A menstrual cup is a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup. It is made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to collect period fluid. It is a popular reusable feminine hygiene product that can hold more blood than other methods. Thus, leading many women to use them as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. You can wear a menstrual cup for up to 10 to 12 hours.
Before a further discussion on the working, pros and cons of Menstrual Cup, it is important to mention that if you feel any difficulties with regards to the usage of Menstrual Cup, you may check out for best hospitals in Hyderabad for gynecologist consultation.
How Do Menstrual Cups Work?
The menstrual cup is made up of silicone or latex rubber. And, instead of absorbing your flow, it catches and collects it. You must tightly fold the menstrual cup and insert it like a tampon without an applicator before your period starts. You might feel that it is similar to putting a diaphragm or birth control ring in place.
Your cup will quickly spring open and rest against the walls of your vagina. Hence, it forms a seal to prevent leaks and the blood then simply drips into the cup. Certain types of menstrual cups are disposable but most are reusable. In order to remove the menstrual cup, you must pull the stem sticking out the bottom. And, pinch the base to release the seal. You can wash with soap and water, and replace. At the end of your menstrual cycle, you can sterilize your cup in boiling water.
To figure out the most suitable menstrual cup size for you, there are some of the crucial factors such as your age, length of your cervix, firmness and flexibility of the cup, strength of your pelvic floor muscles, etc. Generally, smaller menstrual cups are recommended for women younger than 30 years old who haven’t delivered vaginally. However, large sizes of menstrual cups are often recommended for women who are over 30 years old, have given birth vaginally, or have a heavier period.
There are often discussions about is PCOS and PCOD same, but what is also important to access that because PCOS and PCOD can cause irregular cycles and heavy bleeding, the menstrual cup can actually provide a lot of freedom to women who deal with such medical conditions.
Menstrual Cup Pros and Cons
There are many advantages to using a menstrual cup. This includes:-
Pros of Menstrual Cup:
- Financial savings – A menstrual cup can be a higher upfront investment. But, it can last for several years, so, using a cup will ultimately save money, when compared with the regular purchase of tampons or pads.
- Comfort – A menstrual cup is more comfortable than pads or tampons. And, cups do not cause vaginal dryness, which is a common complaint about tampons.
- Fewer cramps – According to some reports, people have fewer or less painful menstrual cramps while using a cup.
- Less messy – A person can wear one while working out, swimming, or even showering. Some brands even report that their cups are safe and comfortable to wear even during sexual intercourse.
- Reduced environmental impact – Sanitary pads are usually single-use but cups are designed for years of use. Thus, it certainly lessens the impact on environment.
Few Other Advantages of Menstrual Cups Include the Following:
- Menstrual fluid develops an odor when exposed to air while menstrual cups eliminate this issue. Unlike tampons, menstrual cups don’t dry the vagina and thus preserves the healthy bacteria that protect you from vaginal infections.
- Menstrual cups aren’t associated with toxic shock syndrome. This is a type of rare, life-threatening condition linked to tampon use. And, cups don’t contain chemicals such as bleach and dioxin.
Cons of Menstrual Cup:
- A menstrual cup can also feel uncomfortable if they are using the wrong size. Additionally, a person with a very heavy flow or who regularly get clots in their menstrual blood may experience some leaks.
- Some people might be possibly concerned about contracting toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This is an infection that sometimes develops after extended use of tampons. However, the possibility of TSS is very rare when using menstrual cups or tampons.
If you notice any big changes, like more or less frequent periods or no periods at all, check with your doctor and get more info on ovarian cancer causes and symptoms apart from learning about menstrual cups.
Is Menstrual Cup Safe?
Menstrual cups are generally safe as long as you insert them with clean hands. You must remove them carefully, and clean them appropriately.
To know further about menstrual cups, you must get in touch with a well-known gynecologist.
