Why Has the Popularity of Menstrual Cups Increased?
Menstrual cups are flexible, bell-shaped products that follow the anatomy of the vagina. They are typically made from natural rubber, TPE, or most commonly, medical-grade silicone.
Beyond their eco-friendly benefits, period cups can hold more menstrual blood than pads or tampons, providing better protection and comfort. They can be worn while swimming, exercising, or engaging in any physical activity, and are perfect for those looking to reduce the stress of leaks and stains.
With proper use and storage, menstrual cups can last up to 5 years, providing protection for up to 60 periods.
What Are Menstrual Cups Made of, and How to Identify Quality?
Menstrual cups can be made from natural rubber, silicone, latex, or elastomer (a substance with both plastic and elastic properties). While there are disposable cups available, they lack the cost-saving and environmental benefits of reusable options. Most menstrual cups are made of silicone, but not all are created equally. It's important to look for "medical-grade, biocompatible silicone" for safety.
Medical-grade silicone meets specific criteria, including:
- A proven history of safe use in humans and animals
- Manufacture under pharmaceutical conditions
- Quality control for medical applications (ISO 13485:2016)
Make sure to check the manufacturer's website or product packaging for these details.
What Are Femi.Eko Cups Made Of and Their Certifications?
Femi.Eko cups are made with ELASTOSIL, a premium German silicone that meets the highest quality standards. The material and the cups themselves hold several certifications:
- ISO 13485:2016 – Recognizing the cup as a medical device
- ISO 14001 – Demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability
- CE Certification – Ensures compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental standards
- FDA Approval – Ensures public safety for medical devices
- ISO 10993 – Cytotoxicity testing for biocompatibility
- RoHs Report – Ensures the product is free from contaminants
- Additional certifications such as MSDS and SGS
Femi.Eko cups are biocompatible, biodurable, sterilizable, reusable, and resistant to bacterial growth.
Advantages of Using a Menstrual Cup
- Leak Protection: Properly inserted, a menstrual cup seals tightly, preventing leaks.
- Safe from Infections: If used with clean hands and properly cleaned between uses, menstrual cups are safe and don’t disrupt vaginal flora.
- Cost-Effective: A one-time investment pays off in less than 3 months, saving 7 times its value over time.
- Eco-Friendly: Each cup prevents over 11,000 pads or tampons from ending up in a landfill. It also reduces the environmental impact of producing disposable period products.
How to Choose the Right Menstrual Cup
Choosing the right cup depends on the type of cervix you have, whether you’ve given birth vaginally, and your age. The position of your cervix (low, medium, or high) is the most crucial factor. You can measure your cervix by inserting a clean finger into your vagina during your period.
- Low Cervix (0-44mm): Requires a smaller or shorter cup.
- Medium Cervix (45-55mm): Can use almost any cup.
- High Cervix (55mm+): Needs a longer cup with a tail or ring for easy removal.
Using the Menstrual Cup Correctly
The menstrual cup must be sterilized before its first use during a period and after the period ends. Sterilization can be done using a dedicated sterilizer or by boiling in water for 5 minutes. The cup should be emptied and cleaned at least twice daily or every 8-10 hours.
Conclusion
Menstrual cups offer freedom and comfort during your period, allowing you to engage in any activity without interruption. When made of quality materials and used correctly, they save money, provide better protection, and are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional period products.