Kavya
Periods are scary. If you are not experiencing cramps, you are attempting to ensure that you are adequately protected during your heavier days. Some women can get away with only a tampon or a maxi pad. Others are forced to wear both – and change them frequently. If you’re dealing with this monthly, you’re probably wondering if there’s a better, more convenient, and environmentally friendly way to go. Enter menstrual cups.
Menstrual cups are gaining popularity as more people switch from pads or tampons to menstrual cups due to the ease of use, increased awareness of cervical cancer, and reduced landfill waste. A reusable feminine hygiene product is a menstrual cup. A period cup is a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid.
Cups can hold more blood than other methods, so many women prefer them as an environmentally friendly alternative to tampons. You can wear a cup for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. Some cups are designed for long-term use – even years – and can save you money over tampons and pads.
Because they can be reused, there is less waste in our landfills and fewer trees are sacrificed to make the paper-based alternatives. Keep in mind that some cups are intended to be thrown away. If you want a reusable one, make sure to carefully read the label before purchasing.
Also Read: Menstrual Cups: An Alternative to Tampons & Pads, Should You Make the Switch?
Here are a few more interesting facts about menstrual cups:
- Because the vagina is not sterile, they do not need to be sterilised.
- There is no increased risk of toxic shock syndrome with menstrual cups; simply clean with mild soap and water as needed.
- They can be used safely in conjunction with an IUD.
- They are better for the environment because they are designed to be reused and last for up to ten years!
- They will save you money because you will no longer need to purchase other products such as tampons or pads.
Inserting a menstrual cup can be difficult, and it may take several attempts to get it right. The most common complaint from patients is how difficult it is to empty the cup. Most women will eventually figure out a suitable technique and overcome the “ick factor” with practice. Cleaning it in a public restroom may also be difficult for some. It can also be difficult for a woman with vaginismus to insert the cup into the vagina, although that is usually no more difficult than inserting the cup.
Some menstrual cup brands available in India are:
1. Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup
2. Pee Safe US FDA Approved Reusable Menstrual Cup
3. Namyaa Ultra Soft Reusable Silicone Menstrual Cup
