Menstrual protection, which one to choose? Tampons and cups

Last week, we focused on the difference between sanitary napkins and menstrual panties, both external protections.

Today we are going to talk about internal protection, namely tampons and cups.

The tampons

What is a sanitary tampon?

It is an internal absorbent period protection. It is inserted into the vagina during menstruation to absorb the blood . Its discreet protection allows you to bathe during your period. Contrary to popular belief, tampons can be used by women of all ages and there is no risk of it piercing the hymen.

There are two types of tampons: with applicators and without applicators . Tampons with applicators are housed in a cardboard or plastic tube to aid insertion into the vagina. Tampons without applicators are inserted directly into the vagina with your fingers. Once inside the vagina, the tampon expands to better absorb blood.

A tampon should not be felt when inserted , otherwise it is not inserted far enough. To remove it, gently pull the string to make it come out. We would like to point out that there is no risk of the tampon going back up into the vagina and you not being able to retrieve it.
If, in very rare cases, the string breaks, don't panic! You can always go and retrieve it! And if you don't dare go and get it because it seems too far away (or if you accidentally put it on top of another tampon), make an appointment with a health professional, a gynecologist or midwife to help you remove it.

If you experience pain or discomfort, the tampon may not be in the correct position. If the pain persists, change your method of protection and do not hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional , a gynecologist or midwife.

How to choose your tampon?

To avoid any traces of potentially harmful chemicals, we recommend choosing tampons that are not bleached with chlorine (this is a common practice to make cotton even whiter) and free of cellulose compounds. To avoid these compounds, choose tampons made from organic cotton.

There are different sizes of tampons that correspond to different flows adapted to each person and each moment of their cycle. There are three main categories of absorbency on the market:

• Mini for light flows

• Normal for regular flows

• Great for heavy flow

Our menstrual flow changes from day to day, so you may experience a change in size during your cycle. If you're unsure between tampon sizes, start with the smaller one ; if you need to change your tampon too often, move up a size. Our menstrual flow can change, and luckily, there's a solution for every flow, from the lightest to the heaviest!

=> Gapianne has selected for you 100% organic cotton and non-chlorine bleached tampons from Jho , they are available for all flows and with or without applicators.

How long is protection with a tampon?

They should be changed every 4 to 6 hours maximum. To remove them, relax and gently pull on the cord. Remember to use a trash can rather than the toilet to avoid clogging them.

Can you use a tampon at night?

It is not recommended to wear internal protection (tampon or cup) at night, prefer external protection such as menstrual panties or a sanitary towel.

What is the link between a tampon and Toxic Shock Syndrome?

You've probably heard of it, but what is Toxic Shock Syndrome? It's a serious but rare infection caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that can develop when there's stagnant blood. (Read our article on how to tell if you have toxic shock here ) . Internal sanitary protection (tampons and cups) are associated with it, but so are external protection (pads and period pants), although the risks are lower with these protections.

This is why it is important to regularly change your sanitary protection in order to have good menstrual and intimate hygiene , this greatly limits the risks of infection.

Menstrual cups

What is a cup?

The cup has been much talked about in recent years. It's a more environmentally friendly alternative to tampons because it's reusable. This menstrual cup collects menstrual flow during your period inside your vagina.

How to choose your cup?

There are several sizes, generally, they come in S or M, this most often corresponds to whether you gave birth vaginally (M) or not (S). This can also refer to the capacity of the cup for normal flow (S) and heavy flow (M), refer to the product description before purchasing it to find what suits you best.
Its use is a little more complex than a tampon, therefore more difficult to insert when you start your period. For this reason, we recommend its use if you have already tried other types of period protection. We choose them in medical silicone, which is a soft material and does not present any risk of drying out the vaginal flora.

=> Gapianne has selected medical silicone cups , all very comfortable and easy to remove. These are our favorites, but it's just a matter of taste!

All our menstrual cups >

How do you use a menstrual cup?

It is sterilized before its first use and between each cycle, refer to the instructions for using your cup. When you have your period, simply rinse it before putting it back in. Wash your hands up to the wrist and your nails well before inserting it. It may take a little practice to insert it correctly, so you can try wearing it for the first time outside of your cycle. Follow the instructions on the instructions. In most cases, your cup must be moistened and folded before insertion (several folding methods exist, S-shaped, C-shaped, etc. refer to your instructions for use). To insert it correctly, a multitude of possibilities are available to you: standing, with one leg raised (on the bathtub, the sink or the toilet bowl), with your knees bent, or squatting, lying on your bed… The important thing is to find a comfortable position to relax. Inserting your fingers into your vagina to position it properly is a habit to get into. We assure you that once you get the hang of it, you can do anything with it for six hours, swimming, climbing, etc. without worrying!

Can you wear a menstrual cup with an IUD?

Whether your IUD is copper or hormonal, it is not recommended to wear a cup while you have an IUD. The cup acts as a suction cup in the vagina and can dislodge the IUD, which can lead to possible unwanted pregnancies.

How long can you keep a menstrual cup?

You can keep it in for between 8 and 12 hours, but we recommend keeping it in for 6 hours at most to prevent your blood flow from stagnating for too long, which also prevents discomfort and overflow.

How to remove a menstrual cup?

The cup exerts a suction effect against the walls of the vagina to hold it in place, so to remove it, you will pinch the bottom of the cup to gently remove it. If your cup has a small stem, avoid pulling on it before pinching the bottom of the cup, as this puts pressure on your perineum.

If you want to know more about menstrual panties or pads, then we invite you to visit the dedicated article.