A menstrual cup is a silicone-based hygiene product designed for menstruation. It is a funnel-shaped product with a stem that is inserted into the vagina. The medical-grade silicone ensures that it is comfortable to wear and causes no harm chemically.
When deciding to use a certain product, we often look for its pros and cons. Subsequently, if the pros are more as compared to the cons and the drawbacks can be compromised, we get convinced to buy that product. So without further ado, let us understand the pros and cons of menstrual cup.
Pros of using a menstrual cup
Menstruating individuals choose to use menstrual cups for the following reasons:
- Reusable: Menstrual cups are made up of medical-grade silicone which makes them suitable to use multiple times.
- Holding capacity: Menstrual cups can hold up to 26 ml of menstrual fluid. Generally, we bleed about 20 ml per day.
- Leakage protection: When inserted properly, the menstrual cup creates a suction, ensuring no possibility of leakage.
- Cost-effective: Menstrual cups are a one-time investment for 5 years. You don’t have to purchase any menstrual hygiene product every month.
- No odour: When the menstrual fluid comes in contact with air, it creates a pungent odour. But, you don’t need to worry about it as the menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina.
- Rash-free: Since you have to insert it into your vagina, it causes no rashes on your groin region.
- Reduces environmental waste: Using a single menstrual hygiene product that works for five years would contribute to environmental waste at a very low rate.
- Minimizes changing frequency: You just need to wash off your blood from the menstrual cup after 12 hours. It reduces the time and effort that you have to put in while using other menstrual products.
- Very less drugstore visits: You don’t have to visit the drugstores for buying it for a few years.
- Swimming and other sports activities: Since the menstrual cups provide leakage protection and can collect a high amount of blood, they are suitable for swimming and other sports activities.
Cons of using a menstrual cup
Now that you are aware of the pros of menstrual cups, you should know about their cons as well:
- May be difficult to insert: If you are a beginner, you may find it difficult to insert initially. With consecutive practices, you will get a hang of it.
- May be difficult to remove: You may find it a bit difficult to remove the menstrual cup without spilling the blood if you are a beginner.
- Can be messy: It can be a bit messy due to blood spillage if you don’t remove it properly.
- Fit issues: Using a menstrual cup of the wrong size may cause fit issues. It won’t create a suction properly which may result in leakage. The menstrual cup comes in three sizes; small, medium, and large. Small-sized cups are meant for menstruators who are teenagers. The medium-sized cup is recommended for people who have not given birth vaginally or have given birth through a C-section. The large-sized cup is suitable for people who have given birth vaginally.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the pros of using menstrual cups are outweighing their cons. The main benefit of menstrual cup is that it provides leakage protection, which is something that all menstruating individuals desire. Also, you don’t have to go through the hustle of keeping a check or changing them frequently. They are extremely pocket-friendly and cause no rashes. You can swim, dance, and do other activities. However, you need some practice to insert and remove it. Additionally, it’s crucial to sterilize it to avoid the risk of potential infections. Now, it's you to decide whether to opt for a menstrual cup to maintain your menstrual hygiene.
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✍️ This article was curated by Komal Gupta
