Period pains: NHS give advice on helping cramps
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.
From tampons to sanitary towels, sanitary products are never going to be glamorous. They’re purely made for collecting the blood released during your period. So how do you pick which product suits you? The frequency and duration of period varies from one person to the next, so which method you prefer will depend on your flow. However, many women are turning to menstrual cups as an eco-friendly method.
What is a menstrual cup?
Fed up of pads and tampons? You have probably heard of a menstrual cup.
Perhaps your friends are bombarding you to try it, or maybe you’ve heard about the benefits of a menstrual cup.
Menstrual cups collect the blood rather than absorb it and they can be washed and reused.
The reusable nature of the cup makes it much more eco-friendly.
READ MORE- How to get rid of period cramps fast – the quick tips you can try
How does it work?
You insert the bell-shaped cup when you start your period, and regularly empty it.
The purpose is to prevent your clothes from getting stained, just like any other method.
You need to remove the cup every four to 12 hours of use, depending on how heavy your flow is.
After taking it out, you need to empty and rinse the cup with cold water to avoid staining it.
How to use a menstrual cup
Before using your menstrual cup, you need to clean it!
The BeYou site explains: “You can do this by putting your cup in a saucepan of boiling water for 10 minutes.
“Alternatively, you can pop your new cup in a microwaveable container, making sure it’s submerged in water.
“Pop it in the microwave for 5 minutes et voila, your cup is sanitised. Once it has cooled down give your cup one last clean with your Foaming Menstrual Cup Cleanser and you’re ready to use it.
Between each menstrual cycle, boil your cup for 20 minutes to keep it clean.
You can purchase cup cleaning wipes or BeYou’s Foaming Cup Cleaner to clean it after each use if you need to.
DON’T MISS…
Excruciating period pain: How help period pain [INFORMER]
Endometriosis: How do I know if I have endometriosis? [INSIGHT]
Implant side effects: Does the implant cause weight gain? [EXPLAINER]
If you are nervous about using a cup, don’t worry! BeYou’s experts can assure you that a menstrual cup is not dangerous.
The site says: “Your cup will not get lost, your cup will not get stuck and yes, it will fit.” So stop worrying and practise inserting your cup.
Sit in a quiet place with a positive attitude and relax – the best time to do it is just before a shower or bath.
You need to fold the cup before insertion, and cups will have a wide range of folds to suit every woman’s anatomy.
The C or U fold is the most popular and well-known fold, but do your research to find out which fold is best for you.
If your cup is still folded when it is inserted, it won’t be able to catch all of your blood.
You need to open the cup once inside by pressing on each side or pulling on the stem.
Once you’ve done this, you can keep it in from four to 12 hours, but try to avoid going past eight hours.
Some menstrual cups, such as the BeYou menstrual cup, will form a vacuum seal against your walls to avoid it falling out.
The upside to this is no leakage, but the downside is it can be tricky to pull out on the first go.
Break the seal by inserting your finger by the side of the cup or by pinching the base of the cup. Squeeze your cup to break the seal.
Wiggle it from side to side to ensure the cup is pointing upwards and slowly remove it.
Tip the contents into the toilet and flush, and then rinse the cup in the sink.
Reinsert your cup as normal, and repeat the process every four to eight hours.
Source: Read Full Article