A menstrual cup can last up to 10 years. Still, many people think this is too long and choose to replace it sooner. It also happens that they have doubts about how a menstrual cup that is ready to be replaced looks like. In this article we will talk about the care you should take with your cup and tell you the signs that indicate that it is time to change it.
Taking care of your menstrual cup
The key to making your menstrual cup last for many years is knowing how to take care of it. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Sterilize your cup. Do it when it is new and then once a month, either before or after your period. Doing it more often shortens the life of your cup, so don't over-sterilize it, it's not necessary.
- Clean your menstrual cup during menstruation. Each time you empty it and before putting it back in, rinse it with clean water. You can also clean the holes on the rim with the help of an interdental cleaner. We have an article where we explain step by step how to keep your cup clean before and after your period.
- Store your cup in a suitable place. Never store it in an airtight container because it could fill with fungus. Do not leave it outdoors in your bathroom or bedroom because the products we use can degrade it faster. The best thing for your menstrual cup is ventilation, so use a cotton bag to protect it from the elements but at the same time allow air circulation.
- Don't worry about the color. Menstrual blood has high amounts of iron, so it is normal for it to stain the cup. This doesn't mean it's dirty, so don't worry. If it bothers you a lot you can soak your cup in hydrogen peroxide overnight, but be careful! Do this only once a year so as not to unnecessarily waste the material of your cup.
Signs that the cup needs to be changed
When a menstrual cup is nearing the end of its useful life there are some very obvious signs that will allow you to decide that it is time to change it.
- Bad odor that persists despite washing.
- Significant stains.
- Peeling of the cup material.
- Tears or cracks in any part of the cup.
- Grainy texture.
- Sudden leaks that did not happen before.
- Formation of a sticky or oily film.
If you identify any of these signs, it is best to change your menstrual cup.
Other reasons to change the cup
In addition to the degradation of the menstrual cup and the end of its useful life, there are other reasons why a woman might decide that changing it is best.
You change size. You may need a different size depending on the stage you are in. For example, during pregnancy the pelvic floor changes and you may need a larger cup. Similarly, losing or gaining weight rapidly in a short time affects the pelvic muscles, causing you to need a different menstrual cup.
You don't feel comfortable with your current cup. You may not find the right size or material for you the first time around. This often discourages many women, but it's best to keep trying to find the ideal cup. While the initial expense may be intimidating, remember that it's cheaper in the long run than using pads or tampons.
You used harsh cleansers. Perhaps out of ignorance you thought it was necessary to clean your menstrual cup with harsh products, but now you know that it is not necessary. It is enough to sterilize it once a month and rinse it during your period. In any case you could use neutral soap, but it is not really necessary.
You dropped your cup in the toilet. When you are a first-timer, it is very common that when emptying the contents, the cup falls into the toilet. If this happens, you will unfortunately have to change your cup. Although you can boil your cup, it may not kill bacteria that are not in your vagina but are in the cup. Don't risk exposing yourself to bacteria and discard your cup.
How do I dispose of my used menstrual cup?
Cut it up so no one else can use it and throw it away. There are some places where, depending on the material it is made of, they may take it for recycling, but this is rare. Keep in mind that if your menstrual cup is made of silicone, it will gradually degrade. Unlike pads and tampons that simply break into small pieces, contaminating the soil and water.
Now you know how to take care of your menstrual cup and when it is time to change it. Remember that Weycup comes in three different sizes and is made of the best medical grade materials to guarantee its quality.
