Menstrual cup

The Menstrual Cup, or Menstrual Collector, is an alternative to ordinary pads that is available on the market. Its main advantages include the fact that it is reusable and environmentally friendly, more comfortable and hygienic, in addition to being much more economical for women in the long run.

These collectors are sold by brands like Inciclo or Me Luna and are shaped like a small cup of coffee. To use, just insert it in the vagina but it is normal to have some doubts about its use, so see the most common questions answered here.

1. Can virgin girls use the menstrual cup?

Yes, but it is important to know that your hymen can rupture using the collector. Thus, it is best to consult the gynecologist before starting to use. In women who have a compliant hymen, the hymen may not break. Learn more about this elastic hymen.

2. Who has a latex allergy can use the collector?

Yes, anyone who is allergic to latex can use the collector, as they can be made of medicinal materials such as silicone or TPE, a material that is also used in the production of catheters, medical implants and bottle nipples, which do not cause allergy.

3. How to choose the right size?

To choose the right size of your collector it is necessary to take into account:

• If you have an active sex life, If you have children, If you exercise, If your cervix is ​​right at the beginning or at the bottom of your vagina, If your menstrual flow is too much or too little.

See how to choose yours in Menstrual Collectors - What are they and why to use them ?.

4. How many hours can I use the collector for?

The collector can be used between 8 to 12 hours, but it depends on your size and the intensity of the woman's menstrual flow. It is usually possible to use the collector for 12 hours straight, but when the woman notices a small leak, it is a sign that it is time to empty it.

5. Does the menstrual cup leak?

Yes, the collector can leak when it is misplaced or when it is very full and needs to be emptied. To test if your collector is well placed, you should give the collector rod a slight pull to check if it moves, and when you think it has been misplaced you should rotate the cup, still in the vagina, to help eliminate possible folds. See the step-by-step at: Learn how to Place and how to Clean the Menstrual Collector.

6. Can the collector be used at the beach or at the gym?

Yes, the collectors can be used at all times, on the beach, for sports or in the pool, and can even be used for sleeping as long as it does not exceed 12 hours of use.

7. Does the collector cable hurt?

Yes, the collector's wire can hurt or bother you a little, so you can cut off a piece of that rod. In most cases this technique solves the problem, if the discomfort continues, you can cut the stem completely or switch to a smaller collector.

8. Can I use the menstrual cup during sex?

No, because it is exactly in the vaginal canal and will not allow the penis to enter.

9. Can I apply lubricant to install the collector?

Yes you can, as long as you use water-based lubricants.

10. Can women with little flow also use it?

Yes, the menstrual cup is safe and comfortable to use even for those who have little flow or at the very end of menstruation because it is not uncomfortable as the tampon that is more difficult to get in when you have little menstruation.

11. Does the collector cause urinary tract infection or candidiasis?

No, as long as you use the collector correctly and take care to always dry it after each wash. This care is essential to avoid the proliferation of fungi that give rise to candidiasis.

12. Can the collector cause Toxic shock syndrome?

Menstrual collectors are associated with a low risk of infections, which is why Toxic Shock Syndrome is more associated with the use of tampons. If you have had Toxic Shock Syndrome in the past, it is recommended that you consult your gynecologist before using the collector.

See also 10 Myths and Truths about Menstruation.