menstrual cup.
what exactly is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a type of cup or barrier worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike more common methods, such as tampons and pads, the cup neither absorbs the flow nor catches it outside the body. There are two types of menstrual cups. The first is a soft, flexible, disposable cup called the "Instead Softcup." It is made of latex-free polyethylene and resembles the contraceptive diaphragm. The second type is a bell-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone. It is reusable and designed to last for up to 10 years. Current brands include "Mooncup", "DivaCup" , "Keeper" , "LadyCup" , "Lunette" , "Femmecup", and "Moon Cup". The disposable cup is prepared by flattening the rim against itself. The cup is inserted into the vagina and pushed into place near the cervix and behind the pubic bone, where the internal structure of the body keeps it in place. The bell-shaped cup is inserted until the body of the cup and stem are completely inside, then held by the lower point or stem and turned; this opens the cup and creates a seal between the rim and the inner vaginal walls. Removal should occur usually no longer than every 12 hours. Menstrual cups require relatively less attention and maintenance by the user than more traditional menstrual hygiene methods. The reusable cups are designed to hold roughly 30 ml (1 oz) of fluid, which is a third of the entire volume of blood lost in an average menstrual period. The design can be pulled out by a fingertip hooked into the rim. The lower part of the bell-shaped cup usually features "grips" or slightly raised ridges as well as a stem to assist removal. the reusable cups need only be emptied, cleaned and reinserted. Proper care will prolong the life of the cup, allowing several years of use.