7 Myths About Menstruation & Menstrual Cup
The expertise required to navigate a menstrual cup is not easy but an acquired skill that needs one to practice and have patience. The process of inserting a cup in one’s vagina may appear easy, but can be a daunting task and even though many women have sworn about its efficacy to make menstruation a seamless process, there are others who are still hesitant about using such a product owing to the stigma attached to it, which is quite understandable, given the fact that it's a new period care option. It's important to know the 'Know-How of a Menstrual Cup' otherwise the misconceptions are obvious.
Top 7 menstrual cup myths busted:
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Myth- Can Virgin Use Menstrual Cup
In many cultures, being a virgin is a sign of purity and innocence. It’s also considered shameful for a girl to lose her virginity or have sex outside of marriage. The general idea is that virginity is associated with the hymen that is broken (like a seal) during penetrative sex or when anything enters the vagina. Therefore, inserting a menstrual cup is accessory to “breaking the hymen” and losing one’s virginity. However, the concept of breaking the hymen is just an old wives’ tale. The Hymen is a tissue comprising thin layers that disintegrated through adolescence. So, to answer shortly, NO, using a menstrual cup will not make one lose their virginity. -
Myth- One size fits all:
Um, no. We all have different bodies and bleed differently every month, so how can one size fit all our requirements and needs? Remember, our vagina grows throughout the years as you grow up, especially since it’s affected by things like pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to that, some women bleed more and for more days, while some bleed comparatively less. As people age, the walls of the vagina become more relaxed and therefore, menstrual cups generally come in three sizes to cater to different needs. Small, Medium and Large. Based on the size of your vagina or how much you bleed, you can choose between any of these three options. -
Myth- Can we pee after inserting menstrual cup ?
Okay, time for a little biology lesson. Women have three holes in their nether regions. One is the pee hole that is attached to the urinary system, the second is your vaginal opening attached to the rest of your reproductive system and the final one is your anus. So, unlike men, women actually have different openings to urinate and bleed. Menstrual cups are inserted in the vagina and therefore, when you urinate from your pee hole, it’s not connected to what is or is not up your vagina. However, if it still makes you uncomfortable or squeamish to pee while having a cup, you can always remove it during urination and insert it back once done. -
Myth- It can get lost in the vagina:
Don’t worry, a menstrual cup can’t get lost in the vagina. The menstrual cup is inserted along the vaginal canal, which is only 3 - 4 inches long, after which, it opens into the cervix. This stops the menstrual cup from going further up into the uterus. It’s easier to figure this out because the ideal method dictates that one should stop pushing the cup inside when the stem of the cup sits right at your vaginal opening. When inserted correctly, you should easily be able to feel the stem with your index finger and thumb and the cup should not move. -
Myth- Not meant for those with heavy periods:
Like mentioned before, menstrual cups come in different sizes catering to women of different needs. So, YES, women who bleed a lot too, can use a menstrual cup, if they know how to use it. However, people who bleed heavily may have to empty their cup more often than required but that’s quite the same amount of turns they may have to change their pads or tampons. If you are unsure about how heavily you bleed on your first try, you can always keep a pad attached underneath as a precautionary measure. But rest assured that anyone can use a menstrual cup. -
Myth- Menstrual cups are uncomfortable:
If the cups were so uncomfortable, why would so many menstrual brands produce it? These cups are made from 100% medical grade silicone and are extremely safe to use. When positioned correctly, one should not feel any pain or discomfort. For some, it has taken months to find the best with fit and comfort with a cup due to the added learning experience with it but that’s perfectly normal. So yes, the process of learning how to use a menstrual cup and inserting it successfully will take a few tries, but once that is done, you will hardly notice that you are wearing a menstrual cup. Users have reported to doing strenuous activities like jogging, rock climbing and even swimming while using their cups. -
Myth- Can we use menstrual cup at night ?
Well, that’s completely untrue. Menstrual cups can be used anytime, anywhere. Imagine using menstrual cups at night without the feeling of bulky sanitary pads or leaking tampons. Sounds like bliss, right. Menstrual cups usually provide around 8-12 hours of leak proof protection and are ideal to be worn at night. The cups create a vacuum seal around the vaginal walls, ensuring minimum leakage and maximum comfort.
Your first-time experience of trying something new should be a pleasant one, otherwise most people don’t come back to it. Carmesi’s menstrual cup is extremely soft to use and is made from 100% biocompatible medical grade silicone. It’s leak proof and doesn’t have any irritants. Gynecologists' have approved the product that is available in 3 different sizes to serve women’s requirements. If you are thinking of making a positive change in your life, try the Carmesi cup now!
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