The menstrual cup has come into our lives to completely revolutionize them. This product intended for feminine hygiene and use has gradually gained more and more followers. This is completely normal, since compared to traditional pads and tampons, the menstrual cup is presented as a perfect alternative full of advantages: it is extremely comfortable and hygienic, it does not contain chemical products, it can be worn for up to twelve hours in a row and it can even be worn. Use at night while you sleep.
There is no doubt that the use of the menstrual cup is more than recommended, however, the first time we try it, millions of doubts assail us: How do I put it on? What do I do if it stays inside me? What size should I wear? Can I use the menstrual cup if I am a virgin?
All these questions are very common, but as soon as you start to familiarize yourself with it, you will be able to solve them all. However, there is a question regarding the use of the menstrual cup not so frequently and that today in this article we have proposed to reveal: Can I use the menstrual cup if I have the IUD?
Are the menstrual cup and the IUD compatible?
- Do you have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place and wonder if you can use the menstrual cup at the same time? The answer is YES. In principle, the menstrual cup and the IUD are perfectly compatible, although it is always better to consult a gynecologist beforehand about your specific case so that you can completely clear up your doubts.
- In most cases the cup and the IUD are compatible as they do not interfere with each other. While the menstrual cup (like tampons) is placed at the entrance of the vagina, the IUD is in the uterus.
- These are some of the things you should keep in mind if you want to use the menstrual cup with an IUD in place:
Where is each of them located?
- As we have already explained to you, the objective of the IUD is to prevent pregnancy, which is why it is placed inside the uterus. The menstrual cup, for its part, has the purpose of collecting the flow that is generated during the period and, therefore, it is located at the entrance of the vagina. The uterus and the vagina are separated by the cervix or neck of the uterus, which means that these two components do not interfere with each other during use.
- It is true that there is always a small risk of an IUD being expelled or dislodged, however, a 2011 study that analyzed 900 women in Canada, concluded that the use of menstrual cups or tampons during menstruation did not increase in any case the risk of early expulsion of an IUD. However, the best thing to avoid any kind of scare or problem is to be 100% aware of the presence of the IUD strings (these are suspended through the cervix and should sit just at the top of your vagina) so that you handle them with care during the insertion and removal of your menstrual cup.
If you just got the IUD, wait a few months to use the cup
If you’ve only had an IUD in for a very short time, it’s best to give it a little time to set in. You will need to wait a minimum of two menstrual cycles for it to settle into place before you start using a menstrual cup or tampons. The IUD can become dislodged during the first two months after insertion, especially during menstruation. Once your IUD is perfectly in place, you can start using the menstrual cup without any problem.
Keep the IUD strings located
If you have an IUD in place, you should regularly check the strings to make sure they haven’t moved or come out of your uterus. When you insert your menstrual cup into the vagina, in the event that you have a low cervix, you must verify that the threads are inside the cup and not between the cup and your vaginal wall.
Also, every time you take out your menstrual cup you have to check that the threads stay in the same place. To do this, you can run your finger around the rim of the cup and make sure that the threads are not stuck between the cup and the wall.
Locate your cervix
The cervix can change its position (height) during the menstrual cycle, so it is best to consult your gynecologist about the position of yours during your period, since that is when you will use the cup. Depending on the position of your cervix during your period, you may want to opt for a shorter menstrual cup that sits lower and stays away from both the cervix and the IUD strings.
Choosing a shorter cup means that it will have less capacity when it comes to accumulating your flow, however it is the best option if you want to completely stop worrying about the IUD strings.
Breaks the vacuum generated by the menstrual cup
Breaking the seal that the menstrual cup forms on the vaginal walls is essential before removing it, but it is even more so when you wear an IUD. Once you’ve checked the threads, simply squeeze the bottom of the cup or press the rim at the top to eliminate the vacuum and prevent any suction as you remove it.
Using the menstrual cup and IUD at the same time requires a bit more awareness and practice, but once you get the hang of it you’ll realize it’s totally worth it. You will maintain your intimate health in the simplest and most practical way possible!
