FAQ about Menstrual Cups
FAQ about Menstrual Cups
How does the menstrual cup differ from the tampon?
Both are internal menstrual protection. The menstrual cup collects the blood and the tampon absorbs it. The tampon can be used only once whereas the menstrual cup can be used for many years.
The absorbing capacity of the tampon is given in grammes and the capacity of the menstrual cup in millilitres. One ml of menstrual blood is comparable with a gramme and so the capacity of tampons and menstrual cups is comparable The capacity of the Lunette menstrual cup is 25 ml (model 1) and 30 ml (model 2). The absorbing capacity of a tampon is 6-18 g.
How to know if my flow is heavy or light?
The dividing line between normal and heavy flow is 80 ml during your periods.
LUNETTE MODEL 1
Spotting. A drop or two of blood, not even requiring sanitary pad though you may prefer to use one.
Very light bleeding: Needing to change a low-absorbency tampon or pad one or two times per day, though you may prefer to change them more frequently.
Light bleeding: Needing to change a low or regular absorbency tampon or pad two or three times per day, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
LUNETTE MODEL 2
Moderate bleeding: Changing normal absorbency pad or tampon every three to four hours.
Heavy bleeding: Needing to change a high-absorbency tampon or pad every three to four hours, though you may prefer to change more frequently.
Very heavy bleeding or Gushing:
Protection hardly works at all. You would need to change the highest absorbency tampon or pad every hour or two.
Can I use the Lunette menstrual cup with an IUD?
Of course. If you do use an IUD, consult with your doctor about cutting the strings as short as possible and monitor their length regularly during periods. If the strings seem longer than normal, it might be a sign that your IUD has moved.
Can I use Lunette with a Contraceptive Ring?
Yes! We’re not trying to prevent you from using your preferred form of birth control. If you are using Lunette together with a contraceptive ring, insert the contraceptive ring before you insert your Lunette Cup. If you’re struggling to take the cup out because the ring is slipping out, don’t panic – it’s a-okay to pop it back in right away.
Do I have to remove the menstrual cup when I go to the toilet?
No. You can normally go to the toilet when you’re wearing your Lunette. After a bowel movement, you might want to check that the menstrual cup is still sitting properly. Please do not forget your hand hygiene here!
So does your blood just sit there?
Technically yes, but you don’t have to worry about leakage. Unless you like, absolutely forgot you had the cup inside you because it’s just that comfortable. Your blood might overflow and only then would leakage be a problem.
Can I sleep or swim with the cup?
For sure you can! Cup is really easy when swimming since there are no string attached.
Sometimes I have leakage when I use it. Can this be related to the cervix?
The cervix is the entrance of the uterus through which menstrual blood flows through a pin-sized hole into the vaginal canal.
The cervix usually sits high in the vagina keeping it above the menstrual cup which is placed low down.
If you’re a woman whose cervix moves to a lower position during menstruation or if the cup is inserted too high, then the two can touch and cause leaks or discomfort.
TOP TIPS:
- You can locate your cervix in the upper part of your vagina and it feels like the tip of a nose. If you can’t locate it then it just means yours is deep enough it won’t affect using the cup anyway.
- If you’ve given birth recently, or more than once, exercise the pelvic diaphragm muscles by doing kegels (the added bonus it can also help with incontinence and improving sex!)
I can't get my menstrual cup out. Should I worry?
Don’t worry! You’re not getting anything stuck in there.
Removing your menstrual cup can be tricky at first, but we promise it will come naturally after a few tries. When removing the cup, always remember to use your own pelvic floor muscles. Push the cup down with your pelvic muscles (as if you were pooping) until you can get a firm grip from the bottom. Pinch the bottom with your fore finger and thumb to release the suction.Then, keep pushing while slowly pulling the cup out. You can also rock it from side to side, or you can fold the cup a bit by grabbing the cup with your fore finger, middle finger and thumb. Place your fingers around the cup and push your thumb between the fore and middle finger, that way you fold the cup with the c-fold method and it’s easier to get out.
You can also try this trick: slide your finger amongst the side of the cup (your finger between the cup and vaginal wall) and bend your finger when you reach the rim.
Be careful with your fingernails if they are too long!
My Lunette menstrual cup has been inside me for ten hours, should I worry?
The usage limit of 12 hours is a recommendation, but longer use will not necessarily cause problems. We recommend changing it 3-4 times a day to avoid any risk of infections.
My Lunette menstrual cup has started to become discolored over time. Is this normal?
It's normal since blood is quite strong but with good cleaning you can minimize the discoloring.
How often should I get a new cup?
We recommend replacing the Lunette cup every few years depending on how well you take care of it. We have users who have used their Lunette cup for ten years but some prefer to change it yearly.
How do I get rid of my old cup?
When your cup has been damaged or you’re ready for a new one, you can place the old cup into your mixed waste bin. However, if you want to create zero waste, you can burn it! The silicone burns into white ash and does not release any harmful substances.
Can I use my menstrual cup in an airplane? Will the changes in air pressure affect the seal?
Your menstrual cup is safe inside your body and air pressure won’t affect it.
Will using a menstrual cup protect me from having TSS?
Like with any period care product, you cannot have zero risk of TSS. But a clean, properly-used menstrual cup means the chances are very small. Take good care of personal hygiene and alw ys choose a trusted brand. With Lunette, you’re in safe hands. Our cups are made from the highest medical grade silicone which is BPA free and contains no chemicals.
TSS is an infection caused by bacteria entering through wounds or mucous membrane. It is an extremely rare, potentially fatal disease occurring in those with or without a uterus, and children. TSS is connected with absorbent tampons.SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: · sudden high fever · sore throat · vomiting · diarrhea · dizziness · a rash resembling sunburn · muscle aches · fainting or blackouts
Early recognition and cure is vital, so if you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, remove the menstrual cup immediately, contact your doctor and express your concerns about the possibility of TSS.