• Is a leave from work due to menstruation necessary?

In recent years we boast of being more 'eco', which implies that concern for the environment is present in almost everything. For example, a recent study by Toluna, a company specialized in

online research

, which states that 33% of women admit to practicing sustainable menstruation already, since 24% who still do not want to do so. Not surprisingly, every year 20 billion menstrual products end up in landfills and, on average, a woman uses 17,000 disposable sanitary products in her lifetime, waste that takes centuries to decompose because most of it contains plastics.

And, in line with these two data, the following conclusion from the

Toluna study

is that the practice that women would most like to acquire in order to be more eco-friendly is the use of the

menstrual cup,

an intention shown by 53% of those surveyed .

With its use, which can last up to 10 years, 1,700 tampons or pads are saved, thus significantly reducing the ecological footprint.

But about the

menstrual cup

-which being reusable minimizes up to 75% the expenses in the care of the rule- there are still many taboos and, above all, a lot of ignorance.

And, although 94% of the women who use it would recommend it, it still raises quite a few questions: how do I clean it? Can I sleep with it? Is it valid for anyone? Does it stain? ...

Some doubts that we solve with the help of two experts, who assure that they are one of the best options for feminine hygiene. "As it is placed inside the vagina, it is a totally discreet method. Among its many benefits, vaginal comfort stands out, since its medical grade silicone does not irritate or cause dryness, respecting the intimate balance", explains sexologist

Irene Aterido

, expert in menstrual cycle of the Swedish brand

Intimina

. "Also, because it collects the flow rather than absorbing it, it doesn't need as many changes as pads and tampons."

From another angle,

Pilar Ruiz,

Intimina's communication manager, also defends its benefits: "It is a good way to know our body and our rule, because it collects the flow and allows us to observe it, recognize its texture, color and smell, which are the reflection of our

intimate health

".

Can you sleep with the menstrual cup?

The answer is yes, says

Irene Aterido

.

"The

menstrual cup

can be placed up to eight hours at a time, and can be used at night or during sleep," he explains.

In addition, it adapts perfectly to the walls of the vagina and does not move, something that together with the fact that less flow is generally expelled at night makes emptying times longer.

"It can also be used during

physical exercise, on the beach or in the pool,

" says the expert.

How to put it on

For it to work well and not disturb it, it is important to position it correctly. "Choose a position that is comfortable for you to open your vagina, raising your leg over the toilet or bathtub, sitting or squatting", explains

Irene Aterido

, " and try different folds and insertion techniques to see which one works best for your body. " There are

three ways to insert the cup

; depending on the model you choose, "rolled up like a tampon, folding it in C-mode or V-mode," says the expert.

Folded in one of these three ways,

the cup

should be

inserted

as high as possible in the vaginal canal, but low enough so that the base can then be reached. "You can use a finger, such as your thumb, to push the bottom of the cup (stem) and move it up. Then, squeeze the body or rim of the cup a few times to help

the cup open and form that seal

with the walls of the vagina, "explains Aterido.

Once you have inserted the

cup

, gently pull the stem down by moving it from side to side and make sure it has fully opened by running your finger around its body and checking that there are no bulges.

"If you pull the cup and it doesn't move, the seal has formed correctly," says Irene.

Other tips you should know

  • They are easy and fast

    .

    When you use a menstrual cup, dealing with your period becomes a routine of two minutes three times a day - morning, noon and night - like brushing your teeth.

  • They avoid bad smells

    .

    When the menstrual flow comes into contact with the air, its smell intensifies, especially in summer with high temperatures.

    The menstrual cup does not absorb the flow, but collects it inside, avoiding contact with the air and, therefore, any smell.

  • How do you clean?

    With water, rinsing it well, and, if you like, once a day rubbing it with a brush and an acid pH soap.

    Between rules it will be enough to wash it with soap and, for further sterilization, boil it in water for three minutes, although it is not necessary.

  • And if you do not have water

    nearby

    in the changes

    ?

    Flush it down the toilet and clean it with a wet wipe or toilet paper before putting it back into the vagina.

  • Menstrual cups have a size

    , and for them to work well and without leaks you have to use the correct one.

    Size 0 is designed for girls under 18 who do not have sexual intercourse regularly, size 1 for women under 30 who have not had children with vaginal delivery, and size 2 for those over 30 and who they have had vaginal deliveries.

  • They allow penetrative sex

    without fear of leaks or stains, because there are models specifically designed for it.

    Of course, you will need to use condoms or another means of contraception, because they protect from leaks, but not from pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

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