The Menstrual Cup or Menstrual Catcher is an alternative to the common absorbent that is available in the market. Its main advantages include being reusable and environmentally friendly, more comfortable and hygienic, as well as making it much more economical for women in the long run.
These collectors are sold by brands like Inciclo or Me Luna and have a shape that resembles a small cup of coffee. To use, simply insert it into the vagina but it is normal to have some questions about its use, so see the most common questions answered here.
1. Can virgin girls use the menstrual collector?
Yes, but it is important to know that your hymen can break using the collector. So, it is best to consult your gynecologist before you start using. In women who have the hymen complacent the hymen may not break. Learn more about this elastic hymen.
2. Who has a latex allergy can use the collector?
Yes, those who have allergies to latex can use the collector because they can be made of medical materials like silicone or TPE, a material that is also used in the production of catheters, medical implants and bottle nozzles that do not cause allergy.
3. How to choose the right size?
To choose the right size of your collector it is necessary to take into consideration:
- If you have active sex life,
- If you have children,
- If you practice exercises,
- If the cervix is at the beginning or at the bottom of the vagina,
- Whether the menstrual flow is too much or too little.
Here's how to choose yours in Menstrual Catchers - What are they and why should they be used?
4. For how many hours can I use the collector?
The collector can be used between 8 to 12 hours, but this depends on its size and the intensity of the woman's menstrual flow. Generally, it is possible to use the collector for 12 hours in a row, but when the woman notices a small leak, it is a sign that it is time to empty.
5. Does the menstrual collector leak?
Yes, the manifold may leak when it is misplaced or when it is too full and needs to be emptied. To test if your collector is well placed, you should lightly pull the collector stem to check that it is moving, and when it is found that it has been misplaced, you should turn the cup, still in the vagina, to assist in eliminating possible folds. See the step-by-step in: Learn How to Put on and How to Clean the Menstrual Catcher.
6. Can the sink be used on the beach or in the gym?
Yes, collectors can be used on all occasions, at the beach, for sports or at the pool, and can even be used for sleeping as long as it does not exceed 12 hours of use.
7. Does the collector cable hurt?
Yes, the collector cock can hurt or bother a little, so you can cut a piece of that rod. In most cases this technique solves the problem, if the discomfort continues, you can either cut the cock completely or swap for a smaller catcher.
8. Can I use the menstrual clogger during sex?
No, because it sits exactly in the vaginal canal and will not allow the penis to enter.
9. Can I apply lubricant to the manifold?
Yes you can, provided you use water-based lubricants.
10. Can women with low flow also use?
Yes, the menstrual collector is safe and comfortable to wear even for those who have little or no flow at the end of menstruation because it is not uncomfortable like the tampon that gets harder to get when you have little menstruation.
11. Does the collector cause urinary tract infection or candidiasis?
No, as long as you use the collector properly and be careful to always dry it after each wash. This care is essential to prevent the proliferation of fungi that give rise to candidiasis.
12. Can the collector cause Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Menstrual collectors are associated with a low risk of infections, and therefore Toxic shock syndrome is more associated with the use of internal absorbents. If you have had Toxic shock syndrome in the past, it is recommended that you consult your gynecologist before using the collector.
See also 10 Myths and Truths about Menstruation.
