If there’s one thing we can be thankful for in our current landscape is that there are plenty of choices in terms of menstrual products. As a society we’re still working in providing access of these to everyone with a vagina, but thankfully we’re moving towards a less one-size-fits-all situation. One option that has been getting plenty of traction lately is the cup. From the environmental pros of not having to use X amounts of disposable tampons or pads, to avoiding scary situations like toxic shock syndrome, it seems like these contraptions definitely are a good alternative.
However, with choices and options comes common sense, or at least it should. You can only imagine the face I made when I found out some people have been confusing the cup with other form of birth control. While the menstrual cup can vaguely resemble a diaphragm or a cervical cap, they’re not actually even close to being the same thing.
Let’s start with the obvious: Just because you’re on your period does not mean you’re free from getting pregnant. Furthermore, having a menstrual cup in your vagina does not leave you in the clear. Diaphragms and cervical caps are used with spermicide, which is what ultimately makes sure that no sperm crosses through the barrier.
However, even with spermicide, these birth control methods are not fool proof. Cervical caps are 86% effective in women who haven’t given birth, and only 71% in women who have. As for diaphragms, they’re 88% effective. That’s still a large chunk of uncertainty, not to mention the fact that they do not protect you from STIs. So even if you are using these devices correctly and with spermicide, a condom is your best bet.
According to Planned Parenthood, you should have your birth control method on even before being aroused. This, I believe, is what might lead to incorrect use of your device. Imagine being in that moment, with your heart racing, and your partner also ready to go. Obviously, in that situation you won’t be able to place your cap or diaphragm correctly, which can lead to pregnancy risk, even worse if you’re on your period and you just rely on the hope that your menstrual cup will do the job it was never meant to do.
We’re lucky to have as many options as we do in terms of birth control and menstrual hygiene choices. However, we must continue to use these with responsibility and care. Also, I don’t know how much I should stress that pregnancy is not the only risk you’re running when you don’t consider protection. There are numerous STIs with symptoms and consequences that range from discomfort to very serious illness and conditions. If you’re finding that the method you’re using is not for you, you should check with your doctor or clinic for the many other alternatives available. And trust me, there’s plenty. So you have no excuse to not take care of your body and sexual health.
Before you go along with trying a method you heard about somewhere, do your research. You’ll find soon enough that gossip is not the best way to go when it comes to preventing STIs or pregnancy. Ask a medical professional or counselor to guide you towards a device or method that works for you. Most of all, be honest with yourself, because, if it was anything else, you’d probably trust the professional over word of mouth. So don’t fool yourself. Do your research and don’t try non-medical suggestions during sex, because you might regret it down the line.
Further reading:
The Silent STD They Don’t Teach You About In Sex-Ed
The Greatest Myth About Menstruation Has Been Debunked By Science
