Menstruation cap as an alternative to the tampon

In an eco-journal, I became aware of an alternative to the tampon: the menstrual cup. It does not absorb the blood, but collects it in a kind of cup. Depending on the extent of the bleeding, it is emptied two to four times a day.

This is how the menstrual cup works

For insertion, the cap is folded. For this there are different techniques depending on the manufacturer: For example, you can change the cap to a? S ?,? C? or fold in the shape of a heart. After insertion, it regains its original size and now captures the blood. As a vacuum forms, nothing can pass the cap. A Rückholbändchen like the tampon does not exist. There are caps that have a small styling attachment or a ring so you can pull the cup out of it. After emptying you rinse your menstrual cup and you can use it again immediately.

Cleaning the cap

During your menstrual period it is enough to keep the cap under running water. If you're in the public WC on the way and you probably do not want to walk with your cap to the sink, you can use cleaning wipes recommended by the manufacturer. Here at TheFruitAndFlowerBasket, there is already the tip, just urinate about it. I already had a water bottle in my luggage. After the menstruation you rinse the cap well, hot water and soap are enough. Before the next menstrual period you disinfect the cap for two minutes in boiling water.


Benefits of the menstrual cup

Clear advantage, especially if you belong to the women with heavy bleeding: the constant change of the tampon is omitted, since the cap has a much larger capacity. In addition, the vaginal mucosa does not dry out. You can use the menstrual cap for up to ten years. Even though the thought of the environmental impact of tampons was not my first, I reckon now all those years, so there has already come a lot together.

Make up for disadvantages with exercise

Sure, there are the disadvantages as well. It took me two months to properly insert the cap so that the vacuum could form. During this time I used bandages for safety. However, I was not the fastest at the tampons at a young age. So, practice makes the master.

Which cap is the right one?

There are now a dozen manufacturers that you can use to buy menstrual caps. Most caps are made of medical silicone, there are also those made of medical plastic TPE. Their capacity ranges from about 10 to 30 milliliters. That does not always mean something to one. But surely you can classify yourself if you have a slight, moderate or heavy bleeding. The sizes of the caps are also differentiated according to age, stature or if you have children. You will surely find something. I would advise you of a standard size.

Cost of the menstrual cup

For a cap, you pay between 15 and 30 euros. Even if you do not want to buy the right one or have a second, compared to the many tampons over the years you will save money. You can see a cap in the drugstore.

The menstrual cup is not a new invention

The mens cap is sometimes called the menstrual cup or menstrual cup. It was invented in 1937 by the American actress and writer Leona Chalmers, who was then quoted as saying "I've found the answer to a problem as old as Eve".

Cups vs. Pads/Tampons | March 2024