The menstrual cup is a reusable feminine hygiene product.
Menstrual cups are one of the most innovative methods of managing your period in a safe and easy way. It is a small, flexible cup made of 100% medical-grade silicone that is inserted into the vagina during period days. Instead of absorbing the flow, like a tampon, it collects it. The cups can hold more blood than other methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products. Unfortunately, there are still few taboos.
Menstrual cup care
No matter where you are, you should always wash your hands before and after inserting the cup. Cleaning the cup removes bacteria, prevents staining and odour. Reusable menstrual cups should be washed and cleaned before inserting them back into the vagina. Sterilisation before and after each cycle is just as important, as this ensures thorough cleaning, completely eliminating the existence of any micro-organisms. You can easily sterilise your cup with the MissVerde electric steriliser.
How to insert a menstrual cup?
If you know how to insert a tampon, it is relatively easy to insert a menstrual cup. Just follow these steps:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand.
2. Insert the cup, rim side up, into your vagina as you would a tampon without an applicator.
3. The cup will open back to its natural shape (you may have to turn it slightly first) and rests against the vagina walls. A light vacuum effect is formed to prevent leakage.
4. If you have inserted the menstrual cup correctly, you should not feel it. If you have problems inserting the cup, talk to your gynaecologist.
How to fold the menstrual cup?
The way the menstrual cup is folded is key to a good fit, and a good fit is vital for comfortable and efficient use. There are several techniques for folding the cup. Use the one that works best for you and that you feel most comfortable with.
How to remove a menstrual cup?
You can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours. The amount of time you want or can wear your cup depends on personal preferences and your flow. Menstrual cups are ideal for full night protection!
To remove a menstrual cup, just follow these steps:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Insert your index finger between the cup and the vaginal wall and press gently towards the centre. This will break the 'vacuum' and make it easy to remove the cup.
3. Gently pull down and your cup will come out without a problem.
4. In case the cup has moved upwards, use your pelvic floor muscles to push it down.
5. Sterilise the cup with our electric steriliser at the end of your cycle.
Not sure what size is right for you?
First you need to find out what size is best for you. MissVerde offers small and large menstrual cups. To find the right menstrual cup size for you, you (and your doctor) should take into account:
- your age
- the length of your cervix
- whether or not you have a heavy flow
- the capacity of the cup
- the strength of your pelvic floor muscles
- whether you have given birth vaginally
Small menstrual cups are usually recommended for women under 30 and those who have not given birth vaginally. Larger sizes are usually recommended for women over 30 and those who have given birth vaginally or who have heavier periods.
What if I am in a public toilet?
If you are away from home, you may find it more difficult to rinse your cup, especially if you change it in a public toilet. MissVerde's Carry Cup steriliser is a great option to help you through these times. This container can be used to rinse your cup in public places and to sterilise it in the microwave when you're on the go.
Are menstrual cups comfortable?
The menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, allowing more time between each emptying, especially on lighter days. Using a menstrual cup avoids the need to carry extra pads or tampons, which many women find cumbersome and even embarrassing.
Unlike tampons, the menstrual cup can be used around the expected time of menstruation, avoiding first-day leakage.
What are the advantages of using menstrual cups?
1. Many women choose to use menstrual cups because:
2. They are very affordable. You invest only once for a reusable menstrual cup, unlike tampons or pads, which have to be bought continuously and can cost more than 100 euros a year.
3. Menstrual cups are safer. Because menstrual cups collect blood instead of absorbing it, you are not at risk of contracting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use.
4. Menstrual cups hold more blood. A menstrual cup can hold one to two grams of menstrual flow. In contrast, tampons can hold only one-third of an ounce.
5. They are environmentally friendly. Reusable menstrual cups can last a long time, which means you're not contributing to menstrual waste but instead helping the environment.
6. Zero-waste.
Did you know that menstrual cups can also be worn in combination with MissVerde's absorbent briefs?
What about menstrual cups and a having a sustainable lifestyle?
Disposable products accumulate in landfills, as do tampons and sanitary towels. Zero Waste Europe reported that in 2017, more than 49 billion units of menstrual products were consumed in the 28 member states, generating 590 000 tonnes of waste. The menstrual cup is 100% reusable, environmentally friendly and significantly reduces the environmental impact.
Although the European Commission from July 2021 requires that all disposable menstrual products in the European Union must have a "plastic on product" logo, you may be concerned about reports of tampons containing bleached cotton, rayon or viscose fibres and toxic chemicals. With menstrual cups there is no such problem as they are made from 100% medical grade materials, which is very safe for your body.
How much does it really cost?
Menstrual cups are much cheaper than disposable products. Our MissVerde cup is only €14.99. If you use it for 10 years, you'll only pay €1.49 a year. Tampons and pads can cost on average between €50 and €150 a year, depending on how long and heavy your period is and how often you have it.
Cups against menstrual poverty.
Menstrual poverty affects women, girls and menstruating people all over the world. Access to menstrual products, safe and hygienic spaces in which to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma is essential for everyone.
Menstrual cups are a safe, cheap, reusable and easy way to manage your cycle!