Menstrual cup disadvantages include:
- More mess. The main disadvantage that my patients note is that cup emptying can be messy.
- Difficulty of insertion for some. Younger girls and those who've never had intercourse may find it difficult to insert the cups.
- Possible fit problems.
- Cup removal issues.
- Maintenance.
While the silicone that most menstrual cups are made from is odourless, it is possible for your cup to develop an odour with use. This is an odour of the cup itself, not the period odour you may smell during your cycle. Don't be alarmed if you notice a strong menstrual cup odour during your cycle.
However, if your cup is full when these muscles are contracting, you might experience what is called a “fake leak”, which causes overflowing due to the pressure from your bowel movement. These fake leaks are typically limited to a few drops, but to avoid them you can wear some period undies or a liner.
No, the vagina won't stretch from using a menstrual cup. This means that something as small as a menstrual cup or a tampon will not cause you to stretch out.
If you choose to disinfect your cup after dropping it in the toilet, the recommended method is to boil it to kill germs. The recommended boiling time to kill germs seems to vary greatly depending on the resource (anywhere from 1 to 3 to 10 minutes) so, be sure to do your own research.
Your menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina, so theoretically there is no interference with urination; they're two separate holes and a cup will neither catch nor block your urine. However, it is possible for menstrual cups to apply pressure to the bladder or urethra.
The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rotten” smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.
The number one reason why your cup might be leaking is because it hasn't completely unfolded. When your cup is inserted, it should “pop open” so that it suctions to the walls of your vagina. If the cup doesn't fully expand, there will be a crease that causes it to leak.
Once the stem is about half an inch from the opening of your vagina, rotate the cup so it can open all the way up and lock into place. You might also want to experiment with different folding methods until you find one that's right for you.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious complication that can result from certain bacterial infections. TSS as a result of tampon use is rare. It's even more rare when using menstrual cups. To date, there has only been one report of TSS associated with the use of a menstrual cup.
A menstrual cup is worn completely internally and may cause the hymen to tear or cause some discomfort during the first use for younger or non-sexually active people. But remember, the vagina is very elastic! For most people, your menstrual cup will simply push past your hymen and won't cause any tearing at all.
Menstrual cup leaks are more frequent for women when the cervix moves lower during menstruation or if their menstrual cup has been inserted too high in the vagina, (next to the cervix, or above it). The menstrual cup might also exert pressure on the cervix and cause discomfort and even pain.
Using a cup will ultimately save money, compared with the regular purchase of tampons or pads. Cups tend not to cause vaginal dryness, which is a common complaint about tampons. Fewer cramps: There are some anecdotal reports of people having fewer or less painful menstrual cramps while using a cup.
- Best Overall: Lena Menstrual Cup at Amazon.
- Best Budget: Blossom Menstrual Cup.
- Best Post-Pregnancy: Diva Cup Model 2.
- Best for Beginners: Sckoon Cup Beginner's Choice.
- Best for Heavy Flows: Super Jennie Menstrual Cup.
- Best for Low Cervixes: FemmyCycle Menstrual Cup Low Cervix Size.
Menstrual cups don't contain chemicals found in tampons and pads, such as bleach and dioxin. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , some dioxins are known to cause cancer in humans.
Can I pee and poop while wearing a menstrual cup? Yes, you can. Even though stool comes out of a different hole, the pressure may cause the cup to shift a bit or may make pooping a bit more difficult. If you choose to poop while wearing a cup, be sure to check that your cup is still in place with clean fingers (5).
Since a menstrual cup can be worn for 12 hours, your daughter can insert the cup in the comfort of her home in the morning, and take it out when she is back again. At no time will she have to change the cup while she is at school or risk not being able to take a bathroom break on time to change her period product.
When you lose your virginity or have sex in general does that delay your period? The only way that sex can delay your period is if you get pregnant. This is because when you're pregnant, you don't get a period. Changes in your period from month to month are normal.
Menstrual cups aren't associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is a rare, life-threatening condition linked to tampon use. Menstrual cups don't contain chemicals found in tampons and pads, such as bleach and dioxin.
Generic cups will often be the same design sold under many name brands with varying packaging or without any brand name at all, only a listing description. While not inherently a safety issue, it does pose and ethical problem in regards to intellectual property and integrity.
The number one reason why your cup might be leaking is because it hasn't completely unfolded. When your cup is inserted, it should “pop open” so that it suctions to the walls of your vagina. If the cup doesn't fully expand, there will be a crease that causes it to leak.
