Menstrual cup Myths: To believe or not to believe that is the question!

Already there are zillions of myths surrounding periods, and now we have them for the menstrual product too! Ugh...Give me a break!

After learning about the menstrual cup I am sure unless you have done thorough research, you would have a lot of doubts and questions about it.

I did too, and to be honest, the worst part of having those doubts was not clearing them out. 

Before actually buying the cup, I heard so many myths about it that I almost quit the thought of getting it. But when I bought the menstrual cup and started using it, I wondered why didn’t I get it sooner!

Come on, let’s beat down these myths with the facts!

It is quite understandable that since menstrual cups are new to many of us, it is easy to fall for the myths surrounding them.

So for all my fellow menstruators who are worried about using a menstrual cup, here are some facts to help you weed out the myths.

1. You cannot pee when you are using a menstrual cup.

Myth. This is probably the major misconception. We pee through our urethra (the tube connected to the bladder) and bleed through our vagina, which is where the cup is worn. So relax! You can easily pee and poop while wearing the cup. Although you might need to be careful as sometimes due to bowel movement, you may feel that the cup is loosening. This might happen if you are not wearing the cup correctly or are wearing the wrong-sized cup. Menstrual Health Management (MHM) & Water and Sanitation Hygiene are crucial. Hence, you should always make sure to keep your intimate area and the cup clean.

2. The menstrual cup can get lost in your vagina!

Myth. Don’t worry, it won’t. If the cup is inserted properly it won’t fall. The cup can't go beyond the vaginal canal as it is hardly 3-4 inches and the cervix prevents it from going further. There might be a possibility of a cup falling if you are not wearing it properly or if it is not the right size.

3. The menstrual blood flows back into your uterus while sleeping.

Myth. The menses are pushed out of the cervix from a tiny hole into the vagina which is collected in the cup. There is no room for the blood to flow back into your uterus as the muscles of the uterus actively keep pushing the blood outside.

4. You will lose your virginity!

Myth. Virginity is just a term used for those who never had penetrative sex. While having penetrative sex, the hymen loosens up, which has nothing to do with virginity as it can also happen during rigorous exercise. If you never had penetrative sex, then your vagina might appear to be narrower with the presence of hymen. However, this can’t stop you from using a menstrual cup. You may have to use a smaller cup to properly fit into your vagina and may need some practice to insert it the right way.

5. Menstrual cups can lead to infections.

This can be partly true. If you are using a menstrual cup made of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), you need to be careful about its hygiene measures. As it is non-toxic but porous and can harbor bacteria - that would be harmful. But don’t worry, there are many other cups like Lemme Be’s ZCup which is made of medical grade silicone that is non-toxic and non-porous. Although, you must take hygiene measures and always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your menstrual cup. You also have to ensure that you are sterilizing the cup after each cycle and storing it in a cotton bag in a cool and dry place.

So, now that you know these facts about menstrual cups go ahead and buy your cup. It is absolutely safe, comfortable and the best part is you are no longer tied down by the strings or itchy wings. Besides, it is eco-friendly!

Only you can decide what is right for you so, don’t let these myths get the best of you. Just tell them to LemmeBe!

Have a happy Period!