Menstrual cups offer a great alternative to tampons for intimate situations. However, they are not recommended for penetrative sex because they can be hard to remove and may leak.
To avoid this, you can lubricate the rim of your cup and use it for oral or clitoral stimulation, or outercourse (non-penetrative sex). You can also lay a towel beneath you during sexual activity.
Vaginal Cups
It is possible to have sex with a menstrual cup, but it depends on the type of cup you use. Most reusable menstrual cups sit higher in the vagina than tampons, so they may not be comfortable to wear during sexual activity, especially penetrative sex (it can get crowded up there with some designs).
In addition, some people’s individual anatomy makes it difficult to insert the cup properly. This includes younger people and virgins, as well as those with a dropped uterus or uterine prolapse, according to Dr. Higgins.
First-time menstrual cup users should practice insertion in private before trying it during sex. It’s best to choose alone time when you can focus completely on the task at hand – and a warm bath may help ease the muscles. Nervousness can cause tense muscles, which will make it harder to insert the cup correctly.
It’s also important to know where your cervix is located. Many women have a hard time finding it because they don’t know what to look for, but it feels like the tip of your nose. You can practice locating it by putting the finger in your vaginal canal and pointing down towards the opening, then inserting the menstrual cup. Once it’s in, some people run their fingers along the rim to check that it “pops” open and is not leaking.
Cervical Cups
Menstrual cups are tiny, funnel-shaped, medical-grade silicone devices that collect your period blood in the vagina and are a great, more environmentally responsible alternative to tampons or pads. They can be inserted and removed without the need for an applicator, so they are also much more convenient for women who want to have sex during their period. Some women even report that cup-initiated sex can trigger orgasms!
Reusable menstrual cups, which can be cleaned and reinserted every day, are good for oral or anal sex, but not necessarily for penetrative sex. This is because they can be difficult to insert, and the rim of the cup presses against the vaginal canal walls, which can interfere with penetration. Some women find that changing positions during sex, orgasms and the tensing of the vaginal canal can cause the cup to shift or become dislodged.
One-time use disposable menstrual discs are easier to insert than reusable cups, and they sit higher in the vaginal canal. This makes them good for mess-free period sex, but they can still leak or become dislodged during sexual arousal.
Whether you use a disposable or reusable cup, always “grease” the rim of the device with water or lubricant before inserting. This can make the process smoother and reduce discomfort for you and your partner. It is also important to remember that the cup may not be felt by your partner at all. This depends on your sex position, so be sure to discuss beforehand.
Reusable Cups
Menstrual cups and discs are a better option than pads for many people because they’re less expensive and don’t create a lot of waste. They’re also reusable, which is good for the environment and your wallet. However, some women have trouble with menstrual cup insertion and removal. And if you don’t use a condom (or a backup) with your menstrual cup, it could cause pregnancy.
While most women don’t have any trouble with menstrual cup sex, it’s important to be open about this with your partner and make sure that you’re both on the same page. For instance, if you’re only comfortable with anal sex or oral sex, that should be clear to your partner.
Another thing to consider is that a menstrual cup uses a suction seal, which can break during sex or vaginal penetration. This can lead to leaks and discomfort. It’s a good idea to remove your cup during intercourse or at least have a towel ready for any leaks or dislodges.
In the end, it’s important to remember that sex during your period is totally normal and healthy. But be aware that the type of sex you can have will depend on your comfort level, how well your cup works, and if you use a condom to protect against STIs and pregnancy. And always remember to listen to your body and follow your intuition – whether or not you’re on your period!
Other Options
Menstrual cups are small, flexible, and medical-grade silicone or latex “bowls” that get inserted in the vagina to collect menstrual blood (a great alternative to tampons or period panties). They are available both as disposable and reusable options.
Unlike pads, cups can be worn for 12 hours without needing to change them (Van Eijk, 2019). Many women wear them at night. This is great for avoiding leakage and allows you to sleep with comfort, knowing your flow is protected.
Penetrative sex like penis-in-vagina sex, foreplay, and fingering is not advisable while wearing a cup because it can dislodge the cup, push it higher in your vaginal canal, or break its seal. However, non-penetrative sex, including oral sex, clitoral stimulation, and kissing, is fine.
It’s possible to pass stool while wearing a menstrual cup, but you may find that it’s uncomfortable or that it takes longer than usual. This is because there’s not a lot of extra space in the pelvis, so your organs are close together. This also depends on the size and shape of your menstrual cup (1, 2). You can read more about this in the product instructions. The most important thing is to keep the cup in place while you poop. If you are having trouble, try rinsing your menstrual cup with warm water and re-inserting it.
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