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3 reasons why you must switch to menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are eco-friendly and many studies have shown that they are as safe as sanitary napkins or tampons.
A menstrual cup
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is on May 28th. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Pooja Sahni Updated: 22 May 2022, 07:14 pm IST
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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.

Reasons to use menstrual cups

1. Eco-friendly

Well, 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.

2. Safe for longer durations

They 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 cup
Want to switch to a menstrual cup? Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Menstrual cups do not disturb vaginal flora

Another 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 cups

There 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.

menstrual cup stuck
Menstrual cup should be used in a proper way that it doesn’t get stuck. Image courtesy: Shuttertsock

Also, read: Easy-peasy way to insert and pull out a menstrual cup

How to use a menstrual cup

If 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.

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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.

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About the Author

Dr Pooja Sahni Consultant Gynaecologist Altius Hospital, Bengaluru ...Read More

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