Menstrual cups are a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional menstrual products. However, the lack of comprehensive guides tailored for African women can be a barrier to their adoption. This blog post aims to provide a detailed guide on how to insert and remove a menstrual cup, including some lesser-known tips and statistics specific to the African context.

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Understanding Menstrual Cups

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Before delving into the insertion and removal process, it's important to understand what menstrual cups are. They are bell-shaped devices made of rubber or silicone designed to be inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Unlike tampons or pads, they do not absorb blood but rather collect it, which can be more hygienic and less irritating for many women.

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According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 72% of women who switched to a menstrual cup reported feeling more positive about their periods.

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Here's why:

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• Cost-effective: A cup can last for years, saving money compared to constantly buying disposable products.
• Eco-friendly: No more landfill waste!
• Comfort and freedom: Once inserted correctly, you can forget about leaks and enjoy uninterrupted activities for up to 12 hours.

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Before You Begin: Know Your Body

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Unlike tampons, menstrual cups come in various sizes. To ensure a comfortable fit and prevent leakage, understanding your cervix height is crucial. Here's a tip: insert a clean finger into your vagina during your period. The distance your finger reaches before touching your cervix is likely your ideal cup size (low, medium, or high).

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Insertion: Step by Step

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1. Choose the Right Size: The size of the menstrual cup should be based on factors such as the position of your cervix, vaginal elasticity, childbirth history, and blood flow.
2. Find a Comfortable Position: You can sit on the toilet, stand with one leg up, or squat.
3. Fold the Cup: There are several folding techniques like the C or U fold, punch down fold, sevenfold, and tampon roll. Experiment to find the one that works best for you.
4. Insert the Cup: Guide the folded cup into your vagina, aiming it back towards the base of your spine. Once inside, the cup should open and form a seal against the vaginal walls.
5. Ensure the Seal: Rotate the cup slightly or run a finger around it to ensure it's fully open and has formed a seal.

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Removal: Step by Step

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1. Wash Your Hands: Always start with clean hands to prevent introducing bacteria.
2. Break the Seal: Pinch the base of the cup to release the seal before trying to pull it out.
3. Gently Remove: Once the seal is broken, gently rock the cup back and forth as you pull it down and out.
4. Empty and Clean: Empty the collected blood into the toilet and clean the cup with water and mild soap before reinserting or storing it.

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Statistics and Cultural Considerations in Africa

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In Africa, cultural and religious taboos can make discussions about menstruation and menstrual products challenging. For instance, in Nigeria, girls lose up to 24% of their school days due to menstruation-related issues. In Uganda, a significant number of respondents in a study reported using pads as their primary menstrual hygiene management tool, indicating a potential gap in knowledge or accessibility regarding menstrual cups.

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Tips Not Commonly Discussed

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• Trimming the Stem: If the stem of the cup is too long and causes discomfort, it can be trimmed to a comfortable length.
• Disinfecting the Cup: Before the first use and after your cycle, boil the cup for at least 5 minutes to disinfect it.
• Managing Heavy Flows: For heavier flows, you may need to empty the cup more frequently than the standard 12-hour guideline.

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Also Read: Pressing Health Challenges Faced By African Women (And How to Address Them)

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Addressing Concerns Among African Women

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1. Virginity: Using a menstrual cup does not affect virginity. The cup sits in the vagina, not the hymen.

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2. Discomfort: A properly fitted cup shouldn't cause pain. If you experience discomfort, it might be due to size or insertion technique.

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Conclusion

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Menstrual cups offer a viable alternative for African women, providing a safe, hygienic, and cost-effective solution for menstrual hygiene management. By understanding the proper techniques for insertion and removal, and considering the unique cultural landscape, African women can make informed decisions about their menstrual health.

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Do you have any other health concerns, such as irregular periods? Contact Debbo Africa. Dedicated to serving women solely, our team of medical specialists is ready to offer you the best care available.

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Sources

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(1) How to Use a Menstrual Cup: Insertion, Removal, Cleaning - Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-use-a-menstrual-cup-6749079.

(2) How to Insert and Remove a Menstrual Cup Like a Pro - Mira Fertility. https://www.miracare.com/blog/how-to-insert-a-menstrual-cup/.

(3) Reduce period poverty and increase education in Nigeria. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/09/period-poverty-menstruation-nigeria-education-global-shapers/.

(4) FINAL REPORT: SITUATION ANALYSIS STUDY ON MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT

https://www.ungei.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/Situational-Analysis-Study-on-MHM-in-Uganda-2020-eng.pdf.

(5) Debbo Africa (https://debbo.africa)