Menstrual Cup: How to Get On It
And so can you!
Finally, my first ever article on Medium. I actually have another draft which I thought would be the first Story after Foreword, but at the same time, I can’t wait to share the whole journey on getting to know fully me/how I make period fun/all in all some snippets about the blood cup itself from my perspective.
The Backstory
I measure my period flow from the number of times I had to change the pads, along with the size I got to pick and I proudly admit that mine is heavy. I could go back and forth to the bathroom every 4 to 5 hours during the daytime, but only 1 time at night. The sizes must be 26 cm for the day and 35 cm for the night.
Although it doesn’t always happen every time I got period, there’s a cycle where I experience heavy leakage. This has started since the second year of uni. I remember when I was in Rome for a summer holiday, I had to go back to the room to change my shorts because, yup, there’s a crime scene on my pants.
Years later, some of my friends on IG shared their stories about using a menstrual cup. At first, I didn’t even think about purchasing the cup right away nor had a curiosity about it. But there’s always an aha moment, where I finally tired of washing the stain on the bedsheets and jeans.
How I use menstrual cup
Here is my version of the steps to use the cup. Many sources also state different ways because everyone’s body is unique.
The number one rule is always to wash your hands before wearing the cup.
Step 1: Watch the how-to videos on YT and read reliable articles.
You can either watch the tutorials and reviews first before you make a purchase or buy it first so you can get a clearer picture of how to use it.
There are many discoveries that I found, not only from the steps but also insights I can apply. Here are the keywords you can use:
- Insertion position. You can either squat, just sit on the toilet, or put one foot on the toilet seat.
- Insertion folds. The punch-down fold and C-fold are the most popular. There are other unique folds too.
- Types of the cup. Hence, you must know the length of your cervix.
- Relax. It is normal to fail on the first try. Keep this as your journey. There’s one video that said she nailed it after the 8th cycle. I was in the 3rd.
Just suit yourself with all of these quirky yet out-of-the-box ideas. See, you can get more creative during the period.
Step 2: Bought a box of tampon.
You can actually skip this step if you already know where’s the opening and all.
One of the videos I watched said that it can be easier for tampon users to switch to period cup, as it has a slight similarity in using the product, which is true. This made me curious about other menstrual products available in the market, and so I bought a box of tampon.
The only difference is the maximum time you can wear it. You have to change the tampon after 4 to 6 hours, while the menstrual cup is 8 to 12 hours.
Step 3: Choose the right folds; C-fold and punch-down fold.
Again, thanks to the people I found on YT vids, punch-down fold works best for me up until today. After the cup reaches the opening, I usually twist it downwards, so it will pop out perfectly once inside.
Step 4: Apply a drop of water-based lubricant on the rim.
This step is also optional. For me personally, it will be easier and pain-free to insert the cup when you put the lube on the rim. Pain-free here means that you barely feel anything whilst doing the insertion. But, if you feel like the lubrication from your period blood is enough, then you can move to the next step.
Step 5: Cut the stem or keep the stem/choose the right size.
Actually, I have 2 cups. The first one I bought is the petite size (15 ml), which is supposedly for those under 18, and the second one is size A (25 ml, and it is from OrganiCup), for those who haven’t given birth vaginally.
In my first trial, I used the 15 ml one. I failed the insertion a couple of times. But once it’s inside, I could still feel the stem when walking. I ended up cutting the stem as I got the tips from the internet and the box.
(A side note: please do not cut the stem when it is still inside)
Unfortunately, another trouble that I wanted to run away from still haunted me. The leakage still happened, though it’s just some spots. After looking for the solution here and there, I decided to upgrade the size. Since I already get used to all of the tricks, I keep the stem as it is. And surprisingly, I can walk and sit without feeling something from the cup, plus no more leak.
How to remove the cup
Surprisingly, I had no struggle when taking out the cup. Probably the only problem was I barely found the stem in my first break. But shortly after that, I could adjust myself on that.
The most important thing about the removal is: Keep Calm. First of all, if you feel like it’s missing, it actually doesn’t go anywhere. Secondly, your thumb and forefinger will get used to it.
You can also redo the foot's position from the insertion process; either squat, sit on the toilet, or put one foot up on the toilet seat. Then, you can form a U-shape with your thumb and forefinger before you pull out the cup. Once you’ve reached the base, you can feel the lines. After that, pinch the base to break the seal. If it is a bit slippery, you can squeeze it with your clean nail.
Be sure to hold the cup carefully. Otherwise, another crime scene on the bathroom floor.
How to clean the cup
In this section, I’m going to talk about how to wash the cup before, during, and after usage.
I usually sterilize the cup once the period starts by putting the cup in boiling water for 5 minutes, as what says in the box. Using a period tracking app is extremely helpful so that you know the right time to do so.
After 8 hours, I empty the cup into the toilet. Not only is this to avoid the stain stuck on the sink but also the odor. The only downside is you have to extra clean the toilet afterward. Then, before reinserting the cup, I wash it with unscented intimate wash.
Once the cycle ends, I sterilize the cup once more by pouring 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the boiling water to get rid of the remaining stain. You can skip the baking soda if you don’t have one.
The Takeouts
I just realized that I’ve talked much about the hows instead of other parts to debunk. Although I’ve upgraded the size, leakage is still my biggest fear when using the period cup, and this could happen to you too. Therefore, I want to give you the manual on choosing the menstrual cup, as it is in line with other period products that can minimize leakage.
Here’s what to consider buying the cup:
Air holes
I believe that the air holes help the suction once it’s inside. My 15ml cup only has 2 small holes and often causes a leakage. Whereas my 25ml cup has 4 holes and makes no more crime scene. Thus, it is also important to keep the holes dry before the insertion.
The reviews
Most menstrual cup reviews on YT have various brands to offer. In Indonesia specifically, international brands like OrganiCup, Lena Cup, and Intima are easy to get on e-commerce.
The price might be more reasonable for local products. In this case, you can read the written review and look at the pictures from the previous buyers in the store you choose. Most of these are sold by eco-friendly-themed stores.
The material of the cup
Basically, it is made of silicon, precisely the medical-grade one. You can check the item’s description before you put it in the cart.
Regardless of the price, the cup itself can last 10 years. See, you can save up your monthly budget on pads or tampons in the next decade.
These additional period products are worth buying:
Sanitary panty
This is another great investment for my menstrual needs in 2021. Not only is it convenient but also affordable! I use the sanitary panty at night.
Menstrual pad
It’s not like pads are already that kind of ex you want to erase from your memory. In some scenarios, such as in traveling settings, you still need the backup. There are also reusable ones if environmentally friendly is in your concern.
