What method do you use when your period comes? In addition to the typical pads or tampons that we see advertised on television, do you know of any other method? Believe it or not, there are many more, which, in some cases, may better suit your needs. 
It is clear that each person is a world, and not because your neighbor or the sister of your best friend’s boyfriend feels good about a specific product, it has to work just as well for you. The ideal is to look for the system that best suits your needs or a mixture of some of them depending on the circumstances, for example, practice free bleeding or Free fleeing, when you are relaxed at home, and a reusable product when you go out to work. or party (ecological and disposable pads, absorbent panties, cloth pads or tampons and sea sponges). Maite Heredia, psychologist and sexologist at the Apoyo Positivo association, tells us about the alternatives that women have when we have menstruation and discovers everything you need to know about the menstrual cup, a system still unknown to many women, but which is gradually gaining popularity.
Everything you need to know about the menstrual cup
If lately you’ve heard of the menstrual cup or you don’t even know what I’m talking about, I’m going to tell you some information, so you can assess whether it can become your ally for your menstrual cycle.
- What it is made of: Most of the commercialized brands use surgical silicone, a material that ensures you do not suffer allergic reactions or irritations, although there are also some brands that manufacture them in latex and others in surgical plastic (such as the one used for baby bottle nipples).).
- How much it costs: There are already many prices on the market, being able to find it in hypermarkets for €9.
- Sizes: They are usually sold in two sizes, large and small (although some can be found in three). Basically, the difference lies in the amount of menstrual flow (for a lot, the large one would be used, and for a little, the small one) and in whether there has been a vaginal delivery prior to its use or not (with vaginal delivery, the large one is used, with vaginal delivery, caesarean section or nulliparous person, the small one). But it is also important to know the location of the cervix (if it is high you can use the large one or the small one if it is low) or if you have strong pelvic floor muscles, for example, if you do yoga or Pilates regularly, you would use the small.
- How to use: The cup is inserted into the vagina. Wash your hands well with soap and water, then fold it in on itself with your fingers and insert it into your vagina. The first few times you use it, you may find it somewhat complicated, since it must be well open inside the vaginal canal and very well fitted under the cervix (cervix where the menstrual flow comes out). Tip: introducing a finger and turning it on itself is achieved.
- How long can I take it: This depends on each person. The first times you try it, you will get a better idea for successive occasions and you will be able to calculate your own need to empty it, although it is true that it collects much more than conventional products.
- How to change it: Once the time has passed when you think it may be almost full and you want to remove it, you must break the vacuum it creates in the vagina. To do this, wash your hands well with soap and water and, either inserting a finger or pressing the base of the cup (remember that they are very soft and moldable) remove it from the body by gently pulling it forward, never downwards. You can also help yourself by making strength with your pelvic muscles.
- It is emptied inside the cup, rinsed and reintroduced until the next time you have to empty it. It can be perfectly used to sleep, emptying it when you get up.
- How to clean: When your period has finished, it is sterilized (it can be done by boiling it in water or with sterilizing tablets such as those used for bottle nipples or pacifiers) and stored until the next time.
- How long it lasts: With good use and cleaning it can last for years.
I don’t think I left anything out! Remind you that because it works for many, it doesn’t have to be your method for menstruation. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking
