But already in 2011 in Canada, as a result of such an experiment, approximately 91% of women from the group said they would continue to use the cup and recommend it to others.
Menstrual cups are not new. Back in 1995, a clinical study was conducted: 51 women took part in it, and 23 of them recognized that they used menstrual cups as a hygiene product. But this is only 45% of respondents. For the rest of the women, using menstrual cups was more difficult than using tampons.
But is it safe and effective? Or is it better to remain committed to proven intimate hygiene products? Let’s get it right.
Unlike tampons or sanitary napkins, the menstrual cup does not absorb secretions.
There are two types of menstrual cups:
- Soft flexible disposable cups made of polyethylene and resembling a contraceptive diaphragm.
- The most common type: a bell-shaped cup made of rubber / latex, medical silicone, or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Such bowls are reusable and can be used up to 10 years. Some experts recommend replacing the cup every year, others – every 5-10 years.
Can I use menstrual cups during sex?
Soft disposable menstrual cups can be used during sexual contact, but they are not contraceptives. Silicone or latex bell-shaped cups will need to be removed before sexual intercourse.
Harmful menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are safe when used according to the instructions, no health risks associated with them have been identified. So use it without fear and be healthy.
Why is it worth changing pads and tampons to menstrual cups?
There are a lot of indecent advantages:
- It is economical. Menstrual cups can be used up to 10 years. Some manufacturers recommend (and some women responsible for their health prefer) replacing bowls every 5 years. Yes, a menstrual cup is more expensive than a pack of pads or tampons, but unlike the second group of hygiene products, you will be limited to a one-time purchase.
- This is a choice in favor of ecology: when using the menstrual cup, you do not need to throw out anything except secretions, which means that there will be less garbage on the planet. The cotton used in most tampons and pads is bleached, which is also harmful to the environment. And the traces of dioxin left on cotton are a carcinogen.
On average, a woman uses 11,000 tampons and pads in her life. And all this, together with the packaging, is sent to a landfill.
Have you ever wondered how much trash we leave behind on Earth?
- Compactness: during the trip you will need only one bowl, instead of several packs of pads or tampons. Now you can take a spare pair of jeans.
- Comfort: since the menstrual cup is located directly inside the body, it does not create a sensation of compress, like sanitary pads. No more wet tampon tails after urination. And also, the cup prevents the sensation of overdrying that tampons can create.
- Less health risk: tampons can be extremely dangerous and lead to toxic shock, such cases are far from repeated. With menstrual cups, this does not threaten you.
- This is convenient: the menstrual cup can hold more fluid than even a swab for heavy bleeding, so you can less often go to the bathroom.
- No contact with selections.
- It can be used during sports. Now you have no excuses for training during critical days.
- Invisible under clothes.
- There is no smell of secretions.
Disadvantages of using menstrual cups
Despite the impressive list of regalia, there are also flaws.
But their number is scanty.
- Have to work out: the menstrual cup requires the skills of insertion and extraction. If improperly administered, it can leak. During manipulations with the bowl it is necessary to observe hygiene (wash hands thoroughly), which is not always possible outside the house.
- Requires sterilization between cycles.
- To change, you need to have water with you to rinse the bowl.
Not that these facts could be called flaws, but rather a reminder for a woman.
Menstrual cup as a secret accessory
Menstrual cups come in different colors, as well as transparent, but they quickly lose their original appearance – they turn yellow from secretions. On color – yellowness is not noticeable, but in them there are dyes (certified), but in transparent – not.
On a white transparent bowl all contaminations are very clearly visible, which means it is easier to maintain in perfect cleanliness.
You can buy a menstrual cup at a pharmacy, cosmetics store, or household chemical products or order online.
