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Menstrual discs and menstrual cups are two of the most innovative products in intimate hygiene. Women who want to offer other women a comfortable, safe and economical alternative for that time of the month have developed these products to replace disposable pads and tampons with great success.
If you haven't tried one of FemiEko's products, reusable pads or menstrual cups before, but you've heard that they reduce the worry of having to change pads or tampons every two hours, then you'll find information in this article to help you make the best choice for you and your body's needs.
In the following you will find out:
- What a menstrual cup is
- What is a menstrual disc?
- What materials are they made of?
- How do you put them in and take them out again?
- How long can you use them?
- Whether they can be recycled?
- How should they be cleaned and stored?
- Are there any risks in using them?
We also talk about the myths surrounding the use of menstrual pads and menstrual cups.
In the following, you will find out what a menstrual cup is, what a menstrual pad is, what materials they are made of, how to insert and remove them again, how long you can use them, whether they can be reused, how must be cleaned and stored and whether there is any risk in using them. We also talk about the myths surrounding the use of menstrual pads and menstrual cups:
What is a menstrual cup?
FemiEko's menstrual cup is an intimate product made of 100% medical silicone, specially designed to be used during menstruation as a healthy, economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional feminine hygiene products. The cup is used inside the vagina and effectively protects against leakage. Unlike a tampon, which absorbs menstrual blood, the blood collects inside the cup. A protective cup ring helps to create a vacuum in the vaginal opening and thus provides optimal safety. You actually forget you're on your period, especially because you can let it sit for up to 8-10 hours if you're not bleeding heavily. It is available in two sizes, depending on your cervix type (low/medium or high).
What is a menstrual disc?
The 100% Medical Silicone Menstrual Disc is our newest product designed to meet all women's needs and fit different cervical heights. It has a universal size that does not take into account the menstrual flow, the position of the cervix, age or birth. The menstrual disc is used inside the vagina, where it collects the blood naturally without creating bacteria, irritation or unpleasant smells. It is located under the pubic bone and therefore fits across the vaginal opening and not under the cervix like a menstrual cup. Unlike the cup, the disk can be used without problems even if you have an IUD, as it does not create a vacuum.
And yes, as mentioned in the second article about FemiEko menstrual pads , you can have sex while wearing it.
Menstrual cup vs. Disc: Material
As for the material they are made of, you should know that it is completely safe for you to use as there is no risk of causing vaginal infection or dryness. Of course, as long as you follow all hygiene rules before using them. Both the cup and the menstrual disc are made of 100% medical silicone of German quality, which is biocompatible and bacteria-free. Both have attestations and quality certifications that guarantee that you can use them safely, e.g. ISO, CE, FDA, MSDS etc.
Menstrual cup vs. disk: insertion and removal
Although both products are inserted into the vagina, the method of insertion and removal is slightly different and we explain exactly how to do it.
The menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina and placed under the cervix. Before insertion, wash your hands thoroughly and make sure the product is sterilized. Then:
- Bend the cup in the shape of the letter C, insert the cup into the vagina, twist it so that it opens completely and creates a vacuum. Now the space is sealed, the ring of the cup is attached to the vaginal walls, and the menstrual fluid is collected inside without the risk of staining.
- If you want to remove and empty it, wash your hands thoroughly again. Insert your finger into the vagina on the side of the cup to break the vacuum. Pull it out, empty it, then rinse it with water.
The menstrual pad is located behind the pubic bone and fits across the vaginal opening and not under the cervix as with the menstrual cup. Wash your hands before inserting and make sure it is sterilized. Then:
- Fold the disc lengthwise and insert it into the sheath with the round side, with the ring out, with the ring out. Continue to push the disc gently upwards, facing the navel, keeping it folded the entire time. To ensure that you do not leak, it is important to push the disc under the pubic bone, which is the pivot point of the disc. The menstrual disc is placed deeper than the menstrual cup, across the vaginal opening, where it collects the menstrual fluid inside.
- To remove it, insert your finger into the vagina, grasp the special ring on the disc and gently pull it out. Empty and clean it.
It is very important to remember when using a menstrual cup vs. menstrual disc:
- Unlike menstrual cups, a menstrual disc does not create a vacuum, which means it is a good option for people who have an IUD. The cup, on the other hand, creates a vacuum, which must therefore be handled carefully so as not to dislodge any IUD device.
- When choosing a menstrual cup, you don't have to consider childbirth or cervical positioning, as is the case with cups.
Are there any risks to using menstrual cups or discs?
There is no risk in using any of the products as long as you follow the directions for use carefully and take all hygiene precautions, ie. wash your hands before inserting and removing the disc or cup, and sterilize them before and after each use. However, it is not recommended to use a menstrual cup if: you have burns, irritation or inflammation in the genitals or feel discomfort and pain when urinating.
How long can you use menstrual cups and pads?
To achieve optimal hygiene, we recommend that you do not wear your menstrual cup for more than 10 hours without removing it. It must be emptied approx. twice a day, depending on how much you bleed. If you are bleeding profusely, you need to empty it more often to avoid the risk of leakage. You should also not wear menstrual pads or cups for more than 12 hours without emptying them.
Here's another tip: it's more effective to monitor your flow when you start using one of the FemiEko products. This way, you will know at what intervals to remove and empty the cup or disc during the first days of your period and towards the end.
Which is best for managing heavy bleeding, menstrual cups or discs?
The silicone menstrual pads have a unique design and are compatible with any anatomy and any degree of bleeding, whether heavy, medium or light. The difference lies in the intervals at which you must remove and empty it.
The menstrual cup, on the other hand, comes in different sizes and is chosen according to the cervix, so to be sure, you need to know your body's anatomy a little better.
Menstrual cup vs. disk: myths
The cup cannot be used by virgins – MYTH! We have developed a menstrual cup specially designed for the TEEN category, which is compatible with the needs of teenage girls and is also suitable for virgins.
You can't have sex when you're on your period - MYTH! The menstrual disc can be used during sex, but be careful! It does not protect you from an unwanted pregnancy.
Are menstrual cups and pads reusable?
Yes, they are reusable and that is one of the benefits of menstrual cups and pads. This means you buy them once and use them for a few years. When you take them out to empty them during your period, simply rinse them with water and put them back in.
However, it is very important to know that both the disc and the cup must be sterilized before each use, even the first time. The sterilization is also carried out when menstruation has stopped, when the bleeding stops. There are two ways to sterilize your products: with a special sterilizer, which you can find in the "Accessories" section of our website, or by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Between periods, we recommend that after sterilisation, you store the cup or disc in the special bag provided.
Now that you've learned the most important things about the menstrual cup and disc – two revolutionary products in every woman's life – it's time to choose the one that best suits your needs. Or you can try them both together with the special sterilizer. If you order at least 3 products, we have the option of choosing “Naked Box” packaging, which is a single reusable, environmentally friendly box that can be reused. By choosing "Naked Box" you also get a 20% discount on future purchases.
Whichever solution you choose, you save money and feel comfortable during your period.
