Maintaining proper feminine hygiene during menstruation can play a significant role in sexual health, female reproductive health, and quality of life. For years, women have been using either sanitary napkins or tampons during menstruation to collect blood and prevent their clothes from staining. However, if you are looking for an unconventional, safe, convenient and economical feminine hygienic product, buy a menstrual cup.
What is a menstrual cup and how is it used?
This small flexible cup is made of medical grade silicone or latex rubber. It should be folded and then inserted into the vagina during menstruation. After being inserted in the vagina, the cup springs open inside the vagina to collect the menstrual fluid. It forms a seal with the walls of the vagina to prevent leakage. A cup can be worn up to 10 – 12 hours or more depending on your blood flow. Most of these cups are reusable. To reuse it, all you need to do is to pull the stem sticking out and pinch the base to release the seal, empty the blood and rinse with soap and water and reuse.
Menstrual cups: Benefits
Economical: On an average, women usually spend between $50- $150 per year on menstrual hygiene products depending on the amount, duration, and regularity of her periods. Buying a reusable cup though may cost $30- $40 dollars upfront; it can last for a decade if used properly.
Convenient: While most period products need to be changed every 2-4 hours depending on your flow, cups once inserted into the vagina can be used overnight without requiring any change. In addition, with no wings or strings attached to the cup, using this feminine hygienic product is perfect for women who lead an active lifestyle or enjoy sports such as swimming running or yoga.
Safe: Unlike other menstrual hygiene products, these cups have a lower risk of toxic shock syndrome, a disease caused by bacteria.
Wearing tampons or sanitary pads often cause tiny cuts, creating a ground for the growth of bacteria. Moreover, since these cups are hypoallergenic and do not contain harmful substances such as fragrances or chlorine, they are highly suitable for those with latex allergies, sensitive skin, and dermatitis.
Environmental — Friendly: Given that these cups are reusable, its use helps reduce solid waste generated by millions of pads and tampons discarded each year. When the use of these period products is reduced, there is less waste clogging the landfills and fewer trees sacrificed to make the paper-based alternatives.
Allow you to have Mess- free sex: Most rubber and silicone cups should be removed before sex. However, the disposable menstrual cup that are shaped like a dome are designed with sex in mind. Your partner will not feel them and there will no blood to be worried about.
What’s more, the cups can be used by any women irrespective of her age or her flow type. So what are you waiting for, stay safe, stay comfortable — get a menstrual cup today,
