Menstrual cups are a new generation of period sanitary products, especially because of their long hours of sustainability, affordability for the long run, and Eco-Friendly nature.

A Guide to Menstrual Cups

I discovered menstrual cups a couple of years ago, and the eco-friendly attribute that came along with them always fascinated me. I’d never really been too comfortable with pads, that made periods much harder. As I started using menstrual cups, although the learning stage was challenging, with time, periods started becoming more bearable and I started feeling more comfortable to wear what I want and go out for as long as I want without worrying about it. It lifted the burden of budgeting for expensive pads every month and made me feel more connected with my body. Menstrual cups really changed my perspective towards period products.

To dig deeper and spread louder awareness about menstrual cups to all the girls out there for an easier, environment-friendly, and long-lasting period sanitation, I talked to Doka Gurung who runs ‘Glow Getter Flow Cups’ to come up with a full-on guide to what a menstrual cup really is and how to use it.

With Reference to a conversation with Doka Gurung, Glow Getter Flow cups

1. What do menstrual cups refer to? How are they different from pads or tampons?

A menstrual cup is a flexible period sanitary product that's designed for use inside the vagina during your period to collect blood. The cup doesn't absorb your menstrual flow as tampons or pads do. Menstrual cups can hold more liquid.

Tampons are linked to TSS which is a Toxic shock Syndrome. It’s a rare but life-threatening complication of certain bacterial infections.

Most Sanitary pads contain volatile organic compounds and phthalates and with this continued, long-term exposure a significant amount of these harmful chemicals could be absorbed via the genitals. Prevention is always better.

Over the course of a lifetime, a single woman menstruating will use somewhere between 5 and 15 thousand pads and tampons, the vast majority of which will wind up in landfills as plastic waste. Which is terrible news for all of us.

Save Money, save health, and Save the environment is our goal

 

2. How to use a menstrual cup?

It’s very simple and nothing to panic about. I hear it all the time where first-time users are scared to use it. I always tell them; number 1 priority is to make sure you select a good quality product as you are going to be inserting it in your body. It’s quality that matters.

Just before your period begins, tightly fold the menstrual cup and insert it like a tampon without an applicator. It will pop open as it is comfortably sat inside, which you can observe by inserting your index finger inside and moving it around the bottom of the cup. If you feel the base unfolded, then you’re good to go.

You will get used to it within a few uses.

As it goes in, it pops open, creating a cup shape for the blood to sit on. There are tiny holes in either side of the wall of the cup, that helps create a suction when it is inside, preventing the slipping of the cup.

Used correctly, you shouldn't feel it. If you’re still uncomfortable or feel some pain, you need to insert it again as it may not be sitting properly or it may not have unfolded properly. Or, it may be the wrong size for you. Remember, that the cup is designed to fit and make you feel comfortable if it’s the correct size for you. It is necessary to have the cup inserted the right way to prevent leakage or cramps in the process.

When inserting, there are different methods to fold the cup. You can try multiple folds to find the easiest one for you.

While taking it out, the first step is to relax. Relax your body and let go of any stress you’re holding on to. Your vaginal muscles are open and ready to push once your body is fully relaxed.

Then, put your index finger inside and try to press against one side of the cup to break the suction and let air in. It is necessary to break the suction before trying to take it out. Remember to never pull out the cup holding its tail if the suction is not broken. That way, there is a risk of damaging your cervix and it can cause pain when you’re taking the cup out.

Therefore, as you break the suction using your index finger, insert your thumb and try to get a grip of the lower, or if possible the upper, part of the cup. This may be a steady process, but you will get a grip once you try to push your vaginal muscles downwards. It can be a little stressful for starters but take a breath, trust yourself, the cup will eventually come out.

 

4. How to maintain proper hygiene when using menstrual cups?

Since these are reusable, Sanitation is key. If sanitation is not maintained properly, there is a higher chance to catch infections.

Before inserting the cup at the beginning of your cycle and the end of the cycle once you’re done for the month, it is always important to sterilize your cup. You can simply boil the cup for about 3 to 7 minutes in a pot filled with water (make sure the cup is floating and not touching the base or the walls of the pot) or you can simply buy a sterilizing cup. I would recommend getting our sterilizer cup where you can microwave the menstrual cup by filling it with water. And, the cup should be washed gently with soap and water, or just water, every time you take it out.

We suggest getting a new cup every year or 2, if possible, for better women’s hygiene.

Also, it is recommended to get two cups and use them alternatively for extra safety purposes.

“Ever since I was introduced to menstrual cups, it changed my life! I’ve never really felt comfortable with pads, and the less durability of tampons never interested me. As a working woman, especially, having a product that helps me feel comfortably carefree throughout the day makes my period week so much easier.”

  • Sudima Dhungel

 

“I’d always wanted to try menstrual cups, but the process of it scared me at first. When I finally decided to try it, although it was difficult in the beginning, I ending to love it. It makes period so much more comfortable, sustains so well, and makes me forget that I’m on my period in times.”

  • Prakriti Neupane

About Glow Getter:

Instagram page: @glow_getter_glow_cup

Glow Getter flow cup is a company that sells top-quality reusable medical-grade silicone menstrual cups to stop leaks, here to educate women about their menstrual hygiene while taking care of planet earth. The Menstrual cups from Glow getter are made from high quality, 100% waterproof, super soft, medical-grade silicone that is widely used in medical care products such as infant pacifiers. The cup is body-safe and non-toxic to use and will not only liberate you from those special days of the month but will save you money and have a less environmental impact. This cup can last for as long as 10+ years.

“We wish all of our girls and ladies to be aware of women’s hygiene and the quality of products being sold into the market. “ -  Doka Gurung, Glow Getter