6 characteristics of women who should stop using menstrual cups! Safe usage explained
"I'm interested in menstrual cups, but when I looked it up it said I should avoid them... I wonder why." "I don't know anyone who uses menstrual cups, so I don't know what it's really like."
If you're thinking about using a menstrual cup, you may be wondering about these concerns.
It's natural to feel anxious about using something for the first time, especially when it's something you're putting in your vagina.
The reason people are advised to stop using menstrual cups is because it takes time to get used to using them and improper management can lead to serious illnesses.
However, if menstrual cups are worn correctly, they can be used safely, and if you master how to use them, you can eliminate problems specific to menstruation and enjoy a comfortable period.
In this article, we will explain in detail why it is recommended to stop using menstrual cups, how to use them safely, and who menstrual cups are recommended for.
This will help resolve the doubts and anxieties of those who are worried about using a menstrual cup, and will be the first step towards making their depressing period life more comfortable.
Table of ContentsWhy you should avoid menstrual cups
6 characteristics of people who should stop using menstrual cups
Characteristics of people who are recommended to use a menstrual cup
summary References |
Why you should avoid menstrual cups
There are two reasons why some people recommend giving up on menstrual cups:
- It takes time to get used to it
- If not used safely, there is a risk of developing TSS (toxic shock syndrome).
Understanding each of these reasons will help you learn how to use your menstrual cup correctly and maximize its benefits.
It takes time to get used to it
If you're new to menstrual cups or aren't familiar with them, you may have trouble inserting and removing them.
The reasons are as follows:
- The cup does not open inside the vagina and does not fit snugly
- I can't get a hold of the cup and can't remove it properly.
- Difficult to fold the cup into a small size and insert it into the vagina
Since you have to put it on and take it out by feel or sensation, it is more difficult to use than napkins or tampons.
If it is not worn correctly, it can cause menstrual leakage and discomfort, so people tend to say that it is better to stop wearing it.
Some say it takes three cycles to get the hang of using a menstrual cup, and it's very rare for someone to be successful with it after just one use.
It may be difficult to try it for the first time, but by practicing little by little, you will find a method that suits you.
If not used safely, there is a risk of developing TSS (toxic shock syndrome).
Improper use of a menstrual cup can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). [1]
TSS is an acute illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Although it is extremely rare with menstrual cups compared to tampons, the risk increases if you use them for extended periods without following the recommended usage time or if you neglect to disinfect them before and after use.
The continuous use time of menstrual cups varies depending on the manufacturer.
To minimize the risk of TSS, carefully read and follow the instructions provided.
Related article: What is TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) that is said to occur from tampons and menstrual cups?
6 characteristics of people who should stop using menstrual cups
The following six characteristics are common among women who are advised to stop using menstrual cups.
- Strong resistance to inserting a foreign object into the vagina
- I don't like getting my hands dirty when changing my menstrual cup
- I feel the initial cost is high
- Difficult to manage and find a place to dry
- I have a latex allergy
- I'm not sure I can keep my menstrual cup clean.
I will explain each one.
Strong resistance to inserting a foreign object into the vagina
Menstrual cups are inserted directly into the vagina, so if you have a strong aversion to inserting a foreign object, it is best to avoid using one.
This resistance varies greatly from person to person, and in some cases it can be overcome by trying it once, but there is no need to force yourself to use it.
Choose the sanitary products that suit you.
I don't like getting my hands dirty when changing my menstrual cup
It's hard to avoid getting your hands dirty with menstrual blood when changing your menstrual cup.
Therefore, some people who dislike getting their hands dirty with menstrual blood may be hesitant to use a menstrual cup.
However, if you follow the steps below, you can quickly deal with dirty hands.
- Use disposable gloves
- Use wet wipes
When you are out and about, toilets often do not have hand washing facilities in the stalls.
Therefore, having wet tissues is convenient as you can quickly wipe your hands even if they get dirty with menstrual blood.
If you use wet tissues that contain alcohol, to avoid irritation to the vagina, do not insert them immediately after wiping with the wet tissue. Instead, wait until the alcohol has evaporated, such as when the cup is dry.
If you don't want to get your hands dirty with menstrual blood in the first place, it's hygienic to use disposable vinyl gloves.
These measures will help prevent your hands from getting dirty with menstrual blood.
If you avoid using a menstrual cup because your hands get dirty, why not try the measures we've introduced?
I feel the initial cost is high
Menstrual cups generally cost around 6,000 yen, so some people find the initial cost to be high.
However, menstrual cups can be reused over several years, making them more economical in the long run.
For example, if you were to purchase sanitary products for 1,000 yen per month for five years, the costs would be as follows:
|
item |
cost |
|
Total expenditure on sanitary products over a five-year period |
1,000 yen x 12 months x 5 years = 60,000 yen |
|
Initial cost of a menstrual cup |
6,000 yen |
|
Cost difference |
54,000 yen |
Although the initial cost of a menstrual cup may seem high, it is an economical item that can be used repeatedly.
