Changing your Diva Cup in a public restroom can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! The key is to be prepared and confident in what you’re doing. Here are a few tips to help make the experience as seamless as possible:
1. Bring a large enough bag with you. It will be necessary to bring a large bag with enough space for both your Diva Cup and your supplies so you can empty, rinse, and reinsert it with ease.
2. Get organized. Prepare your supplies before leaving the house and line them up in the order they will be used. This will help keep things organized and ensure that everything goes smoothly.
3. Prepare the space. Make sure the restroom stall you will be using is as clean as possible. Wipe down any surfaces you will be touching and have paper towels or washcloths nearby to help protect yourself and surfaces.
4. Make sure the area is clean. Use some of the supplies you brought to clean the area where you plan to rinse your cup. This will help ensure everything is sanitary and will be less likely to cause any irritation.
5. Keep a water bottle on hand. If there is no sink in the stall, you will need to pour water from a water bottle onto your cup.
6. Take your time. Don’t rush the process! Take the time you need to clean the cup and reinsert it into your vagina.
7. Clean up and dispose of supplies. Use the wipes or paper towels you brought with you to wipe down any surfaces you touched, and dispose of the supplies you used.
Changing your Diva Cup in a public restroom is totally doable. As long as you’re prepared and have a plan, you can make the whole process run smoothly and efficiently.
How do you remove a menstrual cup from a public bathroom?
Removing a menstrual cup from a public bathroom can be a little tricky, but it is possible. First, it is important to make sure that your hands are clean and free from any germs. Wash them with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water.
Once your hands are clean, you will want to make sure you are in a private area of the bathroom. This will ensure that you are not disturbed while you are removing the cup.
Find a comfortable stance that you can remain in while you remove the cup. This could mean getting into a squatting position and using your abdominal muscles to help you get the cup out. You may also be able to use a chair or other sturdy object to help you stay in place.
Now, take a few deep breaths and relax your muscles. This will help make it easier for the cup to come out. Slowly insert a finger into your vagina and locate the stem at the end of the cup.
Using your finger, pinch the bottom of the cup and grip it firmly. This will release the suction seal, allowing you to remove the cup from your vagina. Once the cup is out, empty it into the toilet and then rinse it with water.
When you’re done, put the cup back in its storage bag and discard any materials you used to remove it, such as toilet paper. Finally, remember to wash your hands again with soap and water or with a hand sanitizer to avoid spreading any germs.
Do you have to wash your menstrual cup after every use?
Yes, it is critical to wash your menstrual cup after every use. This is important for both hygiene and health reasons – menstrual cups typically collect menstrual fluid for up to 8 hours before needing to be emptied.
Not cleaning the cup between uses can cause bacteria to build up, which can lead to irritation and even infections. To clean the cup between uses, you should rinse it off with water and then use an approved, mild soap to clean the cup and help ensure that it is free of bacteria.
It is also important to remember to sterilize your menstrual cup after each menstrual cycle, with either boiling water or a sterilizing solution, as this will kill any remaining bacteria and help ensure the cup remains safe to use.
What if I dont boil my menstrual cup?
It is important to boil your menstrual cup regularly to ensure it is clean. If you do not boil your menstrual cup, you may be at risk of infection. This is because the menstrual cup can build up bacteria from the menstrual flow and can be difficult to clean thoroughly without boiling it.
Without boiling the menstrual cup, bacteria and other microorganisms will not be killed and could cause an infection. The best thing to do is to boil your menstrual cup after each period to ensure it is clean.
You should also ensure you rinse your menstrual cup with hot water before and after each use, as this will help to reduce the risk of infection.
Why does my period cup smell?
It’s normal for menstrual cups to have a slight scent, especially if they haven’t been properly taken care of, washed, or stored properly. If your menstrual cup smells, it’s likely the result of bacteria growth.
This occurs because the cup collects your menstrual fluid and provides the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive in. When menstrual fluid, which contains hormones and other compounds, remains in the cup for a long period of time, it will start to smell.
To prevent this, it’s important to clean and dry your cup after each use and to store it in a dry, breathable area away from moisture and sunlight. If the smell persists, it may be a good idea to replace the cup with a new one.
When should I sterilize my menstrual cup?
It is important to properly clean and sterilize your menstrual cup after each cycle in order to ensure that it is clean and free of bacteria or other contaminants. Generally, it is best to sterilize your menstrual cup before and after each use, but also every three to six months, depending on the level of usage of the cup.
Sterilizing your menstrual cup is a relatively simple process that should be done with any cup regardless of the material it is made from. To sterilize, simply boil your menstrual cup in a pot of water for 3-5 minutes.
Once the cup has cooled, dry it out with a clean cloth and store it in a dry place until you are ready to use it again.
How long can you keep a menstrual cup in?
Most menstrual cup brands recommend that you should not wear a menstrual cup for more than 12 hours at a time. However, depending on your flow you may need to empty your cup every 6-8 hours, as the cup will become full and leak if it’s left in too long.
