How to use the menstrual collector

The menstrual collector, also known as menstrual cup, is a great strategy to replace the absorbent during menstruation, being a more comfortable, economical and ecological option. It is easy to use, leaves no menstruating smell through the air and only needs to be changed after 8 hours.

To put on your menstrual cushion, simply insert it still closed in the form of 'C' at the bottom of the vagina and rotate it to make sure it fitted tightly. See the step-by-step how to put, take out, and keep the sink clean:

1. How to put the menstrual collector?

As well as the internal absorbent, the menstrual collector is only indicated during menstruation. To put it simply:

1. Sit in the pot with your legs wide open;
2. Fold the manifold as shown on the packaging and the following figure;
3. Insert the folded cuff in the vagina, but do not need to be in the back of the vagina, because your tip may stand out;
4. Turn the manifold to make sure it is perfectly engaged, no bends. But you can also push the wall away from the vagina with one finger and pass the index finger all the way around.

To check if the collector has opened properly and is vacuuming, you can hold the tip or stem of the menstrual collector and rotate slowly. The correct position of the menstrual collectors is closer to the entrance of the vaginal canal, and not to the bottom as with the internal absorbents. The following images show exactly what you need to do:

2. Where to buy and price?

The price of the menstrual collector varies according to the brand selected, but the average price is approximately 90 reais for a pack with 2 collectors, and can be purchased at pharmacies, some supermarkets and online stores.

Some of the most commonly used collector brands are Fleury, Prudence, Inciclo and Korui, for example.

3. How to take the menstrual collector?

Every 8 or 12 hours, the menstrual collector should be taken as follows:

• Sit in the toilet, pee, dry the vulva and then open the legs well;
• Insert the index finger through the flap, between the collector and the vaginal wall, to remove the vacuum, facilitating its removal;
• Pull the end or stem of the catcher until it comes out of the vagina;
• Pour the blood into the vase, and wash the collector with abundant water and own soap for the intimate region with neutral pH, drying at the end with toilet paper. If you are in a public toilet, you can only use a small bottle of water and dry it with toilet paper.

If you are having difficulty withdrawing the glass, you may choose to crouch on the bathroom floor, as this position may facilitate access to the menstrual collector. After clean and dry the collector is ready to be reinserted.

4. How to clean the menstrual clogger?

At the first use, before each cycle and also at the end, the menstrual collector should be sterilized to ensure a deeper cleaning and elimination of microorganisms. The sterilization can be done in the pot or in the microwave, according to the recommendations:

On the pan:

• In a pan for the enameled agate, glass or stainless steel sink only, place the collector and add water until it is completely covered;
• Turn on the fire and wait for the water to boil;
• After boiling, leave for another 4 to 5 minutes and remove from heat;
• At the end of this time, you should remove the menstrual clog and wash the pan with soap and water.

The use of aluminum or Teflon cookware is not recommended as they release metal substances that may damage the collector silicone. In order to avoid risks, you can choose to buy a clique sold by brands of collectors, such as the agate clique sold by the Inciclo that costs about 42 reais.

In the microwave:

• In a microwave container or glass pot or ceramic mug (for the collector only), place the collector, add water to the top and place it in the microwave;
• Turn on the microwave and wait for the water to boil. After the water boils, leave it for another 3 to 4 minutes.
• At the end of this time, remove the collector from the microwave and wash the container normally with soap and water.

These are the most practical and economical ways to sterilize menstruating collectors, but for those who do not have water heating, there are other options, such as up to 12% hydrogen peroxide, up to 3% chlorine water, brand cleaning inserts Clor-in or Milton or even the sodium hypochlorite much used to disinfect the vegetables. However, if you use any of these options, it is important that you rinse the collector thoroughly with running water before introducing it into the body to avoid allergic reactions, burns or rashes.

5. How to remove stains from the collector?

It is common for collectors to get small blemishes after a few menstrual cycles, and to prevent this from happening you can choose to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water where the menstrual collector will boil.

If the collector already shows some spots and looks grimy, it can be placed in 10 volumes pure hydrogen peroxide for 6 to 8 hours, always rinsing well with running water at the end.

6. How to clean a sink that has fallen into the toilet?

If the collector has fallen into the toilet, it is possible to clean it safely, following the following steps:

1. Put the sauce collector in 1 liter of water with a tablespoon of bleach for 15 to 20 minutes;
2. Then transfer the collector to other containers and add pure 10 volume pharmacy hydrogen peroxide. You should add enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the collector, leaving it to soak for 5 to 7 hours.
3. Finally, sterilize the collector, boiling for 5 minutes. If possible, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the water.

7. Which collector to buy?

The choice of the best collector is not always easy because there are different sizes, diameters and different malleability, which makes them fit differently in the vaginal canal. Here's how to choose the best menstrual collector for you at Menstrual Catchers.