You might want to consider using it for the long term.
Difficult to manage and find a place to dry
Menstrual cups should be sterilized after each period and allowed to dry completely before storing.
Therefore, if you live with your parents or partner, you may have trouble finding a place to dry and store your clothes.
One way to deal with this is to store them in an inconspicuous place in your room or set up a dedicated storage space in your closet.
One of the features of murmo menstrual cups is that they repel water easily and dry quickly.
Even if you live with your family or partner, being able to store things quickly is a major advantage.
I have a latex allergy
If you have a latex allergy, you should be careful about the material used in your menstrual cup.
Menstrual cups contain natural rubber, which can cause latex allergies. [2]
Menstrual cups are primarily made from materials such as medical-grade silicone and medical-grade TPE.
Made from medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are durable, hypoallergenic, heat-resistant, and can even withstand boiling for sterilization.
Menstrual cups made from natural rubber, on the other hand, are durable and provide a secure fit, but are not suitable for people with latex allergies.
For these reasons, if you have a latex allergy, choose a menstrual cup made of medical-grade silicone.
I'm not sure I can keep my menstrual cup clean.
Failure to maintain hygiene can lead to TSS, so we do not recommend using a menstrual cup for those who have difficulty maintaining its hygiene.
TSS itself is a rare infection, and recent cases involving tampons and menstrual cups have mostly been caused by improper care and use.
Additionally, menstrual cups are generally considered to pose a lower risk of infection than tampons.
To use a menstrual cup safely, follow these basic precautions:
- Follow the usage time and method in the instruction manual
- Clean and disinfect before and after use
If you are too busy to take care of your period regularly, it may be a good idea to change your sanitary products to suit your lifestyle.
It is recommended that you take the time to use your menstrual cup on a day when you have some free time, so that you can manage it at your own pace.
How to use a menstrual cup safely: 3 points explained
To use a menstrual cup safely, follow these tips:
- Keep to the usage time
- Get used to it by using it repeatedly
- Keep your nails short and simple
I will explain each one.
1. Keep to the time limit
To use a menstrual cup safely, it is important to follow the usage time instructions in the instruction manual.
Generally, menstrual cups last between 8 and 12 hours, but this varies depending on the product.
By changing it within the specified time, you can prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, changing the cup before it gets full, depending on your flow and activity, will help prevent leaks and discomfort.
Hygiene and comfort come first, so be sure to check the product instructions.
2. Get used to it through repeated use
Menstrual cups are tricky to use, and few people get it right the first time, so you'll need to use them repeatedly to get used to them.
Until you get used to it, it's a good idea to practice putting on and taking off the menstrual cup in the bathroom, so you can wash off any dirt on the floor. If you try it without clothes, you won't have to worry about getting your clothes dirty, so it's even safer.
First, start by using the menstrual cup for a short period of time (about 2 hours) to get used to how it feels to wear and use.
We also recommend using a napkin when using it for the first time, as it will cover any leaks and can be used safely.
The key to using a menstrual cup comfortably is to practice at your own pace without rushing.
Related articles:
How to use a menstrual cup
What to do if your menstrual cup won't fit!
3. Keep your nails short and your decorations simple
Keep your nails short and simple during your period to prevent injury to your vagina and infection.
Long nails increase the risk of injuring your vagina when inserting or removing a menstrual cup. Also, heavily decorated nail designs can cause menstrual blood to get into the gaps between the nail decorations, making it difficult to keep your fingertips clean.
These can lead to vaginal discomfort and infections, so be sure to choose nail designs that take into consideration the hygiene of your fingertips, even during your period.
Characteristics of people who are recommended to use a menstrual cup
The following are some of the characteristics that make menstrual cups ideal for women:
- I want to deal with the stuffiness and odor that is unique to menstruation.
- I want to enjoy hot springs and saunas even during my period
- I want to reduce the amount of luggage I carry when I go out
- I want to enjoy sports
- I want to live sustainably
- I want to notice changes in my body
- I want to avoid forgetting to buy sanitary products
The more of these that apply to you, the more comfortable your period will be with a menstrual cup.
I want to deal with the stuffiness and odor that is unique to menstruation.
Menstrual cups capture menstrual blood inside the cup before it escapes the body, making them less likely to cause the stuffiness and odor that are typical of menstruation.
The reason for menstrual stuffiness is that sweat and menstrual blood increase the humidity in the genital area.
In this regard, menstrual cups are less likely to cause stuffiness because the menstrual blood is contained within the cup.
Menstrual cups can help prevent stuffiness and odor at the same time.
The odor caused by menstruation is due to oxidation of menstrual blood when it comes into contact with air. Oxidation is also the reason why menstrual blood on sanitary napkins turns black.
With a menstrual cup, your menstrual blood only comes into contact with air once you remove the cup, minimizing odor caused by oxidation.
If you want to eliminate menstrual stuffiness and odor, using a menstrual cup may be the solution.
