A menstrual cup is a recent addition to female hygiene products in India, but a rather sustainable one. It is being adopted by several women due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, as well as no waste policy. Women are being educated in its proper usage and encouraged to switch to these from traditional products like cloth, sanitary napkins, and tampons.
What is Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a product for female hygiene, used especially during the menstrual cycle of a woman. This cup is made from medical-grade silicone that is inserted at the cervix to collect the uterine shedding through the vagina. Once full, the blood is discarded, and the period menstrual cup can be reused until the cycle is over.
Which is the Best Menstrual Cup Brand in India
Before we delve deeper into how to put in a menstrual cup, you need to figure out which is the best menstrual cup in India. Opt for a medical-grade silicone vaginal cup instead of ones made with latex or thermoplastic isomer. Silicone cups have been known to have a longer life, as well as easier to manage. Though the menstrual cup price is slightly on the higher side, as compared to its alternative hygiene products, in the long run, it will be extremely cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
In order to get the best results from a menstrual cup, you need to choose one that fits you perfectly. If you choose a smaller size, you might experience some leakage. A bigger size cup for young girls, on the other hand, might cause discomfort during insertion.
Did you know:
A single menstrual cup can be reused for up to 10 years, provided it is properly used and maintained as instructed.
How To Use Period Cup?
In order to use a vaginal cup properly, you first need to understand how it works. As discussed, the reusable menstrual cup is inserted at the opening of the vagina, known as the cervix. The top of the cup has a lining that helps create a vacuum if put correctly. This prevents the released blood from leaking from the vagina. The cup collects the blood and should be discarded at regular intervals.
Menstrual Cup Use Step By Step
In this section, we will give you a detailed step-by-step guide on how to insert a menstrual cup for beginners. Young girls, as well as women, can benefit from this.
Step 1: Sterilize the cup in boiling water for a few minutes and let it dry
Step 2: Hold the cup from the stem and pinch slightly to fold the cup inwards
Step 3: Gently insert the folded cup into the cervix until the entire stem is inside the vagina
Step 4: Rotate the cup and release the pinch to check if the cup is vacuum sealed inside
Step 5: Once full, remove the cup, empty it, cleanse it and reinsert it
For beginners, it is better to use the menstrual cup along with a sanitary napkin. It will allow you to assess the correct size for yourself, whether or not you have a heavy flow, understand how to use menstrual cup in periods, and manage leakages, if any.
Menstrual Cup Benefits
Using a menstrual cup during periods is highly beneficial in several ways:
- It is cost-effective as one cup can last up to 10 years
- It is sustainable for the environment as it leads to significantly lower waste in terms of product and packaging
- It has very low chances of leading to infections and toxic shock syndrome
- It is easier to carry, manage, and use on a regular basis
Did you know:
In several countries, women do not have access to female hygiene products and use dirt cloth pieces, leaves, or even ash to absorb their period blood. A sustainable menstrual cup is a safe alternative for them.
Menstrual Cup Disadvantages
Like every product, a menstrual cup also has some disadvantages:
