Tampons & Cups: Stuck? Hurt? Safe?

Welcome to Healcycle - Your Guide to Understanding Internal Period Products

Healcycle is dedicated to providing individuals with the resources and information needed to navigate their menstrual health journey with confidence. Choosing the right period product is a personal decision, and it is essential to have access to accurate and reliable information to make informed choices. This report aims to address common questions and dispel myths surrounding internal period products, specifically tampons and menstrual cups, empowering users with a clearer understanding of these options.

Tampon Truths: Separating Facts from Fiction

Myth: Tampons can get lost inside the body.

This is a common worry, but anatomically impossible. The vagina is a closed passage ending at the cervix, which has a very small opening. Studies of the female anatomy claims that the cervix prevents anything larger than sperm from entering the uterus. Therefore, a tampon cannot travel beyond the vagina and become lost within the body.

Concern: Difficulty in removing a tampon.

While tampons cannot get lost, removal can sometimes be challenging. This often occurs due to improper insertion or leaving the tampon in for too long. Remaining calm and trying different positions like squatting can help. Gently pulling the string should release it. If the string is hard to reach, use clean fingers.

Myth: Tampons hurt to insert.

When inserted correctly, tampons should not cause pain. Following the instructions and relaxing your pelvic muscles are key. Finding a comfortable position and angling the tampon towards your lower back can also help. Ensure the tampon is inserted far enough into the vagina.

Reasons for discomfort during tampon use:

Discomfort can arise from vaginal dryness, using the wrong tampon size, incorrect insertion technique, or underlying health conditions.

Myth: Tampons are unhygienic.

Tampons are hygienic when used correctly. They are sterile and designed for single use. Washing hands before and after use is crucial. Regular changing every 4-8 hours is recommended. Using the right absorbency and proper disposal are also important for hygiene.

Concern: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

TSS is a rare but serious condition linked to bacterial toxins. While tampons don't cause it, misuse can increase the risk. Factors include high absorbency tampons and prolonged wear. Since the 1980s, changes in tampon manufacturing have significantly reduced TSS cases. Symptoms like high fever and rash require immediate medical attention.

Myth: There's confusion about the safe wear time for tampons.

The general guideline is to change tampons every 4 to 8 hours. Many experts advise changing them more frequently, around every 4 to 6 hours, for added safety. It's crucial not to wear a tampon for longer than 8 hours. Some recent research suggests a maximum wear time of 6 hours to further minimize TSS risk.

Menstrual Cup Clarity: Addressing Common Concerns

Myth: My vagina is too big/small for a menstrual cup.

Finding the right menstrual cup size depends on the height of your cervix, not the width of your vagina. The vaginal canal typically measures between 7 to 12 cm in length. Larger cups might be suitable for individuals with a high cervix, those who have given birth, or those experiencing stress incontinence or weak pelvic floor muscles. The suction created by the cup helps to keep it securely in place.

Myth: The menstrual cup will get lost inside me.

It's a common concern that a menstrual cup might get lost, but it's physically impossible. The cervix, with its small opening, acts as a barrier, preventing the cup from entering the uterus. If the stem is difficult to reach, squatting can help to push the cup down. Allowing the cup to fill can also aid in its descent.

Myth: Menstrual cup will stretch my vagina.

A menstrual cup will not stretch your vagina. The vagina is designed to expand and contract, accommodating the cup during insertion and returning to its normal state afterward. It's the natural elasticity of the vaginal walls that allows for this flexibility, not a permanent stretching of the muscle tissue.

Myth: My periods are too heavy for a menstrual cup.

Menstrual cups come in various sizes, including larger options designed to handle heavy flow. If you have a heavy period, you may need to empty and clean the cup more frequently. Most women lose an average of around 80ml of blood during their entire period, which most menstrual cups can accommodate.

Myth: The menstrual cup will leak if I exercise.

If you are using the correct size of menstrual cup and it's properly inserted, it should not leak during exercise. The cup creates a seal against the vaginal walls, preventing leaks even during physical activity.

Concern: Menstrual cups can cause pain or discomfort.

While menstrual cups should not cause pain if the correct size and shape are used, discomfort can sometimes occur. This could be due to physical tension from anxiety, incorrect insertion (too high or low), or the stem causing irritation. Using a water-based lubricant can ease insertion.

Concern: Menstrual cups can get stuck.

Although it might feel like it, menstrual cups cannot get truly stuck or lost inside the vagina. The vagina is a closed passage. Remaining calm and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles is key. Try different positions like squatting or bearing down to help lower the cup. Pinching the base of the cup breaks the suction, allowing for easy removal.

Concern: Menstrual cups are unhygienic or unsafe.

Menstrual cups are generally considered safe and hygienic by the medical community. They are made from medical-grade silicone or other safe materials. Regular emptying (every 4-12 hours) and proper cleaning with mild soap and water, followed by sterilization after each cycle, are essential for hygiene. The risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is considered similar to or lower than with tampons.

Conclusion: Healcycle - Your Partner in Informed Menstrual Health Choices

Healcycle offers features to help you manage your menstrual health. You can easily track your period start and end dates, flow intensity, and any symptoms. This helps you understand your cycle better and predict future periods. You can find answers to common questions and concerns, with Healcycle, you can approach your menstrual health with confidence and make informed decisions.

 References:

Period Nirvana. (n.d.). My Menstrual Cup Is Stuck! Get Step-by-Step Help. Retrieved from https://www.periodnirvana.com/cant-remove-your-menstrual-cup-get-step-by-step-help/ Ruby Cup. (2021, November 23).

Menstrual Cup Pain: Is It Normal & What Can You Do About It? Retrieved from https://rubycup.com/blogs/articles/menstrual-cup-pain

Expecting Pelvic Health. (n.d.). A Pelvic Floor PTs View of Menstrual Cups. Retrieved from https://www.expectingpelvichealth.com/blog-posts/a-pelvic-floor-pts-view-of-menstrual-cups

We Are Mooncup. (n.d.). Why Does My Menstrual Cup Hurt? Retrieved from https://wearemooncup.com/blogs/the-bloody-bulletin/why-does-my-menstrual-cup-hurt

Mayo Clinic Health System. (n.d.). Menstrual cups vs. tampons: Things you might not know about the cup. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/menstrual-cups-vs-tampons-things-you-might-not-know-about-the-cup Healthline. (n.d.).

Menstrual Cup: What It Is, How to Use, Clean, and More. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cup WebMD. (n.d.). Menstrual Cup. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/women/menstrual-cup Healthline. (2023, March 28).

Menstrual Cup Dangers: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/menstrual-cup-dangers The Honey Pot. (n.d.). The 411 on Menstrual Cups. Retrieved from https://thehoneypot.co/blogs/menstural/the-411-on-menstrual-cups