I cannot believe that many women are still not even aware that there is an alternative to tampons and sanitary napkins. I too was in that group, until a couple of years ago, when I learned about menstrual cups. I did not buy one back then (I had other things on my mind - like getting pregnant and having a baby), and it wasn’t until a couple of months ago when I finally made the switch.
I bought a Mooncup UK brand (unfortunately, it no longer ships cups to the US due to tradename issues with another cup manufacturer).
Mooncup UK
Wow! What a difference it makes!
A menstrual cup is form of reusable menstrual protection. It is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluids. Once in place it forms a seal, preventing blood flowing out of the vagina by collecting it in its “cup” shaped reservoir. Unlike a tampon which absorbs the blood along with the vagina’s natural secretions, a menstrual cup simply holds the fluids until you remove it - so they do not dry out the vagina and do not hold the Toxic Shock Syndrome risk that tampons do.
With many of us becoming aware of the effects of our lifestyles on the environment, lots of women are choosing to use menstrual cups as an alternative to standard sanitary pads and tampons.
A menstrual cup is a conical shaped cup made of flexible material, such as rubber or medical grade silicone, which is inserted into the vagina to catch menstrual blood. It is worn lower in the vaginal passage than a tampon and with only a little practice is simple to insert and remove. Although there is a learning curve, it’s not difficult to learn how to use it. If you’re not too squeamish, you’ll find that it’s extremely empowering to take charge of that aspect of your reproductive health.
Menstrual cup may be worn up to 12 hours without needing to be emptied and after removing and a quick wash with hot soapy water, it is ready for reuse. In between menstrual periods it is recommended that the cup be sterilised in boiling water.
Benefits
- A sanitary, eco-friendly, and healthy alternative to disposable tampons and pads.
- Cost-effective: Consider the monthly cost of pads and tampons versus the one-time cost of a menstrual cup.
- Easy-to-use and comfortable, needs emptying only 2-4 times a day. Can be used during the night and during sports activities.
- The lining of the cup is totally smooth and the tab is flat, so cleaning is extremely easy.
- Can be sterilised by placing in boiling water for 2-5 minutes.
- Come in different sizes, and can be used by all menstruating women, with the exception of post-natal bleeding due to the risk of inflammation.
- Can be used before first sexual intercourse and also with an IUD and contraceptive ring.
- Does not dry the vaginal mucus membrane.
- FDA approved. No outbreaks of vaginal candidiasis, cystitis or toxic shock syndrome have been linked to the use of menstrual cups.
Menstrual cups is the best thing that ever happened to feminine hygiene products. They are comfortable, clean, easy to use, great for any kind of physical activity such as riding a bike, running, swimming, and snowboarding–you’ll completely forget it’s there.
When you do it for the first time, it may take a couple of attempts to insert the cup and then take it out. It may look like a challenge at first. However, once you try it once or twice, it’s really not much more difficult than inserting or removing a tampon.
Give it a try, and you may never go back to tampons and pads again.
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