Menstrual Cup Use: The Pros, Cons and Safety Concerns of This Menstrual Hygiene Device

Menstruation has been a controversial topic in the past. Women were shamed for talking about menstruation out loud in public or with men. But as the years went by, people started to realise menstruation is a natural phenomenon and there’s nothing wrong with it. Talking about menstruation was considered a taboo and women in the past suffered from various conditions for they couldn’t consult anyone for help. But talking about pads got normal and now we have tampons and menstrual cups. Menstrual Cup: Safe, Practical and Inexpensive, Why it’s Better than Sanitary Pads and Tampons.

What Are Menstrual Cups?

Menstrual cups are silicone, latex or rubber cups that are designed to collect blood. These do not absorb any blood but just collect it till it’s emptied. To use a menstrual cup, all you have to do is pinch the cup and insert it in your vagina. The vacuum suction technology will keep it in place till you pull it out and it will not fall off. You can empty clean it every four to 12 hours, depending on your flow. They come in various sizes like pads. Menstrual cups can be used years on end if taken care of properly. According to researchers, these cups are as good as pads, if not, better than pads. But people have a lot of questions about these. Here are some pros and cons for you to come to a decision. Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019: Tampons vs Menstrual Cups vs Pads, Which Feminine Hygiene Product Works the Best?

Pros

Affordable

You pay around Rs. 300-700 for a menstrual cup but it can last you for years. It’s an investment and you don’t need to keep repurchasing it for your cycle every month.

Leakproof

Menstrual cups have been proven to cause lesser leaks than pads. If you use the right size and wear it properly, you can go out and have fun without any worries.

Easy to Use

Sure, any new concept takes time to get used to. Once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to use.

Odourless

Pads are heavily scented. This creates a foul smell with all the blood and sweat. And by the time you go to change, it’s too overwhelming. Menstrual cups have no smell and it doesn’t make you stink. The stench in periods is caused by the scented pads, not our blood.

Eco-Friendly

On average, a woman 240 pads or tampons a year. That is 9,600 pads in a lifetime. Pads are not biodegradable and hence keep on adding to the pile of garbage that already exists on our planet. A menstrual cup can be reused forever.

Cons

Messy

Women using menstrual cups have to make sure they have a running supply of water to clean out the emptied blood from the cup and enough to clean the cup before putting it back in.

Takes Practice

The menstrual cup is fairly new and it takes some practice to get it right. It might be difficult to insert or remove initially.

Cup Size Can Be an Issue

Just like pads, menstrual cups come in various sizes. Most of the websites and companies include the recommended size on the packaging of their product. If you get the wrong size for yourself, you might experience discomfort or leaks.

Rubber or Latex Allergy

If you have a rubber or latex allergy, you need to stay away from this. Make sure you get yourself tested for it before you make a purchase.

Menstrual cups are safe to use. You’ll only face complications if you insert it with dirty hands. It’s also very important to keep the cup clean at all time. Make sure to keep it in boiling water after every use and keep it clean and ready for your next period. Try not to go for a big size even if you have a heavy flow. It might cause unwanted pain and discomfort. Keep it clean and sanitised at all time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2019 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).