No, but if you prefer that your cup be fully sanitized before or after each cycle you can safely do so. In fact, it is recommended by most brands. You can boil your period cup in a pot on the stove, or in a specialty container in the microwave (be sure to allow it to cool before opening!)
What happens if you dont boil menstrual cup?
If you don’t clean your cup properly, bacteria, odors, stains, and erosion can occur. This could lead to irritation, or, in more rare cases, infection. This also means that your cup will likely need to be replaced more often. That’s why it’s recommended to keep up with your daily cleaning and monthly sterilization.
Is it okay to not sterilize menstrual cup?
Cleaning your menstrual cup with soap and water every time you empty your cup is just fine. However, when you’re wanting to put it away for the month or pulling it out to use, you need to sterilize.
Do you have to boil menstrual cup before use?
“First things first, it’s important to boil your menstrual cup before first use,” says Sophie Zivku, Corporate Communications Manager at DivaCup. “To do this, place it in an open pot of boiling water for five to 10 minutes with plenty of water. Just don’t leave the boiling pot unattended.
Do I need to boil my DivaCup?
While boiling the DivaCup can help with discoloration and give your cup a more thorough clean, it is not a required cleaning step. Note: the DivaCup will naturally discolor over time, but this will not impair its functionality. Boiling the cup is really a personal choice.
Can I wash menstrual cup with just water?
Wash the menstrual cup with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Rinse the cup under running water, then apply the unscented soap. Thoroughly rinse the cup again until all of the soap is gone. It’s important to only use unscented soap, as fragrances can irritate your skin or cause a yeast infection.
How often should you boil menstrual cup?
You typically need to clean your menstrual cup every 12 hours. However, it’s advisable to clean it more often. Try to clean your cup every 4 – 8 hours while on your period, especially if you have a heavy flow. Once your period is over, sterilise the cup to prepare it to be used again the following month.
What do gynecologists say about menstrual cups?
A menstrual cup is not suitable for women with severe clinical uterine prolapse, but all women with normal anatomy should be able to comfortably use a menstrual cup. Period cups may be less suitable for women who experience cervical or vaginal prolapse after childbirth.
Why does my menstrual cup stink?
While the silicone that most menstrual cups are made from is odourless, it is possible for your cup to develop an odour with use. This is an odour of the cup itself, not the period odour you may smell during your cycle.
How long do you boil menstrual cup?
We advise boiling your cup for 20 minutes between each menstrual cycle to keep it fresh and clean, but if you forgot or didn’t have time to boil it, you can sanitize the cup with our handy Cup Wipes, or wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. Once you get home, make sure to boil that cup for 20 minutes!
Can I wash my menstrual cup with hand soap?
Use gentle soaps that are free of dyes, fragrances, and oils. Hand soaps are fine, so is castille soap. If you don’t want to scour the ingredients list and prefer to know the soap is safe just buy menstrual cup safe washes designed to be gentle on skin and safe for silicone.
Can you use baby wipes on menstrual cups?
You could also just use some unscented baby wipes. Either way, this will make your life a lot easier if you find yourself needing to empty your cup in a public bathroom and don’t want to leave the stall to take care of it in the sink. Just make sure to wash it at your next available chance.
When should I sterilize my menstrual cup?
As it can be used for 12 hours at a stretch during your periods except if you are experiencing heavy flows. This means that you need to clean it only twice a day. Still, if you want to clean it in between you only need warm water to rinse it. You can use it with a gentle soap or with a Menstrual Cup Wash.
Can menstrual cup damage cervix?
Even though there have been rumors about it, there is currently no known evidence of menstrual cups damaging your cervix. If your cup is the right size and in the right place, there should be no issues of pain or problems with your cup getting stuck to your cervix.
Can I tie a string to my menstrual cup?
Cut a piece of string (about 25 cm) and thread it through the ring of your Me Luna or any other menstrual cup with a ring stem. Tie the two ends. Similar to a tampon, you now have more security for the removal of the menstrual cup.
Do menstrual cups cause damage?
Menstrual cups are safe to use, as long a person follows the safety guidelines. There is no evidence that they are any more dangerous than tampons. Rarely, menstrual cups can cause pain, urinary problems, or infection. If this occurs, it is important to stop using the product and speak to a doctor or gynecologist.
