The Myths Surrounding Menstrual Cups

By Alyssa Rinetti 

UltuCup is nothing short of ecstatic to see that a multitude of individuals are hopping on the menstrual cup trend! People are starting to recognize the various environmental benefits that come with using a menstrual cup, as well as how easy it is to use a menstrual cup daily when it is your time of the month! 

However, with this new trend comes a lot of questions, misconceptions, and myths surrounding the menstrual cup period protection method! One of the reservations people may have is worrisome regarding leakage. Well, pads and tampons should be more worrisome because these products absorb the blood flow, whereas a period cup doesn't let blood flow out due to the cupcollectingthe blood as it flows. 

That said, UltuCup is the smart decision to go with because it doesn’t cause leaks and, did we mention that it's more sustainable as well as eco-friendlier than pads and tampons? It’s a win-win situation altogether. 

If you have peaked at our previous blog posts, you should know that people use a substantial number of pads and tampons each day of their period cycle. On that note, if the amount of waste created is calculated accordingly, that number is a scary big number (yikes)! 

So, based on all the above, we're here to debunk all the myths that are associated with menstrual cups. Take a read so you won't deviate away from switching to a menstrual cup today! 

A Menstrual Cup Can Get Lost in Your Vagina 

Worrying about a menstrual cup getting lost inside of your vagina should not be worrisome at all. Why? Because thevaginal canal is about 2.75–4 inches long until it reaches the cervix, the menstrual cup cannot go into the uterus!  

Additionally, when positioned correctly, your cup shouldn't move out of place, and the stem (sitting at the vaginal opening) should allow you to easily remove your UltuCup. Don't worry; it can take a little time to get used to inserting and removing your period cup, but we're here to help every step of the way! 

Menstrual Cups are Uncomfortable to Wear 

Being that the UltuCup is made up of 100% Medical Grade Silicone, it provides the utmost comfort when sitting inside of your vagina. Above all, pain or discomfort shouldn’t be associated with your UltuCup experience because, when positioned correctly, low at the base of the vaginal canal, the UltuCup shouldn’t move out of place. The stem that sits at the vaginal opening should allow for easy initial placement and removal. 

Some individuals find that cutting the stem is more comfortable. However, we recommend trying the cup for a few cycles first as some find that removing the stem completely may make cup removal more difficult. 

Virgins Can't Use a Menstrual Cup 

There are many reservations around the world about what constitutes a person's virginity, especially in different cultures around the world. To put it simply, no - using a period cup doesn't make one lose their virginity! 

The hard truth is that theonly way someone becomes non-virginal is through the act of sexual intercourse. So, to put it simply, a period cup doesn’t affect the state of someone's virginity! 

While a menstrual cup may stretch out the hymen, it's essential to recall that someone is a virgin because they've not had sex. In fact, some are not even born with a hymen, and other activities such as horseback riding, biking, and gymnastics can stretch or break the hymen without you even knowing it. 

That being said, whether the hymen is unbroken or not, it has nothing to do with virginity! 

The Blood Might Overflow 

At least1 ounce of liquid is the capability of how much blood a normal menstrual cup can hold, and for most people, that is the average quantity of period flow. It is highly recommended that one monitors their flow the first time you use the cup, as that will give you an idea of how frequently the cup needs to be emptied. Ultimately, there are multiple sizes of the UltuCup for a reason, and because of this, you should be able to find the correct size based on trial and error! 

In addition, during your first few cycles using a menstrual cup, it is recommended to check every three to four hours to see if you need to change your cup, but the maximum durationshould not be more than six to eight hours. Once you get the hang of using your cup, you will know how heavy your flow is and how long you can wear the cup before emptying it. 

One-Size-Fits-All Who Menstruate 

It is very important to note that every person's period cycle is unique! Factors such as age, reproductive cycle, height, and weight attribute to one's period flow! 

Because of this, UltuCup offers three different sizes:  

Model 0: For those who've just entered the world of periods, for people ages 18 and under, or if you have a lower cervix, Model 0 is for you. 

Model 1: You're between the ages of 19 and 30 and have never given birth.  

Model 2: You're 30+ and have given birth (vaginally or via C-section). 

However, just because you conform to one age group doesn't mean that a particular cup will be the right fit for you! When choosing the correct size, it's important to do your research into what size is most suitable for you.  

If you find that your menstrual cup size choice is uncomfortable even after adjusting, slips out too effortlessly, or leaks, you might not have the right fit. On that note, if your cup leaks, you may have to go up or down a size or you may have a positioning issue when inserting the cup. 

Believing the Facts Over the Myths 

It's always scary to try out new things, so it's only natural that you would want some guidance or read reviews on products prior to trying them out! 

In this regard, it's recommended that those who are new to using menstrual cups be kind to themselves andbe patient!As previously stated, things take time, and it can take time for people to find the best fit and comfort for themselves with the UltuCup!