Amongst many products available to ease the discomfort of a woman’s menstrual cycle, for those who have not heard of a menstrual cup, let us introduce you to this alternative period product Menstrual cup is a small flexible cup made from silicone, rubber, latex, or a thermoplastic with a little stem on the end, used by women during periods. An alternative to sanitary pads or tampons, it is mostly available in small and large sizes and is known as a period cup. Menstrual cups have been around since 1800 and were used by women back then as well. But they were not as popular in those times as they are now. Read through the article to learn about its benefits, how to use it, and some downsides of a menstrual cup.
Like most period products. These cups are available easily at over-the-counter shops, grocery stores, and almost all drugstores. Instead of absorbing the period flow, like a tampon or pad, the cup catches and collects the menstrual flow. Here are some shapes that a menstrual cup is available in:
V-shape: This is the most popular design and is used more often. In this, the cup is longer than it is wide and tapers gradually from the rim.
Bell-shape: This period cup is rounder than the V-shape, flaring out from the rim. Instead of longer, it is wide in shape.
Round shape: The cup is wider and not too long with the widest point of the vessel being right below the rim.
Asymmetrical: More in length than width, this cup has a slanted edge to sit at a certain rotation and angle under the area of the cervix.
Combat Menstrual Problems With Our Wide-Range Of Ayurvedic Formulations!
Benefits Of Using Menstrual Cups
Here are some great benefits of using a menstrual cup over a sanitary pad or a tampon
- It is convenient to leave them in for ten to twelve hours, unlike pads or tampons that need to be changed every 4 to 8 hours, depending on your menstrual flow. As menstrual cups can stay in longer, they are apt for overnight protection.
- The chances of staining are less as there is no need to wait for the period to start to use a cup. It can be inserted around the time the period is about to start.
- A menstrual cup can hold twice the amount of a super-absorbent tampon or pad on most of the days. Because of its ability to hold more, they are considered beneficial to be used.
- They are not very difficult to use though some people have trouble in the beginning. A woman who is a regular tampon user will not have difficulty inserting a menstrual cup.
- One of the best features of using a period cup is an odour free period. Most of the time, menstrual blood starts to smell if the sanitary pad is not changed as the blood starts to come in contact with the air. But a period cup forms an airtight seal and does not let the smell to spread.
- Menstrual cups do not cause vaginal dryness, which is the case with tampons.
How To Use a Menstrual Cup?
For the first time user, a small size is recommended. When using for the first time, wash it thoroughly while washing your hands as well with soap and water. Alternatively, you can apply a thin layer of a water-based lubricant or wet it with water. Keeping the rim upwards, fold the menstrual cup in half and insert it inside your vagina, the way you use a tampon. The period cup spring opens immediately and will set against the vaginal walls forming a seal to prevent leakage. The blood then simply drips into the cup. If used correctly, you may not feel the presence of the cup and it would feel like a normal sanitary napkin or a tampon.
Also Read: Menstrual Worries: 5 Different Period Problems And Their Ayurvedic Remedies
Steps To Remove Menstrual Cup
Wash your hands just like you did while inserting the period cup. Softly pinch the base of the cup and using your thumb and index finger gently remove the cup. After emptying it, wash the cup with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Regular sterilization is a must after each cycle. Use boiling water or a sterilizing solution that is used for cleaning the baby bottles.
Also Read: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Downsides Of Using A Menstrual Cup
While there are many benefits of using a menstrual cup, there are certain downsides to this period product as well. Here are some of them
Messy While Emptying. The main disadvantage of the period cup is emptying it especially at a public place. Moreover, cleaning it in a public bathroom might be a challenge.
Difficult To Insert. Females who have never had intercourse may find it difficult to insert the cups. Also, women with IUDs in place may have issues, using a menstrual cup as it may pull the IUD strings and dislodge them. Thus, it is advisable to talk to your healthcare provider before starting to use them.
Size Issues: Individual anatomy can make proper use of the cup difficult. A menstrual cup may not fit in place in women with a dropped uterus or uterine prolapse history.
Difficulty In Removal. Taking menstrual cups out requires some practice and it may feel uncomfortable in the beginning. Pull the stem when while removing may lead to discomfort. Instead of holding the stem, pinch the base and pull it softly.
References:
- Study of Adaptability and Efficacy of Menstrual Cups in Managing Menstrual Health and Hygiene: A Descriptive Longitudinal Study
Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
2 Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, IND
Neha Chaudhary moc.liamffider@9yrahduahcuhdam
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9517956/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221339842200255X
