Introduction:
Periods can be troublesome days for most women. Some women have painful cramps and prefer crawling into bed with a hot bag. Monthly women also require menstrual products to protect themselves during their heavier days; while some may need just a single tampon or a pad, others may have a heavy flow and need to keep changing their sanitary products. Many companies have introduced varieties of sanitary products to help women during their periods. One of the recent additions to the market trends is menstrual cups. Although menstrual cups have been on the market since the 1930s, they were not as popular as sanitary pads and tampons. It was believed to cause health problems and discomfort. It was also considered inappropriate due to religious and cultural reasons. After much research and study, menstrual cups have become a better and more popular alternative to tampons and pads. They have proven to be very effective and safe if used properly.
What Are Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups made of latex rubber or silicone. It is designed to collect the blood within it instead of absorbing it like a tampon or pad. The menstrual cup design was awarded its first patent in 1867, and one of the first commercial menstrual cups was developed by Leona Chalmer in 1937. However, they were not so popular for several reasons, including religious and cultural reasons. Today, the sales of menstrual cups are rising globally and are expected to hit $1.89 billion in 2026.
How Does A Menstrual Cup Work?
Menstrual cups are small funnel-shaped cups that can be folded to insert into the vagina. It is designed to collect blood and is placed inside the vagina during periods. They are usually made of silicone or latex rubber and are flexible. One has to sterilize the cup before and after each period. It is then tightly folded and inserted into the vagina without an applicator, unlike a tampon. Once the cup is inside, it will spring open and rest against the walls of the vagina. The cup will then collect the blood. These cups can hold more blood than most hygiene products.
Depending on the flow, the cup can be worn for six to 12 hours. It can also provide overnight protection. However, remove and empty the cup before the cup gets full. Reusable cups must be emptied at least twice daily and last up to ten years.
What Are The Advantages Of Menstrual Cups?
Most women opt for menstrual cups over other hygiene products because:
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They Are Wallet-Friendly: A reusable menstrual cup lasts for years and is a one-time investment. A $30 or $40 menstrual cup can last up to ten years. Hence, it is better than spending on tampons and pads every month which can cost over $100 a year.
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Safe From Infections: Menstrual cups are safer than other hygiene products and do not cause toxic shock syndrome, a bacterial infection that one may contract when leaving tampons for longer than recommended.
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They Can Hold More Blood: Menstrual cups are designed to hold one to two ounces of blood and hence do not need to be changed until six to 12 hours. In contrast, a tampon can only hold one-third of an ounce.
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Eco-Friendly: The reusable menstrual cups can last up to ten years, reducing the waste contribution to the environment compared to tampons and pads.
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Mess-Free Sex: The disposable menstrual cups are soft and dome-shaped; they can be worn before sex. It helps with mess-free sex during periods. However, the reusable cups need to be removed.
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No Rashes: Unlike pads that cause rashes in the intimate region, menstrual cups rest inside the vagina and hence do not cause any rashes.
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Odor-Free Periods: Menstrual cups hold the blood air-tight. It prevents the embarrassing odor that wafts out when using pads and tampons.
Are There Any Potential Risks Associated With Menstrual Cups?
The potential risks of using a menstrual cup are minimal and can be avoided if used properly.
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Irritation: Irritation from using a menstrual cup is rare and can be avoided by lubricating the cup rim before inserting it into the vagina. A water-based lubricant can help prevent discomfort.
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Infection: Infection is also a rare complication and can often occur due to the transfer of bacteria from the hands to the cup rather than the cup itself. The menstrual cup must be washed with warm water and a fragrance-free, water-based soap before every use. Washing the hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before touching the cup can help prevent it.
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Toxic Shock Syndrome:Toxic shock syndrome is a severe complication but is most often associated with leaving tampons for longer than the recommended time. It is rare when using a menstrual cup and can result from pushing the bacteria that naturally exist on the skin deeper into the body. These can also be avoided by washing the hands and the cups before use with warm water and soap.
How Safe Are Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual cups are a safer option, according to the general medical consensus. The cup is a mess-free and comfortable way to manage periods. With benefits outweighing the risk, today most women prefer using menstrual cups over any other sanitary product. According to the meta-analysis reviewing 43 studies and data on 3,319 women who use menstrual cups was effective in preventing leaks. It is good as disposable tampons and pads. Also, the authors of the Lancet report stated that over ten years, the plastic waste generated by menstrual cups is approximately six percent of that of tampons and 0.4 % of that of disposable pads.
Many studies proved that menstrual cups are safer and more effective alternatives to sanitary pads and tampons. However, despite the advantages, the awareness of menstrual cups is still low. Many fear that it may get stuck or placed too far inside, but the cup can be easily removed without the help of another person. Firmly squeezing the cup between the finger and thumb a few times can break the rim seal and help pull the cup outwards. Also, unlike certain cultural and religious beliefs, menstrual cups do not cause any damage to the cervix.
Conclusion:
Trying something new can be stressful, but most women adjust to menstrual cups with time and practice, and they are a game-changer to many. The benefits of using a menstrual cup over a tampon or a pad outweigh the minor risks that can be prevented. Hence, menstrual cups can be considered a safer and more effective alternative to other sanitary products. However, choosing what is best for one will only be possible if one tries it. One may also consult a gynecologist in case of any concerns before using menstrual cups.
