Menstruating collectors are an excellent alternative to absorbents and its main advantages include the fact that it lasts for about 10 years, being more hygienic and comfortable, as well as being cheaper and environmentally friendly. Some trusted brands in Brazil are Inciclo, Lady Cup, Fleurity and Me Luna, for example.
Usually they are made of medical silicone or TPE, a type of rubber used in the production of surgical materials, which makes them hypoallergenic and very malleable. Its shape is similar to a small cup of coffee and to use it should be inserted into the vaginal canal. Here's how to put and remove the menstrual cup in Learn How to Put on and How to Clean the Menstrual Catcher.
Main advantages
The main advantages that the menstrual collectors present are:
- It does not cause rashes, allergies or irritations because it is made of medical silicone;
- It maintains the natural moisture of the vagina, so it is easier to get in and out than the inner absorbent;
- It does not allow any smell because the blood does not come into contact with the air and therefore does not oxidize, as with ordinary absorbents;
- It is comfortable and comfortable to use;
- It lasts from 10 to 12 years, being much more economical in the long term;
- It can be used to be in the pool, on the beach, or to exercise, without leaks and embarrassments;
- It only needs to be changed every 8 to 12 hours;
- It does not generate waste that can not be recycled, as is the case with other absorbents.
Menstruating collectors were created in 1930 but were only used by people with high economic class, but by 2016 they become more popular and today they are successful among women.
3 steps to know which size to buy
There are menstrual collectors of different sizes and consistencies, which should be chosen according to the needs of each woman. Menstrual cups should be purchased taking into account the following factors:
1. Height of the cervix
- For lower cervix: prefer shorter collector
- For high cervix: prefer longer collector.
To know your length, in the bath after washing your hands and your intimately, insert your finger into the vaginal canal until you touch a rounded structure that will be your cervix. This test should be done preferably during the menstrual period because depending on the woman her position may change slightly.
If your cervix is low, you will not have to insert your finger into the vagina to touch it. On the other hand, if your cervix is high, it will be very difficult to reach because it will be located deep in the vagina.
2. Intensity of menstrual flow
This parameter helps you decide the width and hence the capacity of the collector.
- For intense menstrual flow: prefer larger and larger collector;
- For medium menstrual flow: prefer medium-sized collector
- For menstrual weak flow: can use smaller, shorter collector.
To assess how your flow is, take into account also how much, how long you need to change the absorbent you use normally. If you change every 2 or 3 hours the flow is intense, but if you hold out longer, you have a normal flow. If you do not need to change before 4 or 6 hours, you have a weak flow.
3. Other factors
In addition to the previous points, it is also important to consider other factors such as the strength of the pelvic muscles, if you have a more sensitive bladder, if you practice physical activities that strengthen the pelvic muscles like Yoga or Pilates, for example if you are a virgin or if you have had children.
A joint analysis of all these factors will help to decide the collector's diameter and malleability, helping the woman to understand if she needs more malleable, firmer, larger or smaller collectors.
Where to buy the menstrual collector
They can be purchased from online stores or pharmacies, and can be purchased from different brands such as Inciclo, Lady Cup, Me Luna, Holy Cup or Lunett. The prices vary between 60 and 80 reais. Each brand presents its different models and properties, being its choice at the discretion of the woman.
