All About Menstrual Cups — Should You Switch?
shivani k 
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All women experience this irksome monthly problem — periods. It’s that time of the month where a woman undergoes hormonal changes that affect both her body and mind. The duration of the period varies from one woman to another. For some, it can be three days, for others it can be five days, and for some, it even goes up to a week.
Most women prefer using sanitary napkins during their periods. But there’s a new feminine hygiene product called the menstrual cup. It can be used in place of the sanitary pads. We’re sure you all have heard of it but have refrained from switching to it because of the obvious inhibitions — “Will it cause injury if used down there?”, “Is it really safe?”, “How do I use it?” etc.
But we would like to inform you that these cups can be considered the best invention for womankind. And we’re saying this on account of the various research studies and numerous trials that have been conducted to test the utility of these cups. We have explained about them in detail below, please continue to read to know more about this magical product.
What Are Menstrual Cups?
You can call it a hygiene cup for women. These cups are eco-friendly alternatives to the standard sanitary pads and tampons, which are usually used by women. The cup is made up of silicone (medical grade) and sometimes even latex rubber (1). It is extremely pliable and is shaped like a bell.
Instead of absorbing the blood flow (as done by a pad or a tampon), these cups plug the flow by collecting the period blood.
How Can One Use A Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup needs to be folded and inserted in the vaginal area when menstruating. Once inserted, it can stay there, doing its job for a good 12 hours. And if you’ve inserted it in the right way, then there is no chance of any leakage or staining whatsoever. After 12 hours, one needs to remove the cup and check if it’s full or not. One can remove the cup from the vaginal area by reaching for the stem of the cup in order to grasp the base of the cup. It is recommended that you don’t pull out the cup as it can cause spills or create suction. Instead, you need to pinch the base of the cup to release the seal and allow it to be removed easily.
Remember that once the cup is emptied out, it needs to be rinsed, cleaned, and then reinserted. You can wash the menstrual cup with either a bar of mild soap or a hygiene wash. It’s even better if you sterilize it in boiling water. If you’re one of those women who experience heavy bleeding during her periods, menstrual cups are the best option for you. Because changing tampons and pads every other hour can cause the skin in the pubic region to get irritated.
Pros Of Using Menstrual Cups
- They Are Eco-friendly: As mentioned earlier, they are made of medical grade silicone. They are reusable and thus, a better option for long-term usage.
- You Can Leave It In For 12 Hours: Tampons and pads need to be changed every 2–3 hours or maybe even earlier, depending upon the kind of flow one experiences. But, a menstrual cup can stay in for as long as 12 hours, making it even more ideal to use during the night.
- It Can Hold More: Menstrual cups can hold as much as an entire ounce of liquid, which is equal to twice of what a heavy absorbing tampon or sanitary pad can absorb.
- There’s No Odor: Women are aware of the unbearable smell that is given off by the menstrual blood (2). The smell surfaces when the menstrual blood is exposed to air. In the case of menstrual cups, due to the airtight seal that is formed by the cup, blood never gets exposed to the air and hence, no smell.
- They Are Safe: Experts have said that using menstrual cup ensures a lower risk of toxic shock syndrome when compared to tampons or pads (3). This makes it safer to use. There are lesser chances of contracting a bacterial infection down there too.
Cons Of Using Menstrual Cups
- Problematic To Find The Right Fit: These cups come in various sizes. And some trial and errors are bound to happen while choosing your perfect fit.
- Removal Can Be Embarrassing: Even if you can insert it perfect the first time, removing it can be a little messy. However, one can follow the instructions and slowly learn to remove it the proper way.
So, these were the points that we thought you should be aware of when it comes to menstrual cups. We hope this to-the-point guide helped in easing all your fears regarding menstrual cups. If you are someone who has already made this switch, do let us know about your experience in the comments below.
