8 Menstrual Cup Myths That We Need To Banish From Our Brains

Menstrual cups are gaining popularity among menstruators. However, like every other disease and wellness product, there are myths surrounding cups as well. Like many believe a tampon can take a woman’s virginity, false information has created inhibitions amongst women who wanted to use the product.

Therefore, with this article, we are here to shatter myths surrounding the menstrual cup.

Myth 1: One Must Buy A New Menstrual Cup Every Year

The best thing about a menstrual cup is they do not require frequent rebuying. It is the unique selling point of this sanitary product. It remains good for use for about three to five years, depending on the quality of the product. Try cups by Sirona and Lemme Be.

Myth 2: Your Vagina Might Be Bigger For A Cup

When using a menstrual cup, the width of the vagina does not matter. It is the height at which your cervix sits which defines the size of the cup. In general, the canal is usually between 7cm and 12cm.

You can measure the length of your canal by inserting a finger or two. You must do it after or before your period because that is the time when the cervix sits at its lowest. If your longer finger goes all the way inside, you need a larger cup.

Myths 3: Menstrual Cup Stretches Vagina

Vagina has a tendency to expand and relax. The wall inside the canals is compressed against each other, helping them expand when one has penetrative sex, inserts a pleasure toy or puts in a sanitary product.

Once you take out the foreign object, the muscles relax, and the vaginal canal comes back to its original state. Therefore, it is not possible for a menstrual cup to stretch it.

Myth 4: One Cannot Poop Or Pee While Using A Menstrual Cup

First thing first, a woman has three holes. The vaginal canal is from where the blood escapes while the other two are for peeing and passing the stool. One can pee with an inserted cup as normally as without it.

However, the suction of the menstrual product can make it hard for you to pass the stool. You might have to exert a little extra pressure which can be an uncomfortable task. Therefore, you can remove the cup while pooping or if you have a bathroom schedule like Sheldon Cooper, you can plan your periods in a hassle-free way.

Myth 5: Menstrual Cups Can Leak When You Exercise

If you have a menstrual cup of the right size, it would sit perfectly inside the vaginal canal. The suction helps the cup stay inside until you break the seal. Hence, it will sweat but not leak during exercise.

Myth 6: Menstrual Cups Cannot Lead To TSS

TSS is Toxic Shock Syndrome that can have a fatal effect on a person. It is caused by a certain strain of bacteria that can grow on any period product, including tampons, menstrual cups and others. Even sanitary pads can lead to TSS, but it happens rarely. Therefore, gynaecologists suggest always ensuring hygiene during menstruation.

Myth 7: One Cannot Wear A Menstrual Cup While Travelling

The only thing that a menstruator needs while using a menstrual cup is access to hygienic toilets and clean water. Hence, if you have the essentials, you can use a cup while travelling.

Myth 8: The Silicone In Menstrual Cup Is Not Healthy

Most menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone, which is flexible, safe, hypoallergenic and durable. Therefore, it makes the product safe to use. However, you must empty the cup every four to eight hours to ensure hygiene.

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