If you’re thinking about making the switch to menstrual cups, most likely you’re familiar with the long list of benefits for ditching your conventional period products. Menstrual cups are eco-friendly, nontoxic, budget friendly, and may even help to reduce menstrual cramps. As with any change, it’s common to have questions about how making the switch to menstrual cups will impact your routine. Today, we’re tackling one on the most common concerns for women considering cups: how do you use a menstrual cup when you’re on the go?
How much does a menstrual cup hold?
The average tampon can only absorb up to one teaspoon of fluid before it needs to be changed. Depending on the cup and the size that you choose, menstrual cups hold up to six times that amount – about 1 ounce of fluid. The extra capacity, combined with the nontoxic nature of the materials used in their production, means that you can feel comfortable leaving your menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours – almost twice the recommended usage for tampons! That means you can insert your cup before heading to school or work, and comfortably and safely remove it that evening when you get home. But sometimes things happen, and you’ll find yourself needing to clean your menstrual cup while you’re away from home. If that happens, follow our step by step guide below for a quick and easy clean!
These wonderful products provide tons of protection and are great for the earth (and your body!) but if you’re not comfortable using them in a public restroom when you leave the house, we’ve got a problem! The good news is, it is super simple (and discreet) to use your menstrual cup while in public. Don’t believe us? Read on for our step by step guide to using your menstrual cup in public.
- 1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
- 2. Take a damp paper towel into the stall with you.
- 3. Remove your menstrual cup as you normally would, and pour the fluid into the toilet.
- 4. Using your damp paper towel, wipe the outer surfaces and top edge of the menstrual cup.
- 5. If you wish to rinse your cup, you can pour from a water bottle and rinse the cup over the toilet. This step is totally optional, and it is safe to skip, as long as you’ve followed the other steps.
- 6. Reinsert the menstrual cup as you normally would.
- 7. Flush, and wash your hands!
Here’s a great video on how to clean your menstrual cup in a public washroom by our friends at DivaCup:
Voila! It’s as simple as that. Still have questions? We’re here to support you! Check out our free Menstrual Cup 101 email series. We cover the basics of cups, real life how tos, and answer all of the most common questions.
Feel free to drop a comment below, and we’ll be happy to answer. Menstrual cups can take a little bit of time to get used to, but once you do, most women never go back! We’d love to hear how your experience goes.
Here’s to a better (and more earth-friendly!) period,
Tara and the BPP team
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