Reusable menstrual cups have become increasingly popular over the last few years. They offer a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for managing your monthly cycle. But when is the right time to start using one? Let’s look at how a reusable menstrual cup works and when it should be used.
How Reusable Menstrual Cups Work
Reusable menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and are small and flexible. They collect your menstrual flow by being inserted into the vagina and instead of absorbing it as traditional pads or tampons do.
The cup can hold up to three times more liquid than a regular pad or tampon, so you don’t have to worry about changing it as often. When you need to empty your cup, simply remove it from your vagina, empty the contents into a toilet, rinse with warm water, and reinsert it.
When Should You Start Using a Menstrual Cup?
You can start using a reusable menstrual cup as soon as you get your first period, however, some people find that their body changes in size during puberty which may cause them to need a different size cup later. If this happens, the best reusable menstrual cup brands offer different sizes so you can switch out your cup once you reach adulthood.
It’s important to remember that it takes some time to get used to inserting and removing the cup correctly, if you’re struggling with insertion, try tilting it at an angle or squeezing the sides together before inserting it into place.
Additionally, if you have any medical conditions that may make using a reusable menstrual cup difficult (such as endometriosis or vaginismus), talk with your doctor before starting to use one.