From the moment that a teenage girl starts menstruating, she is introduced to disposable feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads and tampons. They are worn for a few hours and then disposed of, followed by wearing a fresh pad or tampon. That’s the standard feminine hygiene practice of disposables that we have grown to follow. However, now queries regarding how to use a menstrual cup or how to clean a menstrual cup are surrounding the internet.

Since puberty, we have been taught and told that a sanitary product needs to be disposed of after use since they are unhygienic. Then, the market gets disrupted by the silicone menstrual cup, breaking all the conventional ideas of feminine hygiene; a product that can be reused over and over again, no need to throw it away after one use. No wonder women still have concerns about what is a menstrual cup, how to use it or how to disinfect a menstrual cup.

It’s understandable if the idea is too novel to wrap your head around. Even when reading this blog, and if you are still not a menstrual cup or Shecup user, these are probably the queries popping up in your mind;

Breaking the Taboo: Menstrual Blood isn’t Impure

Since time immemorial, menstruation has been shrouded in secrecy and misconceptions, leading to the stigmatisation of women and their bodies. Although there are many myths surrounding menstrual cups clouding basic concepts like how to wash and sterilize a menstrual cup, one widely known myth in many cultures is that menstrual blood is dirty or impure. Before you delve into how to clean menstrual cups, let’s debunk this misconception and shed light on the biological reality and cultural appropriation of menstruation.

The Biological Reality

Menstrual blood is the shedding of the uterine lining, consisting of blood, mucus, and tissues. It is not a product of impurity but rather a natural occurrence within a woman’s reproductive cycle. Menstruation is a sign of a healthy functioning body and is necessary for the reproductive system’s proper functioning.

Moreover, menstrual blood is not unique in terms of its composition. It is similar to blood that flows throughout the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to various organs. The only difference is that menstrual blood also includes the uterine lining, which isn’t impure because if there would be no uterine lining, there would be no reproduction and the human race would stop as it is now. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that menstrual blood is contaminated or impure in any way. However, you do need to disinfect your menstrual cups for overall hygiene. Still have any concerns about how to disinfect menstrual cups or how to sanitize it? We would suggest you to keep it simple without using any abrasive soap or liquid cleaners that can alter the pH of your intimate area.

Historical and Cultural Perspective

The perception of menstrual blood as impure has deep-rooted historical and cultural origins. Many societies across the globe have long-held taboos and negative beliefs about menstruation, often associating it with notions of dirtiness, impurity, or even punishment. These beliefs have contributed to the marginalization and discrimination faced by women in numerous contexts.

Religious and cultural practices have often reinforced these notions, with women being excluded from certain spaces or activities during their menstrual cycles. These restrictions not only perpetuate the stigma but also undermine women’s autonomy and equality. It is crucial to challenge these harmful beliefs and create a society that values women’s bodily autonomy and respects their menstrual experiences. Most women have concerns with how to sanitize menstrual cups because they don’t understand menstruation has so much more to do than its historical and cultural perspectives. Rise beyond how our ancestors stigmatise periods and think sustainably if you want a healthier future for you, the environment, as well as your future generations.

• Reusing a menstrual product; will it be safe and hygienic?
• Will I catch an infection by reusing the product?
• How do I clean it after each use? 

Your dilemma is understandable, and that’s why we are here to give you a detailed step-by-step process of how to clean menstrual cup after use. Rest assured, it is safe and hygienic, more than your sanitary pad and tampon and if you are concerned about cleaning a menstrual cup, here is a guide for you. You can follow our guide on how to use a menstrual cup step by step with pictures and then delve into this guide for cleaning your period cup.

Also Read: How to wear a menstrual cup?

Cleaning a Menstrual Cup – Steps to Follow

A silicone menstrual cup can be worn for 6-10 hours depending on the day of your period and the flow of the menses. Even on heavy flow days, you can wear it for 6-8 hours, without the risk of leaking, feeling of wetness, and discomfort. 

Now, coming to the how to clean the menstrual cup part; here’s what you need to do:

1. Wash your hand with soap and water, or use an alcohol rub to sanitize your hands.
2. Get into a comfortable position to remove the cup; you can squat for better access. 
3. Insert your index finger and thumb inside and pinch the base of the cup to release the suction. 
4. Gently remove the cup using the stem or knob.
5. Empty the menses inside the toilet. 
6. Run the Shecup under warm or cold water. 
7. Use your dry hand and wipe the cup with menstrual wipes. 
8. The soap wipes contain pH-balanced soap that will create lather. 
9. Wash it under the water till it is free of the gunk.
10. Wipe it dry with a tissue or a dry wipe. 
11. Re-insert the cup, and you are good to go for another 6-10 hours. 
12. Finally, wash your hands clean with soap and water. 

Stop worrying about how to clean menstrual cup after use. If you are using a public restroom where water is scarce then either carry a bottle of water or use wet menstrual wipes to clean the cup. They are easy to come by.

Wrapping Up!

Using a silicone menstrual cup and then cleaning a menstrual cup it is as easy as it can get. It’s a few simple steps to a more hygienic, eco-friendly, comfortable, and happy period! So, what are you waiting for? Get your menstrual Shecup today.