I want to enjoy hot springs and saunas even during my period
Menstrual cups are recommended for those who want to enjoy hot springs and saunas.
Some people use tampons in hot springs or saunas during their period.
However, tampons leave a string sticking out of the vagina, which can be embarrassing and cause discomfort to others.
On the other hand, with a menstrual cup, the entire cup, including the stem, is inside the vagina, so it is difficult to tell from the outside that you are wearing it, and you can enjoy hot springs and saunas with it.
Additionally, menstrual cups can be used for extended periods, so you don't have to worry about leaking menstrual blood even when using hot springs or saunas.
This is a convenient item for women who want to enjoy hot springs and saunas even during their period.
Related article: How many ml of menstrual blood loss is there per day on average? Two reasons why menstrual blood flow increases or decreases
I want to reduce the amount of luggage I carry when I go out
Menstrual cups are recommended for those who want to reduce the amount of luggage they need to carry when they go out.
With pads and tampons, you have to carry replacements, which makes your luggage bulky. Also, the amount of menstrual flow varies from person to person, so if you have a heavy flow, you'll end up carrying even more luggage.
With menstrual cups, you don't need to carry a replacement cup with you because you can reuse the same cup over and over again. If you do bring a replacement cup, one is enough.
It keeps the contents of your bag neat and tidy, making it perfect for when you want to go out with a small bag.
I want to enjoy sports
If you want to enjoy sports to the fullest even during your period, we recommend a menstrual cup.
When using pads or tampons, there is the worry of leaking menstrual blood if you move your body or miss the timing to change them, making it difficult to concentrate on sports.
However, by using a menstrual cup, you don't have to worry about leaks as the cup will catch your menstrual blood even while you're playing sports.
Menstrual cups can be used for extended periods and can store more menstrual flow than tampons, meaning they don't need to be changed as frequently.
Furthermore, since the menstrual blood is collected inside the vagina, there is no sticky feeling when the blood is expelled, which may also reduce discomfort during sports.
Related article: Sports and Menstruation
I want to live sustainably
If used correctly, menstrual cups can be reused for several years.
This is the perfect item for those who want to live an environmentally friendly life.
Reducing your use of pads and tampons, which contain plastic and chemicals, can help reduce your environmental impact.
These small changes can have a big impact on environmental change.
Menstrual cups are a great option for those interested in the SDGs to rethink their lifestyles.
I want to notice changes in my body
Using a menstrual cup can help you understand your average menstrual flow, making it easier to notice changes in your body. The average amount of menstrual flow is said to be 20-140 ml per day, and too little or too much can be a sign of illness. [3]
Menstrual cups are the only menstrual product that can accurately measure your period flow.
Some products have measuring lines on the inside of the cup so you can see the amount of menstrual flow with your own eyes.
This makes it easy to notice changes in the amount of menstrual blood and any abnormalities.
Using a menstrual cup can also be an opportunity to face your own body.
If you want to be the first to notice changes in your body and manage your health, consider using a menstrual cup.
Related article: How many ml of menstrual blood loss is there per day on average? Two reasons why menstrual blood flow increases or decreases
I want to avoid forgetting to buy sanitary products
To avoid forgetting to buy sanitary products, we recommend using a reusable menstrual cup.
Not only does it eliminate the worry of forgetting to buy something, but it also helps prevent unnecessary spending due to overbuying, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Before your period, your physical condition tends to become unstable due to changes in hormone balance, and you may not be able to prepare properly, but using a menstrual cup can reduce the hassle of having to go out and buy sanitary products, making it easier on you.
Murmo's menstrual cup is recommended for first-time users
The murmo menstrual cup is designed to be easy to put on and take off, making it easy to use even for beginners. For this reason, it is a recommended product for those making their menstrual cup debut.
When first starting to use a menstrual cup, most people find it difficult to put on and take off.
To solve this problem, Murmo introduced the "Easy Line Structure (patent pending)."
The easy line structure makes it easy to fold even for beginners, allowing for smooth insertion and removal.
In addition, the tip of the stem (the handle for taking it out) is rounded so that even first-time users can easily grasp it.
However, using a menstrual cup for the first time can be a little confusing.
As a special service offered by murmo, we provide support for how to use the product via chat on LINE exclusively to those who have purchased the product.
With professional support, you can eliminate concerns that cannot be resolved by how-to guides or FAQs alone.
Please feel free to use it.
summary
People often say that menstrual cups should be avoided because they can cause discomfort and problems if used incorrectly.
However, if used correctly and maintained hygienically, it can undoubtedly be a comfortable and convenient item for many people.
If you can use a menstrual cup smoothly, you can expect to be able to feel comfortable even during periods when you tend to feel depressed.
If you're unsure whether it's right for you, giving it a try may open up new options for you.
Murmo's menstrual cup is designed to address the anxieties and confusion of first-time users, and there is a support system in place to help with how to use it.
If you're thinking about trying a menstrual cup for the first time, why not start with Murmo?
