The menstrual cup is a menstrual hygiene product without comparison thanks to its economic, ecological and usability advantages. But what about contraceptives? Can I use the menstrual cup while using contraceptives? Does it interfere in any way? In this article we give you the precautions you should take according to the method you use.
Is the menstrual cup contraceptive?
No! The cup is a menstrual management product and therefore cannot be used as a contraceptive. You might imagine that it protects because it goes in the vagina and creates a vacuum, but it does not. The vacuum of the cup does not mean that sperm cannot pass through.
It also does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. So always use protection to avoid either of these two possibilities. The function of the menstrual cup is limited to collecting the blood that the body expels.
The IUD
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a contraceptive method that is placed inside the uterus. It is T-shaped and at its lower end it has threads that go through the cervix and are exposed to the inside of the vagina. These threads are the ones that make the questions come out. Because if they are in the vagina, then can the menstrual cup be used together with the IUD?
The answer is: yes. The menstrual cup is compatible with the IUD. The IUD is in the uterus, while the cup is in the lower part of the vagina. Neither comes into contact with the other. But certain precautions must be taken so that the threads mentioned do not interfere.
The IUD can only be inserted by a doctor so that it stays in the right place. In addition, it is necessary to wait up to 8 weeks, because the body needs to get used to it. Before that time it is possible that the IUD may move or be expelled naturally. Once the doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can use your menstrual cup.
When you put it on, you should make sure that the threads are centered inside the cup, not to one side. You can check this by running a finger around your cup, if you can feel the threads, it means that it is incorrectly positioned.
To remove your menstrual cup, be careful not to pull on the threads so that your IUD does not move. Squeeze only the bottom of the cup, so you break the vacuum without touching the threads. Also, never pull your cup outward to break the vacuum, because that can cause it to move.
If the threads are still an impediment, you can ask your gynecologist to cut them a little so that they do not come into contact with the cup. However, if you are considering using it for the first time, or you are already using it but will start with the IUD, it is important that you inform your gynecologist so that they can take the necessary care.
The contraceptive ring
The vaginal ring is a hormonal method of contraception. It is a flexible ring made of plastic that measures approximately 5 centimeters in diameter. Unlike the IUD, which goes into the uterus, this ring stays in the vagina. It releases etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol, which are absorbed by the vaginal mucosa and thus prevent ovulation. You put it in on the first day of your cycle and it stays in for 21 days. Then it is removed and you do not use anything for 7 days, which is when menstruation occurs. At the end of the 7 days you put on a new ring and the cycle starts again.
To use the ring with the menstrual cup you must take into account some things to prevent them from interfering with each other. In general, the use of the cup would not coincide with the use of the ring, because during the 7 days of menstruation you do not wear the ring. However, if the bleeding lasts more than 7 days, you can use the cup with care.
To begin with, the ring must always be in contact with the vaginal walls. The ring goes next to the cervix, at the highest part of the vaginal canal. The cup usually goes lower, so you shouldn't have that much of a problem. If the ring is inside the cup, it can interfere with its contraceptive function. On the other hand, if the ring is around the cup, it may interfere with its vacuum and cause you to leak.
That is why it is very important that after each change you check the position of the ring. It may be that both can move without you noticing it. To remove the cup also make sure to break the vacuum from the bottom and never pull without breaking the vacuum. This can cause air to "pull" on the ring and move it, interfering with its effectiveness.
Menstrual cup and pills
Pills, as well as other methods that do not interfere with the inside of the vagina (such as the patch or injections) can be used at the same time as the menstrual cup. There is no danger of the cup coming out or altering the contraceptive effects.
Now that you know what to consider when combining the menstrual cup with contraceptive methods, you can make the decision that best suits your needs. Remember that it is very important to consult with your doctor and inform him/her about the use of the cup so that he/she can indicate what is best for you.
