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How to Use a Menstrual Cup if You Have an IUD

March 18, 2020

  1. Menstrual cups are a great environmentally friendly solution for many women.
  2. The menstrual cup sits within your vagina, on the cervix, and catches the menstrual blood flow.
  3. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours.
  4. If your cup is filling up too quickly it will dislodge and not be effective, that’s time to go see your gyno.
  5. Do note that contraceptive cervical caps cannot double as a menstrual cup!
  6. They don’t have to be sterilized, just cleaned with soap and water, the packages have clear instructions.
  7. It’s best that you try a dry run first, when you are not on your cycle, there is a technique for breaking the suction vs taking it out without that step that is easy to do but you should try it to be sure you know what that feels like
  8. If you have an IUD and have trouble finding your strings ask your provider to do a basic exam and discuss the plan going forward, it’s probably fine
  9. You do not have to have your provider cut off the strings, most IUD users have no problem using a menstrual cup
  10. You should break the suction first if you have an IUD
  11. Menstrual cups are designed for use on menses, it is not recommended that you use them for continuous or irregular bleeding
  12. Do not use a menstrual cup for unusual discharge, having an IUD should not cause unusual discharge in most circumstances
  13. Discontinue use if there is unusual pain, and again come in for a visit.
  14. Do take time to read the instructions, they are clear and helpful

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