Verified By Dr G S S Mohapatra May 29, 2023
46909An American actor, Leona Chalmers is credited with the invention of the menstrual cup, a reusable, medical-grade silicone cup that holds menstrual blood, back in the 1920s. Back then, most Indian women had not even heard the concept of sanitary napkins (disposable pads), let alone cups.
While a century has passed since its invention, most of the Indian girls, women and girls, do not find the idea of inserting a cup inside their body reliable and safe and are more comfortable using sanitary napkins. Although menstrual cups have come a long way in terms of design and availability, women in most developing countries are still grappling to come to terms with this innovative device.
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, funnel-shaped cup used by women during menstruation. It is made up of silicone or rubber inserted into the vagina to collect the menstrual blood.
Menstrual cups come with the capability to hold more blood than other forms of feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins or tampons, leading to many women switching to eco-friendly menstrual cups. Depending on your menstrual flow, you can even wear the menstrual cup for up to 12 hours. Also, in comparison to tampons and sanitary napkins, a menstrual cup is more cost-effective.
A consultation with your gynecologist can be helpful before you decide to switch to a menstrual cup. As many feminine hygiene brands sell menstrual cups in different sizes, you will have to find your size first. To do that, you and your gynecologist must consider:
Menstrual cups are usually available in two sizes, small and large. If you are below 30-years of age, you should use the smaller-sized cups. However, if your age is more than 30-years, or your periods are heavy, or you have had a vaginal birth, the larger-sized cups are ideal for you.
Unless you have used a tampon before, you may find using the device uncomfortable initially. However, with the right technique and a little bit of practice, you can learn how to use a menstrual cup the right way.
The following are the steps to use a menstrual cup:
If you insert the menstrual cup correctly in your vagina, you will not feel its presence. It will also allow you to perform your routine activities without the menstrual cup falling out.
Normally, you can wear the menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours without worrying about leakage. If you experience normal blood flow, you can even wear the menstrual cup overnight. However, you must remove the cup without exceeding the 12-hour mark.
The following are the steps to remove a menstrual cup:
If you switch to reusable menstrual cups, you must wash and clean them thoroughly before reinserting them into your vagina. The menstrual cup should be emptied twice a day to reduce the risk of irritation.
With proper care, your reusable menstrual cups can last about six months to a year. Disposable menstrual cups need to be thrown away after each use.
Menstrual cups come with the following benefits:
The following are some of the menstrual cup advantages:
One of the major advantages of using a menstrual cup is that they are eco-friendly. It even lasts for a long time, which means you will not be contributing to harm the environment and nature.
Even though one menstrual cup may cost you more than tampons and sanitary napkins, you pay a one-time price for it. On the other hand, other feminine hygiene products have to be purchased continually, adding to the total cost.
Unlike other feminine hygiene products that absorb blood, menstrual cups collect it; this makes them safer and reduces your risk of getting a bacterial infection, such as toxic shock syndrome.
Reusable menstrual cups need to be taken out before having sexual intercourse. However, the soft disposable cups can stay in your vagina while you get intimate. Not only will you experience no leakage, but even your partner also will not feel the cup inside you, making your sexual experience smooth.
Tampons hold up to one-third of an ounce of blood, whereas a menstrual cup can hold up to two to three ounces of blood. Hence, this also suggests you can wear a menstrual cup for a longer time than other feminine hygiene products.
Although eco-friendly and budget-friendly, there are still a few menstrual cup side effects and disadvantages that you must keep in mind before switching to a cup:
Since menstrual cups come in different sizes and every woman may need a different size, finding the right fit may get difficult. To find your right fit, you may have to try out different brands and cup sizes first.
Sometimes, you may find it difficult to insert the menstrual cup inside your vagina or you may not be able to remove it correctly, which can cause pain and discomfort.
Many menstrual cups are made from latex-free materials; this makes them a perfect option for women with latex allergies. However, in some women, the rubber and silicone material can cause allergic reactions, which can be very painful and discomforting.
If the menstrual cup is not cleaned properly after every use, it can cause irritation in your vagina. If you insert it without using any lubrication, it may even cause discomfort and pain.
A menstrual cup is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to using tampons and sanitary napkins during menstruation. You can weigh in the advantages and disadvantages of a menstrual cup before making the switch. If you are still unsure, you can talk with your gynaecologist first about your options and whether a menstrual cup may be the right option for you.
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment
References:
https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/gynecologist
https://www.apollohospitals.com/apollo-in-the-news/apollo-life-hosted-an-awareness-session-and-panel-discussion-on-pelvic-pain/
MBBS, MD ( O & G), FICMCH Senior Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Hospitals Bhubanswar
October 25, 2024