Can my teenager use a menstrual cup?
We are frequently asked if teenage girls can use a menstrual cup. All of the brands we carry would say that it is fine for teenagers or young girls to use menstrual cups, however, there are a few things worth keeping in mind. Starting to menstruate can be a daunting experience for young girls. While it is a perfectly normal part of life, it can still take time for them to adjust to all that menstruation can entail. Giving a cup to a young girl and explaining where she needs to put it, can sometimes be a little more than she can handle. This can cause anxiety and the tightening of the vaginal muscles, meaning a small teen size cup is the best place to start. Alternatively, it may be preferable to stick with conventional period care products like washable cloth pads or period panties until she gets used to this new phase of life.
How does a menstrual cup affect the hymen?
It should also be noted that there is the possibility of a menstrual cup tearing or stretching the Hymen, as is also the case when using tampons. The Hymen is a membrane which partially covers the opening of the vagina. The tearing or stretching of the Hymen can occur from penetrative sex, as well as a range of activities such as bike riding, horse riding, the use of tampons, and other physical activities. The amount of the vagina which the membrane covers can also vary from woman to woman with some Hymens only covering a small amount of the opening, and others covering a much larger area of the vaginal opening. If cups and tampons are inserted carefully, the Hymen can usually stretch to accomodate this, however, it is typically recommended that women who have not had penetrative sex start with a smaller sized cup. If for religious or cultural reasons it is important to minimise the chance of stretching the hymen, then we would recommend not using a menstrual cup.
Menstrual cup advantages for teenage girls
Using a menstrual cup has many great advantages for young girls (especially if they are still at school). Cups enable them to continue participating in regular sporting programmes, including swimming. For young girls with a heavy flow, the use of a cup at school is much easier than having to worry about frequent tampon or pad changes. In recent months, several companies have designed menstrual cups which are smaller and more suited to young girls. The smaller size makes these cups less intimidating and easier to insert and remove. The brands we recommend for any teens or young girls first starting their menstrual cup journey are below:
-
Saalt Teen Cup
$ 39.95 -
Lily Cup One
$ 34.95 -
Pelvi Cup For Teens
$ 24.95 -
Allmatters Menstrual Cup
$ 34.95
Cup insertion and removal tips for teens:
As mentioned above, the Hymen does not fully cover the opening of the vagina. This means the cup does not ‘pierce’ it when inserted. Make sure you are gentle and insert the cup slowly without using force.
To insert the cup:
- After first washing your hands, make sure you relax.
- Try several menstrual cup folds to find one you feel most comfortable with. The Punchdown or 7-fold are great for younger girls, since these folds make the insertion point of the cup smaller.
- Use a little coconut oil or water based lubricant to make insertion easier. Fold the cup first, ensure you have a strong hold of the cup and then rub a small amount of the lubricant around the rim and walls of the cup.
- Squat down or place one foot on the toilet seat and gently pull the labia apart with one hand and slowly insert the cup into the vagina.
- You may find it helpful to wiggle the cup carefully and slowly from side to side while applying light pressure while pushing it in.
- Make sure it has fully opened by feeling for the ‘pop’ or running your finger around the base of the cup. You should be able to twist a cup in a full circle if it is fully opened and properly sealed.
To remove the cup:
- After washing your hands – relax. This is important, as the vaginal muscles will tighten if we are stressed which can make removal more difficult.
- Squat or raise a leg and rest it on the toilet seat. This position helps shorten the vaginal canal.
- Gently separate the labia with one hand, while carefully reaching for the base of the menstrual cup with the other hand.
- If you can touch the stem, use it as a guide to find and pinch the base of the cup. DO NOT just pull the stem. You need to break the suction first by firmly pinching the base of the cup with your thumb and forefinger, or running your index finger up along the side of the cup and pushing inwards (collapsing the cup in on itself). You can also use try ‘bearing down’ as if passing a bowel movement so as to move the cup down the vaginal canal.
- Once the suction/seal has been released, gently pull the cup out of the vagina, wiggling from side to side, and empty the menstrual fluid into the toilet.
Frequently asked questions:
Learn more about menstrual cups with the FAQ’s below.
There are several advantages to a menstrual cup compared to disposable pads or tampons.
- A menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours before needing to be emptied.
- Cups are reusable and can last for up to 5 years. This saves you money and reduces landfill.
- Menstrual cups do not interfere with your natural vaginal flora, making them a healthy alternative for down under.
- They can reduce menstrual odour.
- No strings, wings, or leaks.
- Cups can be worn during any of your favourite activities including swimming, bike riding, gymnastics, running, and horse riding.
- Cups are convenient and portable. One cup is all you need and it is easy to take with you wherever you go!
No. A menstrual cup should not cause any pain. In fact you should not be able to feel a correctly sized and inserted menstrual cup at all. If you can feel your cup or experience any pain, you may need a different style or size cup.
The recommendation by the Australian TGA is that a menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours or overnight.Â
Unless you have a very heavy flow, you should be able to get through most school days without needing to empty your menstrual cup. However, if it becomes necessary to remove and re-insert your cup, there are a few options for doing this in a public toilet. Make sure you wash your hands prior to entering the toilet and (if you wish), use some paper towel to open and then lock the door, to save contamination.
- Take some bottled water with you and rinse the cup over the toilet before re-inserting.
- If water is not available, you can just wipe the cup with some paper towel or toilet tissue, re-insert and then wash thoroughly when next able to do so.
- You can use a menstrual cup wipe to clean the cup before re-inserting.
Hint:Â Put some toilet paper in the toilet first. This will absorb the blood once you empty the cup and reduce the number of flushes you need to do to clear the bowl.
Absolutely! If the cup has been inserted correctly, you can swim, run, jump, cartwheel, ride…do any activity you want, worry, string, and leak free, for up to 12 hours.
No. If your cup is inserted correctly, you should not be able to smell any period odour.
No, a menstrual cup cannot get lost inside of you. A cup cannot go any further than the cervix and will always remain in the vaginal canal. If you have trouble reaching your cup, you may have a high cervix and a cup that is too short. Please read our removal tips for help.
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