9 Things To Know Before Trying To Use A Menstrual Cup
byJill Di Donato
Tired of tampons? Not a fan of pads? Just plain lazy? Menstrual cups might be for you. A less messy way to handle your monthly flow, menstrual cups have been around for years, but recently risen in popularity. But before trading in your usual products for something new, there are a couple things to know before using a menstrual cup for the first time.
For example, you'll want to know how a menstrual cup works, right? Well, let me break it down, health class style. You insert the silicone, rubber or latex cup so it sits right beneath your cervix, according to Cleveland Clinic. You can leave it in for up to 12 hours, during which time it collects your menstrual fluid. When you remove it, you spill out the blood, wash the cup out and tuck it up there again. Simple, right? Totally. But knowing how to insert the device isn't the only info you'll need. There are some other, er, handy, things to know before you dive on in.
From whether or not you can get it on while wearing a menstrual cup to the benefits of choosing this over a traditional tampon or pad, here are 9 things about menstrual cups that could help you decide if you're ready to make the switch.