5 How to choose the best menstrual cup & bull; hello healthy

Menstrual cup can be an alternative for the treatment of female organs during menstruation. Besides being more pocket friendly, because it can be used repeatedly over the years, menstrual cup also more environmentally friendly. Given that sanitary napkins contribute 1.4 billion pieces per month, of course menstrual cup can be the best solution in preserving the environment.

However, you cannot be arbitrary in choosing menstrual cup. The use of menstrual cups must be completely adjusted to the comfort of the user. The reason is, menstrual cup comes in various sizes and each material also has a different degree of flexibility.

In order not to make the wrong choice, Jennifer Conti, assistant professor of gynecology at Stanford University, suggests paying attention to several factors such as vaginal size, menstrual blood flow, and a history of childbirth.

Considerations in choosing a menstrual cup

1. The size and shape of the vagina

Almost all menstrual cup The ones that are sold in the market have the same shape as tulip-shaped cups, but menstrual cups are available in different sizes. To make sure you choose the right menstrual cup, you need to measure the length between your vagina and cervix first.

Actually, to find out how long the size of the vagina and cervix, you should consult a doctor. However, you can do it independently by following these steps:

Wash your hands first to avoid the risk of vaginal exposure to bacteria and germs that stick to the skin.
Widen the groin area and carefully insert your middle finger into the opening of the labia.
Position your middle finger straight up until it touches the cervix, this part has a soft texture and is quite supple.
The length of the middle finger that goes in will determine the size of the menstrual cup.

If only 1/3 of the finger goes in You have a small vaginal shape, so use it menstrual cup smallest size with a short container length or shape bell-shape.

If half of the finger goes in: You have your vagina is medium sized. You can choose menstrual cup with a small container with a shape bell-shape. A medium V-shape can also be an option.

If most of the finger is in: You have a large vaginal shape. Use a V-shape menstrual cup so it will be easier to remove.

2. Menstrual blood flow

You should also choose the appropriate size for the menstrual cup, so that the blood can be collected properly. Of course, to know which one to choose, you also have to first understand how much volume and intensity of blood usually comes out during menstruation.

If you tend to have a lot of menstrual blood flow, you should choose a menstrual cup that has a larger capacity.

3. History of childbirth

The birth process affects the changes in the shape of the vagina. Push and pressure on the pelvic wall (pelvis) during childbirth can relax the vaginal muscles. Therefore, for those of you who have given birth, you should choose menstrual cup with a large container.

However, there can be exceptions to this condition. If after giving birth you are back to being active in sports, the muscles in the pelvic wall can return to tightening, so you can use them menstrual cup small to medium sized.

To be sure, do not hesitate to take vaginal measurements again as described in the first point. Apart from that, you can also choose menstrual cup specially designed for women who have given birth.