Why have menstrual cups become the preferable choice among women?
When the question of female hygiene arises, sanitary napkins and tampons are given the foremost priority. Recently, the menstrual cup has taken over the aforementioned hygiene products owing to its vast range of advantages. Now, what is a menstrual cup? These cups are used to prevent menstrual fluid from leaking onto your clothes. They need to be inserted properly into the vagina during the days of menstruation. It’s far better than sanitary pads and tampons that need to be changed every few hours, especially a headache for those with heavy flow. These cups can be used for around 4 to 12 hours and then just need to be removed and replaced. Before inserting, it’s necessary to be rinsed thoroughly. After every menstruation cycle, it needs to be sterilized by boiling for a minimum five minutes in water to ensure that it can be used next month without any health risk.
Why are menstrual cups better than napkins and tampons?
These cups are designed to collect the blood and not absorb it unlike tampons and sanitary pads. One cup can be used for as long as five years. Although the initial cost seems to be a little more, in the long-term aspect it is quite less in comparison to the amount you have to spend every month in purchasing pads and tampons. This is also known for being an Eco-friendly and practical approach in reducing waste generation.
Available sizes
Both sizes are available – L (large) and M (medium). Usually, these cups are translucent and colorless. But nowadays, colored cups are also made available in the market by some of the brands. Purple and pink are the two common colors that are easily available. In comparison to other ways of menstrual hygiene, this is considered safe and effective.
What are the advantages of using menstrual cups?
Using menstrual cups can reduce the odor. Generally, these cups are designed to collect the fluid in its liquid form, whereas tampons and sanitary napkins absorb the fluid and transform it into semi-coagulated form, which increases the foul smell.
These cups are directly inserted into the vagina, and hence do not leak. You can stay safe and do not have to worry about stains. If not inserted in the proper way, leakage is quite possible.
Due to some reasons, if you have to track down the amount of menses you are producing, this cup can actually allow you to do so in an accurate manner. You can even get menstrual cups with measuring marks on them.
Safety measures
It is quite easy to clean menstrual cups and even in public toilets. You can empty the cup and clean it, followed by inserting the same. It avoids the problem of disposing of the tampons and napkins. Wiping the cups using a clean tissue or wet wipes is also a preferable option.
Make sure that you boil the cup before using it for your next menstrual cycle.
Cleaning your hands using a hand wash or hand sanitizer is recommended before touching the cups.
It is recommended to change the cup at least once in 24 hours.
Are you still in a dilemma about what is a menstrual cup? For more information on menstruation cups, you can read our upcoming blogs written by health experts.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
