Menstrual cups are eco-friendly and many studies have shown that they are as safe as sanitary napkins or tampons.
Menstrual cups are becoming more and more popular, primarily because of their reusability. But are they as safe as other menstrual products or not? Read on to know more.
# Eco-friendlyWell, they are eco-friendly. One cup can be used for years and they are gentle on the skin. Many studies have shown that they are as safe as sanitary napkins or tampons. They have also been found to be as unlikely to leak as sanitary napkins. In the first major scientific review of menstrual cups, 70 percent of regular menstrual cup users reported continuing to use them.
# Safe for longer durationsThey are safe to wear for up to 12 hours. Moisture from pads and tampons can increase susceptibility to a yeast infection, so menstrual cups may be a better alternative, if a female is a probe to yeast infection as they don’t trap bacteria, are biologically inert and allow the vulva to breathe.
# Menstrual cups do not disturb vaginal floraAnother advantage of using them is that they do not affect the normal vaginal flora because they collect your menstrual blood rather than absorbing it. Because of the cost factor associated with sanitary pads or tampons, many women are forced to use cheap quality products or cloth napkins which puts them at high risk for infections and toxic shock syndrome.
Types of menstrual cupsThere are two kinds of menstrual cups: Vaginal and Cervical. Vaginal menstrual cups are usually bell-shaped, while Cervical cups are placed around the cervix high in the vagina.
A menstrual cup is not suitable for women with severe clinical uterovaginal prolapse, but all women with normal anatomy should be able to use it comfortably. Cups are not suitable for any situation where the risk of infection is present, such as immediate post-surgery or immediately after childbirth.
How to use a menstrual cupIf a woman has IUCD (a contraceptive device inserted in the uterus) in place, it is important to break the seal with a finger prior to withdrawing a menstrual cup to ensure there is no danger that they could dislodge their IUCD.
You also have to choose the right time and place to empty and replace your cup – ideally a bathroom with a sink in the same private space.
Overall to summarize, menstrual cups are eco-friendly, cheap and safe options for women. The technique of wearing needs a little practice but once you choose the right size of cup and get used to the insertion technique then it is a very good option.