Dr. Ramya Dinnekere Ravi

Know Your Period Products: Part 111 – The Menstrual Cup

On the eve of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, I am excited to dedicate a series of blogs to discussing menstrual products. Menstrual health is a basic human right, and everyone should be able to take care of their bodies during menstruation. This year’s theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day is “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

Common Period Products in India

There are many period products available in India. Some commonly used ones include:

1. Sanitary Pads
2. Tampons
3. Menstrual Cups
4. Cloth
5. Underwear/Menstrual Panty

Menstrual Cups: Pros, Cons, Do’s, and Don’ts

Menstrual cups are flexible bell-shaped devices made of rubber or silicone that are worn inside the vagina to catch menstrual blood. These cups have gained popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits.

Types of Menstrual Cups:

1. Reusable
2. Disposable

Note: Not all menstrual cups are reusable.

Pros:

1. Most cups are reusable.
2. Cost-effective and financially sustainable.
3. Durable.
4. Not associated with bad odor.
5. No irritation to the skin.
6. Reusable cups are environmentally friendly.
7. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
8. Suitable for swimming.
9. If properly inserted, you can’t feel them.
10. You can be sexually active while using them.

Cons:

1. Disposable cups are not environmentally friendly.
2. Recurring cost for disposable cups.
3. Insertion may be challenging for some.
4. Finding the right fit can be difficult.
5. It can get messy while changing the cup.
6. Risk of dislodging an IUCD/Copper T.
7. Cups containing latex may cause allergies.
8. Difficult to see if the cup is full.
9. Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if not used properly.

Do’s:

1. Wash your hands before and after changing the cups.
2. Change cups at least once every 6 to 8 hours.

Don’ts:

1. Menstrual cups do not prevent pregnancy and should not be used as birth control.
2. Do not flush the cup down the toilet.
3. Don’t forget to remove the cup once your cycle is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to use a menstrual cup?
   • All cups come with step-by-step instructions. Wash your hands with soap and water and get into a comfortable position (squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with knees apart). Apply a thin layer of water-based lubricant to the rim of the cup or just wet it. Squeeze or fold the cup so it is narrow and slide it into your vagina with your fingers. Once inside, the cup will spring open and rest against the walls of your vagina, forming a seal to prevent leaks. If the cup doesn’t open or feels uncomfortable, try to rotate it. When used correctly, you shouldn’t feel it.

2. How to remove the cup?
   • Wash your hands with soap and water. Sit or squat in a comfortable position. Insert your index finger and thumb into your vagina and locate the cup’s stem. Pinch the base of the cup to break the seal and remove it, keeping the cup upright to avoid spills. Empty the contents into the toilet and wash the cup if it is reusable. Rinse it with clean water after emptying and before re-insertion. At the end of your cycle, sterilize the cup in boiling water.

3. For how long can a cup be reused?
   • They can be reused for approximately 5-10 years.

4. What is the maximum duration a cup can be worn?
   • The cup needs to be emptied every 6-8 hours and can be worn for a maximum of 12 hours.

5. Can cups be worn with intrauterine devices/Copper T?
   • Cups can be worn with an intrauterine device, but there is a risk of dislodging the IUD.

6. Can cups be used by unmarried girls?
   • Yes. It is incorrectly associated with breaking the hymen and loss of virginity.

7. Could there be any possible health impacts?
   • Since cups do not disrupt vaginal flora and pH, health risks like Toxic Shock Syndrome, infections, and skin irritations are minimal compared to other materials. Good hand hygiene is important for safe cup use.

By understanding the pros and cons of menstrual cups, we can make informed decisions and contribute to a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.