Menstrual Cups: Advantages & Disadvantages

What is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is a reusable, medical-grade cup made up of silicon that was invented in the 1920s but back then no Indian women ever heard of the concept of sanitary napkins or pads. Till now most Indian women still now are not so comfortable and feel safe inserting a cup inside their vagina.

But you should know that the menstrual cup is an innovative device that is very small, flexible, safe, and efficient to use. It is mainly a funnel-shaped silicone cup that can hold your period of blood for 12 hours. These cups are much more cost-effective compared to other sanitary products like regular pads or tampons; they are also reusable and eco-friendly which makes this a perfect sanitary product to use.

How To Use a Menstrual Cup?

Always consult with your gynecologist before choosing a menstrual cup as they are available in different sizes. There are mainly 2 types of cups: small and large. If you are below 30 then you should use small and if you are above 30, have heavy blood flow, and have a vaginal birth, then go for large cups. Here is a list of factors you must consider before choosing a menstrual cup:

Age
Heavy menstrual flow or not?
Cervix’s length
Flexibility & firmness of the menstrual cup

First few days you’ll feel weird but with the right technique and a bit of practice you‘ll figure it out.

Inserting a Menstrual Cup

In order to insert the menstrual cup properly, you can adhere to the following steps:

It is very important that you begin by cleaning your hands properly.
Relax and sit in a comfortable position. The aim is to find a position or posture that facilitates easy access to your vagina. You can either sit or stand with one leg elevated at an appropriate angle.
Fold the menstrual cup in a manner that shall allow seamless and easy insertion.
Relax your vaginal muscles. Hold the folded menstrual cup in your fingers and carefully insert it in your vagina at a 45-degree angle.
Give it a slight push so that it goes an inch or two inside your vagina.
Let go of the cup and it will open up to create a seal against the walls of your vagina.
You can adjust the menstrual cup as you want. The point is to check that the cup has opened completely and there are no folds on any side.

Removing Menstrual Cup

In order to remove the menstrual cup, you can follow the following instructions:

Start by washing your hands properly.
Find a comfortable position to sit in from where you can easily remove your menstrual cup.
Relax and take a few deep breaths.
Use your fingers to locate the base of the menstrual cup. It is too g to be below the cervix.
In order to remove the cup, you will have to break the seal that the menstrual cup has created against the wall of your vagina.
Pull the base to release the suction force and gently remove it from your vagina.
Take your time while you do so.
After receiving the menstrual cup, wash it properly and store it in a clean bag.
If your menstrual cycle is not over, you can reinsert the washed cup as per the aforementioned steps.

What Are The Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup

There are so many menstrual cup benefits to influence your choice of using them:

They Are Environment Friendly - As compared to menstrual pads and tampons, menstrual cups don't have to be discarded that frequently and hence it bodes well for the environment.

It Is Cost-Effective - The price of using a menstrual cup for your period cycles is a laser as compared to period add or tampons. Off-the-shelf price of a menstrual cup might be more than pads and tampons but it proves to be a very cost-effective method in the long run.

Reduced Vaginal Irritation - Many women complain about dryness and itching with the use of vaginal pads and tampons. By switching to a menstrual cup, such problems can be evaded.

They Have A Longer Wear Time - When inserted properly, menstrual cups can afford you freedom of movement and leak-free comfort for up to twelve hours. Pads and tampons need to be changed more frequently.

Menstrual Cups: Advantages

A menstruation cup has a longer shelf life which makes it eco-friendly. To lessen the danger of infection or irritation from the material of the cup, doctors advise replacing it once a year.
You will spend less on a menstrual cup than you would on tampons and pads combined each year which makes it cost-effective.
Every 5 to 6 hours, tampons and sanitary napkins need to be changed. You can use menstruation cups for up to 12 hours without changing them or being concerned about leaks.
Menstrual cups can hold 5 times as much blood as sanitary napkins and tampons can.
A menstrual cup will lower your risks of leakage when it is properly inserted.
In your intimate area, sanitary napkins can cause rashes and irritation. Menstrual cups eliminate this possibility.
When using tampons, you must be careful to balance the absorbency with your blood flow, whereas menstrual cups are made to manage all stages of your blood flow.

Menstrual Cups: Disadvantages

Finding the ideal fit can be challenging because menstruation cups come in a variety of sizes and every woman may require a different size. You might need to test out various brands and cup sizes first to discover your ideal fit.
You might occasionally find it challenging to insert the menstrual cup within your vagina or you might be unable to remove it properly, both of which might result in discomfort.
Menstrual cups are a great alternative for those who have latex allergies because many of them are constructed from latex-free materials. The rubber and silicone substance, however, can sometimes lead to allergic responses in some women, which can be extremely painful and uncomfortable.
The menstrual cup can irritate your vagina if it is not thoroughly cleaned after each usage. It may even be painful if you insert it without any lubrication.

The Bottom Line

Therefore, the invention and design of menstrual cups are brilliant, regardless of whether you are a seasoned cup user or a newbie. Maybe reading about the advantages and disadvantages of menstruation cups has persuaded you to give one a try, or maybe it just reaffirmed what you already knew. For some people, menstrual cups are a perfect option. It's acceptable that not everyone will enjoy it. To safeguard yourself from different vaginal infections, you may consider using VinzBerry Intimate Hygiene Wash and Intimate Care & Protection Mist. Additionally, you can check out their range of Personal care Products, such as Underarm care, Body care, and Intimate hygiene care.

Reusable menstruation products are expanding in popularity as dependable and eco-friendly solutions worldwide. And together, one menstruation cup at a time, we are protecting our world and its oceans from additional dangerous pollution.

Also Read: YOUR FIRST PERIOD AFTER DELIVERY: WHAT’S NORMAL?

FAQs

Are menstrual cups good or bad for you?
A: Once you get the hang of it, menstrual cups are pretty convenient to use and store. They are a good and sustainable choice for you.
Is a menstrual cup safe for the uterus?
A: Yes. Menstrual cups are safe for the uterus if you insert and remove them carefully. The process is quite easy, all you have to do is take you time to ease into the process of using it.
Can I sleep with a menstrual cup?
A: Yes. You can use a menstrual cup overnight. Having said that, it is important that you insert a clean cup before sleeping so that it has ample capacity to last through the night.
How many hours a day can you wear a menstrual cup?
A: You can wear a menstrual cup for twelve hours a day before changing it.