The menstrual cup or Mooncup
The menstrual cup, also called cup or mooncup, is a small, soft medical silicone container that has the shape of a funnel with no holes at the end to retain blood from the rulers. It is therefore a menstrual protection such as sanitary napkins and tampons. Finished by a rod, for easier removal, this small "funnel" holds the blood that will be emptied into a sink or toilet bowl every day.
This funnel is held in the vagina by a "suction cup" effect, which is why we can see all around, above the small beads, very thin perforations. These allow the passage of air and not blood and facilitate the removal of the menstrual cup by pinching. Of different sizes, the menstrual cup is about 5cm long and 4 cm wide.
Where does the menstrual cup come from?
Patented for the first time in the 1930s in the United States, the first cut marketed would be Dainty Maid, Inc., company of Middlefield, Connecticut (USA). However, the shortage of rubber following the Second World War was such that the menstrual cups were swept by the invention at the same time of the pad with applicator.
It was not until 1987 that another menstrual cup appeared: the Keeper. Composed of latex, the latter caused too much allergies and was quickly replaced by the Mooncup: first menstrual cup silicone.
The benefits of Mooncup
She is gentle on the body
If the pads can irritate, the menstrual cup is made of surgical silicone, so it is soft for the intimate parts. It thus limits the problems of mycosis and vaginal dryness.
It is economical and ecological
The cup is also economical and ecological because it is reused as many times as possible: it is just necessary to clean it at the end of the period (sterilize or boil) and protect it well in its small case to avoid ’to damage. According to our calculations knowing that a box of buffers costs a maximum of ? 5 and that we use about one per month, we would save more than ? 2,000 in all our lives and we would preserve the planet from many A LOT of waste.
It saves time
While a tampon changes every 2-3 hours, the cup can keep more than 12 hours. This obviously depends on the menstrual flow: in case of abundant flow, it will be necessary to change it 2 to 3 times a day.
It is used even during the sport
Like a stamp, it does not move whatever you do. Yes, yes, you who are sporty, you do not risk anything even if you want to go swimming, on the contrary! Sport, walking, going out, cuddling, the menstrual cup knows how to be very discreet!
The disadvantages of the menstrual cup
Do not be afraid of blood
To use the menstrual cup, do not be afraid to collect blood and empty it.
Know your body
In addition, it is necessary to know your body well in order to place it correctly.
Not recommended right after pregnancy or in case of infection
The menstrual cup is not recommended for women who have had toxic shock syndrome for a few weeks after giving birth. It can not be used in case of infection or treatment (ova ...)
Do not use during penetration
Unlike some pads (Soft Tampons or Joydivision Pads), the menstrual cup can not be used during intercourse. Only preliminaries without penetration are possible.
Important! If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice.
How to use a menstrual cup?
- Do not forget to wash your hands,
- Fold the menstrual cup for easier insertion (2 fold methods summarized below),
- Insert it into the vagina as high as possible (no end must exceed),
- If it has not already taken its original form, make it turn on itself so that it unfolds,
- Pull it gently down,
- Empty it in a sink or toilet,
- Rinse it if you want to put it back or clean it if you want to put it away.
Folding method of Mooncup
