### My Experience with Menstrual Cups: Over 5 Years of Use I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of menstrual cups, as well as whether they can be used at weddings.
2024.06.13 published
提供:murmo
Are you using a menstrual cup?
The often-discussed "menstrual cup".
Have you ever used a menstrual cup?
I have been using it for over 5 years now, and I find it so convenient that I can't imagine going back to pads or tampons now! However, I believe that there are still very few people using it.
It’s truly a handy item that I think every woman should try at least once (I think it's also convenient for weddings), so I would like to introduce what it's all about.*
What is a menstrual cup?
Various manufacturers produce menstrual cups, but the basic shape is the same.
The silicone cup has a stem attached to it, which you fold and insert into the vagina.
While pads absorb menstrual blood discharged from your body, menstrual cups can hold the blood inside the cup in the vagina (similar to a tampon).
Therefore, there are no odors, discomfort, or wetness associated with pads.
You also don’t need to change it often (about 2 to 3 times a day), and since the silicone cups provide a cap inside the vagina, there’s very little worry about leaks.
It’s also great that they are not disposable like pads or tampons, and can be reused.
You don’t need to carry around pads or tampons, which means less baggage, and since they are silicone, they can be cleaned and sanitized, making them hygienic. You can use them for several years, making them budget-friendly.♡
(A single cup costs about 2,000 to 6,000 yen and can last for about 3 years, which is a great cost performance compared to buying pads or tampons…!?)
Since no waste is produced, it’s also environmentally friendly.
You don't need to use multiple menstrual cups at once, so one is enough.
Some manufacturers sell a standard size for heavier days and a smaller size for lighter days.
It might be a good idea to start with the standard size and, if you find it difficult to insert, consider purchasing the smaller size for later in your period.
My experience using it
I have been using a menstrual cup for over 5 years and find it extremely convenient.
When I first bought a menstrual cup, I had moments of confusion where I thought, "Wait...!?" because I couldn't insert it properly. However, once you get the hang of it, there's really no problem.
Since you fold it small to insert, the size when you actually insert it looks somewhat like this.
It's larger than a tampon and you might be puzzled at first, but if you have any experience with gynecological exams, you should be fine. (Conversely, I feel it might be quite tough for those without any experience.)
Depending on the cup's capacity and your blood flow, a regular menstrual cup can hold enough for 8 to 12 hours without needing to be changed.
You can put it in the morning and even if you go out for the day for work, there’s no need to take it out while you’re out.
You can simply take it out when you return home and wash it with soap afterward.
Not having to change pads at work or while out is truly stress-free…!
Additionally, the absence of that thick feeling when you have menstrual flow is quite comfortable. Being able to eliminate the discomfort of "Oh no, I feel like I've bled a lot..." is truly revolutionary! (It's really anxiety-inducing during meetings, right…!)
➡Here's the HP for the Japanese-made "murmo" menstrual cup*
Are there any downsides?
While there are many advantages to menstrual cups, there are also a few downsides.
🔸 It can be a hassle to replace
You can keep a menstrual cup in for about 8 to 12 hours, meaning you'd generally need to change it 2 to 3 times a day.
Even though you don't need to change it often, replacing it can be a hassle.
When you need to change it, you take it out in the bathroom, dispose of the menstrual blood down the toilet, wash the cup with soap, and then put it back in.
This is fine at home, but when out, you can't wash it unless the stall has a sink.
(In a pinch, you may have to just empty it and put it back in without washing it. It's not the most hygienic…!)
🔸 It needs to be boiled for sterilization
At the beginning and end of your period, you need to boil the menstrual cup to sterilize it.
Although boiling it in a pot can be a hassle, it’s convenient to use a sterilization cup that is microwave-safe.* (It’s available on Rakuten for around 2,000 yen!)
➡Find microwave-safe sterilization cups on Rakuten*