Can you get toxic shock syndrome with a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups may be a rare cause of TSS. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy may reduce the risk of relapse.
Why does my cup smell like fish?
If your glasses smell like fish, your dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning. If your glasses smell fishy, it’s possible all of your dishes have the same smell. It can be more apparent on glassware because of the proximity of a drinking glass to your nose and mouth when using it.
What does BV smell like?
‘The first symptom is often a fishy smell, which can progress to a frothy, grey or green-ish discharge. You may also feel itchy and swollen. ‘ There are a number of different treatment options if the symptoms of BV don’t clear up on their own.
Can you sleep with a menstrual cup?
You can sleep with a menstrual cup in! In fact, compared to bulky pads or tampons, many DivaCup users prefer it. Tampons should never be worn for more than the recommended time (usually between 4 to 8 hours); the DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours.
Can I boil my menstrual cup in the microwave?
You can sterilize your menstrual cup with water that’s been boiled in the microwave. Don’t put the cup itself in the microwave, or it could damage it. Fill a large mug with water – not too full or else it could boil over – and put it in the microwave.
How do you clean a menstrual cup in a public restroom?
Wipe the menstrual cup with toilet paper
In this case, use toilet paper or a tissue to clean your menstrual cup. Just remove and empty the contents of your cup with one hand. With your other hand, wipe your cup clean with toilet paper, then reinsert.
How do I make my DivaCup not smell?
Wipe thoroughly or soak your menstrual cup for an hour in vinegar. Pro tip: You can also use a toothpick soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean out your menstrual cup holes. Boil your cup AGAIN for 20 minutes and allow your cup to air dry in the sun completely before use.
Do I need to wash my DivaCup every time I take it out?
Wash your hands, wash your cup
Before insertion and after removal, you should wash your DivaCup with DivaWash or a mild, unscented, oil-free soap.
Is it normal to fill a menstrual cup in 2 hours?
Generally speaking, however, here are some signs and symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding to watch for: Having to change your pad or tampon every hour or filling a menstrual cup every 2-3 hours.
Why does my menstrual cup leak after a few hours?
And, if your cup starts to leak a few hours after insertion but you find when you remove it that it’s just half full, this can be because your cervix is sitting inside your cup, displacing the liquid and causing it to overflow.
Can you use a menstrual cup on light days?
You can keep a menstrual cup in on normal-to-light days for as much as 10-12 hours at a stretch with no leakage and no danger to your body (like Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with disposable tampons).
Can you get BV from a menstrual cup?
Is bacterial vaginosis associated with menstrual cups? If using and cleaning your menstrual cup as directed, it won’t cause you to develop bacterial vaginosis. This study by The Lancet notes zero reported cases of vaginal flora upsets after using menstrual cups.
What happens if you leave a menstrual cup in for more than 12 hours?
By staying longer than it should, the menstrual cup, as well as the tampon and pad, can cause the growth of bacteria that damage organs.
Why do I smell like a wet dog?
Sweating A Great Deal
The sweat mixes with the bacteria on the scalp and emits a powerful odor in some people. If you notice that the wet dog smell is most noticeable after you’ve sweated a bunch, this could be the cause you’ve been looking for.
What does period blood smell like?
Some people might notice different types of smell to their period blood, such as a metallic, rotten, or fishy smell. Some odors are normal, while others may be a sign of a problem. Several factors can influence the smell of menstrual blood, such as the vagina’s pH and the presence of bacteria.
Why does my water smell like worms?
This smell is often an indicator that you may be dealing with elevated levels of chloramines, barium, or cadmium. Chloramines are a compound of chlorine and ammonia and are used to disinfect public water.
Why do vaginas smell like fish?
Causes for a fishy smell
It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, but can also be caused by a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis. A fishy odor is a common symptom.
Can I use my menstrual cup if it fell in the toilet?
If you do accidentally drop your menstrual cup in the toilet, first thing to do is to fish it out – please don’t try and flush it, as this can clog pipes and end up in our waterways. If you have some disposable gloves, pop these on and pull it out.