Tired of tampons? Here’s why you should try a menstrual cup instead

Menstrual Cup – All Gain, No Stain!

Regardless of how much the world has progressed, there is no denying that the world of feminine hygiene products still remains something of a mystery. Newer inventions come, but are yet to hit the mainstream spotlight. Menstrual cups serve as one of these under-the-radar inventions that can turn your period into a completely hassle-free experience and yet, aren’t spoken about much. We are here to change that by taking a look at what menstrual cups can do for you!

What is a menstrual cup and umm, how does it fit down there?

For the uninitiated, here’s a quick refresher on menstrual cups. Typically made from silicone or rubber, menstrual cups are designed to be folded into your vagina from where it forms a protective seal within and collects all fluids until you remove and empty it. The funnel-shaped cup is constructed from extremely  flexible materials that can be folded and inserted inside with ease. Once within, they expand and line the walls of the vagina to ensure that all fluids are trapped inside.

Though menstrual cups might feel like a recent invention, their origins date back to the 1800s when a design patent was filed in 1867. However, they were subjected to much stigma as compared to conventional menstrual hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins, and weren’t widely accepted till the 1980s. With the rise in awareness, the menstrual cup market has now crossed the $600 million mark and is expected to touch the $900 million mark within a few years.

So, should I throw out my tampons and switch to menstrual cups?

As with any other form of hygiene products, you are justified for having a dozen questions about menstrual cups and whether they are right for you. For those who are on the fence, here’s an easy list of questions to ask yourself to know whether you should buy one:

Are you tired of the mess created by tampons and sanitary napkins?

Menstrual cups serve as a more efficient and foolproof way of preventing leakages and any unsanitary odours. Since the fluid is collected within the cup, you only need to make a trip to the nearest washroom to empty it once every few hours. To remove the cup, lightly pinch the base of the cup to release the suction seal and pull it out in a gentle motion. It may require a little practice but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do it in seconds.

Would you like to avoid frequent changes?

If you are tired of making frequent visits to the restroom to change your tampon or sanitary napkin, a menstrual cup is the right choice for you. One cup can hold the fluid equivalent of three tampons and, as a result, needs to be changed merely once every 12 hours. Depending on your flow on a particular day, this number may be higher or lower but it will still outlast the lifespan of an average tampon or sanitary napkin.

Are you concerned about the environmental implications of use-and-dispose products?

For those looking to make their periods kinder on the environment, menstrual cups offer good news as you’ll only need to buy a new one once every year. This stands in stark contrast to the number of one-time use sanitary napkins and tampons that are otherwise discarded during every period.

Are you hoping to minimise vaginal concerns?

It is a known fact that sanitary napkins can open the door to a vast array of vaginal concerns by trapping moisture and creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Tampons, on the other hand, are known to dry up essential vaginal fluid, thereby causing vaginal dryness. Menstrual cups serve as a comparatively safer option as they won’t disturb your pH balance down there.

What to keep in mind before opting for a menstrual cup

If you are looking to make the switch, congratulations on starting a new, fuss-free chapter in your menstrual cycle that is kinder on the environment as well. Before you get started, here are a couple of golden rules to keep in mind to make the transition as smooth as possible:

• It might take an adjustment period to learn how to insert and remove the menstrual cup efficiently. But don’t let that deter you from giving it a shot. Try using it for the first few times while you are at home so you can get the hang of it in a smooth, comfortable manner.

• Some women find changing and washing a menstrual cup to be bothersome while they are at work or travelling. In this case, it is advisable to keep a backup cup with you to minimise the time and effort that would go into washing a cup before reinsertion.

• While they are designed to last for over a year, don’t forget to sterilise your cup thoroughly at the end of each cycle. You can do this with boiling water or immersing it in a sterilising solution to ensure maximum hygiene.

And that’s it! With these steps in mind, you are ready to begin a whole new way of living life during your monthly cycle. No muss, no fuss, just a confident and happy you!