Menstrual cups have become increasingly popular due to their unique benefits and practicality for women. Made from soft medical-grade silicone, these cups fit the anatomy of any woman and offer a comfortable, safe, and effective solution for menstrual care. Many women find them more comfortable than traditional products, with minimal risk of leaks, even during physical activities. With a menstrual cup, you can enjoy up to 12 hours of freedom, and since they are reusable for 2-5 years, they’re an economical and eco-friendly choice for modern women.
Read on to learn about the benefits of using a menstrual cup, tips on how to use it for the first time, and find out whether menstrual cups can help alleviate menstrual pain.
Benefits of Using Menstrual Cups
Menstruation can be stressful, and since it’s a monthly occurrence, this stress can feel never-ending. When periods overlap with important events, this stress often intensifies. Even professional athletes, like 19-year-old Zheng Qinwen, have cited menstrual pain as a major hindrance during competitions, leading to poor performance (source here).
Menstrual pain can be debilitating, and while painkillers work for some women, others have found that using a menstrual cup reduces menstrual cramps. The pressure the cup applies to the uterine muscles, responsible for cramps, can prevent them from contracting as much, thereby lessening the pain.
In addition, menstrual cups provide many other benefits, including:
- Up to 6-12 hours of continuous use (depending on your flow)
- Made from 100% biocompatible medical silicone that does not harbor bacteria
- Designed with an adjustable tail for a perfect fit to your anatomy
- Does not cause vaginal dryness
- Economical – no monthly recurring costs
- Eco-friendly – reduces monthly waste
- Suitable for wearing while swimming, showering, and during physical activities
- Long-term use – lasts up to 5 years
- Available in different sizes, including TEEN size for young girls
- Offers complete intimate care packages with menstrual cups, panties, and reusable pads
First Use of a Menstrual Cup: Tips & Recommendations
If you’re considering trying a menstrual cup, it’s essential to choose the correct size. There are three sizes: one for teenagers or virgins, one for women who have given birth vaginally, and one for women who haven’t. Learn more about which size is best for you: menstrual cup size A and menstrual cup size B. Femi.Eko® cups are also suitable for different cervix heights (low, medium, high), and they feature adjustable tails that can be trimmed to fit your body perfectly.
The process of using a menstrual cup is simple but does require some rules to ensure proper use, health safety, and maximum effectiveness.
Before using the cup for the first time, sterilize it by boiling it in water for 10 minutes. Then, follow these steps every time you use the cup:
- Fold the Cup: Fold it into a "C" shape or any shape recommended (check our TikTok channel for demos!). The soft silicone allows easy folding and insertion.
- Find a Comfortable Position: Choose a position that allows you to comfortably open your vulva and vagina.
- Insert and Seal: Insert the cup into the vagina and twist it slightly to create a seal. This will ensure it stays in place and prevents leaks.
- Empty as Needed: Depending on your flow, empty the cup between 4-12 hours. For the first use, monitor your flow and empty the cup after 4 hours. With experience, you’ll find the optimal interval for each day of your cycle.
- Remove Safely: To remove, insert a finger alongside the cup to let air in, breaking the vacuum seal. Then, remove the cup, empty it, and rinse with water.
When not in use, store the cup in a clean, dry place using the storage bag provided.
Using a menstrual cup is quick and easy, with the added benefit of a secure vacuum seal that minimizes leaks. However, practice makes perfect – it may take a few attempts to get used to inserting and removing it correctly. For your first try, practice at home, wear the cup for a few hours, and once you’re comfortable, you can use it during any activity.
Experience Freedom & Comfort with Menstrual Cups
Using a menstrual cup means experiencing freedom of movement and a new level of care during your period: safer, cheaper, and eco-friendly. Millions of women have already embraced this modern period solution. Discover the Femi.Eko® menstrual cups and explore other innovative period products tailored for modern women.