It’s also important to empty the cup before going to bed, as you will be lying down for an extended period of time. Furthermore, swap out your cup for a fresh one every 8-12 hours during the heavy flow days of your period.
Some women may need to empty and clean the cup more frequently depending on flow. It is recommended that you avoid using your cup when heavily flow or to empty, clean and reinsert your cup more often than every 8-12 hours.
If your menstrual cup is still in after 12 hours and you haven’t experienced any issues with leakage, you can leave it in for up to 24 hours and then replace it with a new one.
Why do I have to boil my DivaCup?
Boiling your DivaCup is an important step in cleaning and sterilizing it for safe and effective use. Boiling inactivates bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, causing them to be eliminated from the material.
This process is necessary to ensure the cup is clean and safe to use for up to a year, reducing your risk of urinary tract infections. Boiling also helps keep the shape of the cup consistent and keeps any odors away.
It’s important to boil your DivaCup in a pot of water, ensuring that it is completely submerged, and then allowing it to boil for 5-7 minutes. After boiling, you should allow your cup to air dry before storing it away.
Can you just rinse a menstrual cup?
Yes, you can rinse a menstrual cup with plain water. Before and after each use, it is important to make sure that your menstrual cup has been thoroughly cleaned with plain water. This can either be done using cold or warm water, and some people prefer to use boiled water.
To ensure that your menstrual cup is properly cleaned, use a soft cloth or your fingers to gently rinsing out the inside and outside of the cup. When you are finished rinsing, it is a good idea to shake off any excess water before storing your cup in a clean and dry place.
Regularly cleaning your menstrual cup with plain water will help to keep it in good condition and ensure its safety and hygiene.
What kind of soap should I use to wash my menstrual cup?
When washing your menstrual cup, it is important to use a gentle, unscented, non-abrasive soap. This is to ensure that the cup is properly removable and not damaged. Many menstrual cup brands will have recommendations on what type of soap to use, so check the instructions that came with your cup.
Some suggested soaps are mild, unscented liquid soaps, like Dr. Bronner’s pure castille soap, which is a gentle vegetable soap made from natural ingredients. Another option is a specialized cup wash, like the DivaWash, which is specifically formulated for menstrual cup cleaning.
For a natural alternative, you can use a diluted vinegar solution.
It is important to remember to not use oils, lotions, or other additives to clean your menstrual cup, as these can cause discomfort. Additionally, it is important to not use antibacterial soaps or harsh cloths as these can damage your cup, or cause skin irritation or a bacterial imbalance.
How do you disinfect menstrual cups?
The most fool-proof way to disinfect and clean a menstrual cup is to boil it in a saucepan of water. Fill the saucepan with at least 3 cups of water, then insert your menstrual cup. Let the water come to a rolling boil and leave the cup to boil gently for 8-10 minutes.
Remove the cup with a spoon and let cool before handling. This method is particularly important if you’ve used your menstrual cup when ill, or for the first few cycles after purchase.
Other options for disinfection also include putting the menstrual cup in a small cup of 5-10% white vinegar and water. Leave the menstrual cup to soak for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water when complete.
As a last resort, natural unscented dish soap can be used to wash the menstrual cup. Rubbing a small amount of the dish soap over the menstrual cup with fingers then scrubbing with a cloth should remove most stain and residue.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water when complete.
Anytime that you are washing or disinfecting your menstrual cup, it’s important make sure to use only lukewarm water to prevent damage to the cup. Additionally, make sure to both air-dry and store your menstrual cup in a breathable material (such as a cotton bag) between uses.
What wipes are safe for menstrual cups?
For any woman using a menstrual cup, it is important to make sure you are using the correct type of wipes to clean their cup. It is important to look for wipes that are non-irritating and made without any potential irritants or caustic substances.
When it comes to finding the right wipes for menstrual cups, one should look for unscented wipes made with 100% natural and hypoallergenic materials. All wipes should be free of chlorine, alcohol, parabens and other synthetic ingredients that could potentially irritate sensitive skin.
Some of the best wipes to use when cleaning menstrual cups include natural wipes that are specifically formulated for menstrual cups. These wipes are made with a combination of coconut oil, aloe vera, and chamomile to moisturize the cup while offering a gentle clean.
When it comes to cleaning and sanitizing your cup, it is important to use silicone-safe wipes. These wipes are formulated to gently clean and sanitize menstural cups without causing damage to the cup material.
It is important to note that warm water and a mild mild soap are the most effective and safest way to clean your menstrual cup. This should be done after each use. However, wiping down with a safe wipe is an additional way to help keep your cup clean during your cycle.
Can I wash my DivaCup with Vagisil?
No, you should not wash your DivaCup with Vagisil. It is important to use a mild, unscented, water-based soap such as our own DivaWash to care for your DivaCup. The chemical agents and fragrances in Vagisil (or any other intimate wash) can cause irritation and imbalance the natural flora in your body.
It is advised to only use water and a mild, water-based soap like DivaWash for best care and cleaning of your DivaCup.