You have recently discovered the menstrual cup for yourself and want to know how long you can wear it? Here you can find out everything you need to know about the eco-cup.
We all have to go through it 1x a month: the period. Instead of using pads or tampons, you have chosen the menstrual cup. It is the perfect companion for sports or everyday life and should stay tight for a long time.
You don't have to be afraid of a bloody surprise in your panties - as long as you use the cup correctly.
When you need to empty the menstrual cup and what else you should look out for, you can find out here.
Much about my experience with the menstrual cup I have already told you in a separate blog post.
Table of contents
What is a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cup, menstrual cup, menscup or simply cup - all terms refer to a small cup made of silicone. You insert this cup into the vagina when you have your period. The opening is placed directly at the cervix and collects menstrual blood here.
Depending on the strength of your period, you may need to empty the cup after a few hours. You rinse it with water and you can use it again right away.
The unpleasant feeling that arises when inserting a tampon into the dry vagina and removing it is eliminated. The vaginal flora is not disturbed because, unlike the tampon, no chlorine-bleached absorbent cotton is inserted.
The great advantage of a menstrual cup is therefore obvious.
How safe is the Menstasse?
A menstrual cup is safe if you use it correctly. It will only leak if it does not fit properly or you use the wrong size.
Once you have the right size and you put them in properly, everything is tight. Even when running or other sports that are very movement-intensive.
Even when swimming or visiting the sauna, you can use the Menstasse without any problems.
The choice of size depends on a few factors:
- Cervical position during the period
- The size of the tampons you use and the amount of bleeding.
- Your physical fitness and associated pelvic floor muscles
- Your age
- Whether you have already given birth to children.
Most websites have their own page where you can calculate the size. Many manufacturers have also set up hotlines where you can get advice on the phone.
Once you have found the color and size, you can also choose from different handles. The most common are stem, ball, ring or basic.
If you're still unsure about which menstrual cup to use: I have chosen the Lunette menstrual cup* and I am very happy with them. It is very tight, fits well and is not noticeable.
If you're still unsure, you can read the many good reviews on Amazon.
The advantages of a Menscup
After many months of experience, I can say something with certainty: I can't imagine anything else but the menstrual cup. And this has several reasons.
- You save a lot of money.
- It doesn't have a retrieval cord dangling around all the time.
- No unpleasant odors.
- Menstassen are comfortable to wear - even on light days.
- Few cases of toxic shock syndrome known.
- Your purse is not full of tampons and pads.
- Menstrual cups are easy to clean.
- You don't feel them. Not even during sports.
- It lasts longer than tampons.
- There may be chemicals in tampons and pads.
The small cups retain the blood and secretion almost airtight. Compared to tampons or pads, they do not produce unpleasant odors. Even if you haven't changed them for a while.
If your period is very light, then the menstrual cup is perfect. It does not dry out the vaginal mucosa and removal and insertion is not unpleasant. You can use the same cup from the first to the last day.
You don't have to worry about forgetting your period products at home. The cup is always with you during your period.
Menstrual cup: how long can you wear it?
Wondering how long you can wear a menstrual cup?
One of the biggest advantages of a menstrual cup is that you can wear it for several hours. But how long can you really wear it?
You can leave your menstrual cup in your body for up to about 8 hours because the cap holds more blood than other menstrual products. On average, you lose 30-70 ml of blood during your period. In comparison, a menstrual cup holds 15-35 ml of blood. Most women can therefore get by with two to three changes per day.
If your menstrual cup is leaking, it may be due to several reasons:
- The cup is too big.
- Your menstrual cup is too small.
- It did not open properly.
- You pushed it past the cervix.
My tip: If you already have the right size, then try different folding techniques. And take your time! Eventually you'll get the hang of it and the insertion will go very quickly.
Why there is a maximum wearing time of the cup
Bacteria can form on the menstrual cup, increasing the risk of infection. The same applies to tampons. Therefore, the tampon and the cup should be changed or emptied every 8 hours.
Unlike many tampons, the menstrual cup is free of plastics, latex, toxins and bleach and is made of 100% medical grade silicone.
You can reduce the risk of infection by following these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the menstrual cup.
- Rinse the cup with water before and after use.
- Do not wear the menstrual cup for more than eight hours before you empty and clean it next time.
- Disinfect the menstrual cup at the end of the cycle. Either by boiling it in a pot or in the cleaning cup.
Wondering if you can wear the Menscup overnight? Of course you can! But again, you should change your cup after 8 hours. If you sleep longer than 8 hours, set an alarm to empty it or use other options.
This is how you get an irregular cycle under control!
How long does the menstrual cup last?
A menstrual cup lasts for several years. You should replace it when it has cracks, holes or is generally no longer in good condition. Many women replace their menstrual cup after 2 to 3 years.
It may well be that the cup discolors due to menstrual blood. But even then you can still wear it for a few years. So it's very individual and it depends on when you want to change the cap yourself.
How to properly clean the menstrual cup
Before using the menstrual cup for the first time, boil it for 5-10 minutes. To do this, place it in a pot with boiling water. The cup does not have to be completely covered with water. However, make sure that it does not touch the bottom of the pot. You can also fix it with a whisk.
As a rule, it is enough to rinse them with water. There are also special cleansing lotions that you can use. These ensure hygienic cleaning and prevent discoloration.
The small holes on the cup serve to equalize the negative pressure and must not be clogged with blood.
For this reason, proper cleaning of the menstrual cup is essential. If you take good care of your cup, you can use it for many years.
Attention: Do not use conventional soaps or shower gels for cleaning!
I have tested it: Period underwear - it really can!
Our conclusion
I can hardly imagine life without a menstrual cup. Yes, you still have to get used to the handling a little at the beginning. But it goes relatively quickly. You can use the menstrual cup for up to 8 hours without any problems. Whether, during sports, spa day or other great undertakings.
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