Menstrual cups are finally going mainstream. They're easy to find at any pharmacy and sales for The Diva Cup, the most popular brand, have grown by double digits every year for the past decade.
Most women didn't have the luxury of learning about menstrual cups in sex ed, but it's 2016, so we've got handy GIFs to explain how they work and answer the most common questions. (Is that really going to fit? How often should you take it out? What happens when you go to the bathroom?) And if you're a guy who's still reading, props to you. This is what equality is all about.
Yes, it will fit! Pinch it and fold it like a burrito.
If you're used to tampons, the diameter of a menstrual cup is enough to make you say, "Nope!" But all you've got to do is pinch the cup in the middle and fold the sides together. Ah, that's better!
Then, wiggle it in, push gently, and wait for a pop.
Using clean hands, spread the lips of the vagina and shimmy the cup inside. Once it's secure, push the cup farther in--the same way you would with a tampon. The cup will open up inside, and you can set it and forget it (for up to 12 hours). Side note: You won't have to push that far. Vulvas are much shorter than what's shown in this model.
You may need to readjust after going to the bathroom.
It's totally normal if it takes longer to pee. And after you poop, the cup may pop out a little. If that happens, take clean fingers and push it back into a comfortable position.
To get it out, just push and pull.
Bear down (a.k.a. push like you are about to poop) and the cup should slowly move out of your vagina. Once you see the cup, gently press it down to break the seal and pull it out. Don't worry about making a mess--women typically overestimate their flow, so most times the menstrual cup isn't even close to being full when you remove it. Just make sure you take the cup out over the toilet, so you can tip it right out.
Still have more questions? Check out the video below for the full explanation:
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.