We've come a long way from wearing cotton clothes to becoming accustomed to using sanitary napkins. The evolution of period products, however, does not stop there. People have grown habitual to use sanitary pads, but the availability of alternatives for a pleasant period experience is essential. Tampons and menstrual cups are among the new products entering the Indian market to meet the ever-changing and growing needs of the modern Indian woman.
Menstrual cups: The ABCs
A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product designed to provide women with comfort during their menstrual cycle. It is a silicone funnel-shaped cup that is inserted into the vagina during period to collect period blood. Menstrual cups are environment friendly because they can be reused for a long time once purchased (ours last for 5 years 😉). Moreover, the cup can be used for approximately 12 hours, which is significantly longer than that of a tampon or sanitary pad.
Using a menstrual cup
If you want to buy a menstrual cup, you must first know the correct size. The size of your menstrual cup depends on several factors, including your age, flow, cervix length, and so on. Extra Small, Small, and large are the most common sizes for these cups. Small sizes are typically recommended for teenagers and early adults, while large sizes are normally used by women with a high flow.
The first time you use a menstrual cup, you may experience some discomfort, but greasing your cup with water will solve the problem. For people who are used to using tampons, it can be a simple task.
The following steps make it simple to use the cup:
Step 1: Wash your hands
Step 2: Lubricate the cup at the rim for easy insertion
Step 3: Fold the cup in half tightly. Make sure the rim is facing up.
Step 4: Slowly insert the cup into your vagina. It should be positioned a few inches below the cervix.
Step 5: Once inside your body, rotate the cup to allow it to open and begin collecting blood.
A menstrual cup makes you feel more at ease. You can go about your daily activities normally without worrying about leaks or the cup falling out.
Removing a menstrual cup
A menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours. It is an excellent choice for overnight use. If the cup becomes full before 12 hours, remove it and clean it. You can gently pull the cup's stem out. Empty the cup into the toilet and clean it before reusing it. These cups are long-lasting and can be used for many years if properly cared for.
Advantages of using a menstrual cup
Menstrual cups have several advantages. Some of these advantages are:
- They are extremely affordable.
- They are safe to use.
- They are environment friendly.
- They can hold more blood and hence can be used for longer durations.
Menstrual cups, on the other hand, can get a little messy if not handled properly. It can also be difficult to use for beginners, but practice can help you master it.
Conclusion
Menstrual cups assist women in making their periods more comfortable. It is time for you to jump on board and be a part of the change in menstrual hygiene.
