Frequently asked questions about the menstrual cup.
DOES THE MATERIAL CAUSE ALLERGIES?
They are mostly made of surgical-grade silicone that prevents the spread of bacteria.
Silicone is inert and stable at high temperatures, making it useful in a wide variety of industrial applications, such as lubricants, adhesives, molds, and in medical and surgical applications, such as valve prostheses, cardiac devices, catheters, and breast implants.
This ensures that this material has been designed for safe use within the human body for extended periods of time. Medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic, does not contain latex or toxins, and is also non-porous, making it resistant to bacterial growth.
Other materials
There are menstrual cups made from TPE. Thermoplastic elastomers, also known as TPE, are a class of polymers or physical mixtures of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber) that result in materials with thermoplastic and elastomeric characteristics.
In a review of 38 studies conducted by the Colombian Journal of Gynecology, only one case of allergy to the product was reported, indicating a very low probability of this occurring.
CAN I USE IT EVERY DAY OF MY PERIOD?
The capacity of the menstrual cup determines the maximum flow it can collect, but there is no minimum, so you can use it every day of your period by following a hygiene routine for the cup.
CAN I USE IT WITH AN IUD?
Yes, you can use it with an intrauterine device. As its name suggests, it is located intrauterine, and the menstrual cup is placed in the vagina.
Follow the recommendations for removing the cup. You can ask your healthcare provider to trim the strings to reduce the likelihood of accidentally removing the IUD.
WHEN DO I KNOW I NEED TO CHANGE MY MENSTRUAL CUP?
On average, after 10 years, you should change your cup. While some cups may last 5 years (like those made of TPE), others can last up to 15 years, like silicone ones, depending on their care and sterilization method.
Some cups may be better changed every 2 or 3 years.
And others should be changed:
- If you excessively boil it or for very long periods.
- If you notice it starting to crack.
- If after months of not using it, you notice it is sticky (this may happen if the silicone is not stored properly).
You can continue using your cup if it has fallen in the toilet. Just sterilize it and you're good to go.
SHOULD I FEEL THE CUP?
During your first uses, you may notice that the menstrual cup is in place. However, it should not be completely uncomfortable.
If you feel that the cup might 'come out':
- Try placing your cup higher when inserting it. It may be sitting too low.
- Trim the cup's stem. It should not be visible outside the vulva. The entire menstrual cup should be inside, and as we've discussed, it's not necessary for removal.
If the sensation persists, measure your vaginal depth again to ensure the cup's height is suitable for you.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY CUP IS STAINED?
It's normal for the menstrual cup to become stained over time due to the iron in menstrual flow. This does not mean your cup is of lower quality or that it is losing its lifespan.
Stains only affect the aesthetics. However, if it's something that bothers you, you can do the following:
- Soak it in pure hydrogen peroxide for 3 hours. You can soak it longer, up to 12 hours if you dilute the hydrogen peroxide.
- Use one of our cleansing tablets. Let it sit for 3 hours in the liquid after using one of these tablets. This will provide a deep clean.
- Leave it in the sun for a whole day. The sun is often a great ally for removing stains from your cup.
CAN I USE THE MENSTRUAL CUP IF...
- WHAT IF I HAVEN'T STARTED MY SEXUAL LIFE?
It's worth noting that the start of your sexual life is not determined by the state of your hymen. To allow menstrual flow, your hymen is already perforated.
Using the menstrual cup is a personal decision. Your hymen may experience some tearing when inserting the cup, but this also depends on the type of hymen you have. Weigh the pros and cons of using this product.
- FOR HAVING SEXUAL RELATIONS?
Due to the vertical placement and the type of mold, it is not possible to have penetrative sex while using the menstrual cup.
- FOR SWIMMING?
Thanks to the vacuum created by the cup, you can swim with it. With proper placement and the right mold, there should be no leaks.
- FOR SLEEPING?
The maximum time you can keep the cup in without emptying it is 12 hours, so you can use it while sleeping. We recommend emptying your cup before going to bed and keeping track of how long it lasts.
- IF I HAVE A LOT OF CLOTS?
The cup will collect everything that fits inside, including liquids or semi-solids. If you have a lot of clots, the cup may fill up faster, and you will need to empty it more often.
- DO I HAVE A WEAK PELVIC FLOOR?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and other tissues that form a kind of sling or hammock across the pelvis. In women, it holds the uterus, bladder, intestines, and other pelvic organs in place so they can function properly.
If you experience urine leaks or a feeling of heaviness, you may be able to use a low-density menstrual cup (a soft cup). However, if there is a severe degree of weakness, we might suggest considering another method.
If you have questions, email us at info@copasmenstrualesgt.com or through WhatsApp. We are here for you.
