No parent is ready to see their baby girl growing up. However, in reality, your little princess is going to grow up and become the amazing woman you raised her to be. As your daughters grow up, it’s your responsibility to educate them about various aspects of life. Especially, when they are teenagers who have just switched to vaginal cups, teaching them about menstrual health and hygiene is more crucial than anything.

Recently, menstrual cups have gained immense popularity as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional alternatives like pads and tampons, and although they offer various benefits, it’s vital to know about properly cleaning a menstrual cup. Wondering how to teach your teenagers about how to clean a menstrual cup after use? Here’s a guide to help! 

But first, let’s have a look at why we need to clean menstrual cups!

Cleaning your menstrual cups has so much more to do than maintain the cup’s longevity. If you want your teen to be healthy and safe from TSS or any other syndrome, using clean menstrual cups is indispensable. If the vaginal cup isn’t clean after use, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to potential infections. In addition, inadequate cleaning can also cause an unpleasant odor while reducing the lifespan of your period cup. The alternative? Educate your teenagers more about cleaning their period cups. 

How to Teach Menstrual Cup Cleaning? 

Now that we understand why menstrual cup cleaning is important let's discuss how to teach your teenager about it.

• Choose the Right Time: Initiate the conversation about menstrual cup cleaning when your teen is comfortable discussing menstruation and be sensitive to their readiness to learn about this topic.

• Demonstrate Proper Cleaning: Show your teen how to clean a menstrual cup using mild, unscented soap and water. Tell your teenagers how they should always rinse the cup thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

• Hand Hygiene: Washing hands is equally vital after washing menstrual cups, so stress the significance of washing hands before and after handling the period to prevent the transfer of bacteria.

• Introduce Boiling: Menstrual cups should be boiled before and after each menstrual cycle to disinfect them. Teach your teen how to do this safely by using a dedicated pot and ensuring the cup doesn't touch the bottom of the pot during boiling. In addition, caution your teen against using harsh chemicals or scented soaps, as these can irritate the vaginal area.

• Focus on Regular Cleaning: Encourage your teen to empty and clean the cup at least twice a day during their period to maintain hygiene.

• Storage Matters: Teach your teen the importance of storing the menstrual cup in a breathable pouch or container when not in use. In addition, ask them to avoid airtight containers as they can trap moisture and breed bacteria.

The Bottom Line

Always remember, that open and respectful communication is key when discussing sensitive topics like menstruation. Your guidance on delicate matters like menstruation will not just impart essential knowledge, it also foster a trusting parent-child relationship. Need more information on how to clean a menstrual cup after use? Stay tuned!