has  extra sensitive skin, consult a doctor before using it becomes essential

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Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

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1. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
3. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
4. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
5. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
6. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
7. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

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1. Best Maternity Packages in Bangalore
2. Top Maternity Packages in Chennai
3. Best Maternity Packages with Cost in Mumbai
4. Best Maternity/ Delivery Packages with Charges in Pune
5. Top Maternity Packages with Cost in Chandigarh
6. Top Maternity/ Delivery packages with Charges in Gurgaon
7. Best Pregnancy Packages in Noida

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