Menstrual cups are constructed from medical-grade silicone or latex and designed for collecting menstrual blood in vaginal areas. Since these reusable devices reduce landfill waste by collecting menstrual blood in one location instead of multiple disposable tampons and pads being used each month, menstrual cups offer a sustainable solution.
They’re less odorous and reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome; though they may initially feel difficult to use and remove, most women find they quickly adjust.
They’re eco-friendly
One menstrual cup may last a woman up to ten years, reducing wasteful sanitary pad use significantly and cost less. Made from medical-grade silicone and without needing absorbent material to function (unlike tampons), they’re biodegradable and won’t clog landfills with debris.
Menstrual cups also play a significant role in reducing plastic waste, since they’re not discarded after each use and most brands utilize biodegradable and toxic-free silicone material that won’t harm either their user or the environment.
Menstrual cups are reusable products that can be sterilized using boiling water, then stored in their manufacturer’s cotton pouch for storage and reuse. This can save both money and reduce period poverty – an issue plaguing many women living in low income countries. With 12 hour usage per use and minimal discomfort when inserting it into vagina, menstrual cups offer great savings to women living there.
They’re mess-free
Menstrual cups offer the promise of less mess and inconvenience than pads and tampons; however, they require practice to insert and remove correctly; using lubricants may assist this process.
Menstrual cup users often find it easier to insert their cup when they’re sitting or squatting on the toilet, and may find that folding their menstrual cups in half with the rim facing up helps as well.
Once inserted, they create an airtight seal to stop leaks, leading to less smearing on clothing and trips to the restroom throughout the day.
Menstrual cups offer significant cost savings over their 10-year lifespan, making them especially appealing to women living in low income countries where “period poverty” is an ongoing reality; many can’t afford regular supplies of sanitary products like tampons or pads which disrupt vaginal pH balance and cause dryness. Menstrual cups could provide lifelines; additionally they’re healthier alternatives as they don’t cause dryness to your vaginal environment like these products do.
They’re easy to use
Menstrual cups are designed to be easily inserted and removed without needing an applicator, so once women become adept at inserting and removing their cup they can begin using it regularly. Once practiced insertion/removal becomes routine they can begin regular usage.
Few simple maneuvers can help the process go more smoothly, such as folding the cup into various shapes – from origami fold for those with high cervixes, to half-diamond folds that work better for lower ones.
As it’s essential that women choose a cup suited for them, knowing the correct size of your cup is also key. Most come in two sizes – large (often coded A and B). For women with light to medium flows or those who are younger may prefer using smaller models; women who have had children are advised to select larger cups for optimal use and storage purposes. It is also crucial that users follow all cleaning and storage instructions that come with their specific cups.
They’re less odorous
Menstrual cups contain your blood, so there’s less of a chance it will leak and smell. Plus, unlike tampons which use rayon applicators that sheds fibers into your vagina, its smooth material doesn’t cause as much irritation.
Menstrual cups can sometimes be quite unpleasant to use on first use. To help ease insertion and removal, apply some water-based lubricant or wet it thoroughly to the rim of your cup – this will make insertion and removal much simpler!
Before using, your cup will need to be sterilized regularly through boiling. Furthermore, after each period it should be stored in an open natural container that doesn’t seal tightly – this will reduce bacteria build-up on its surface and increase risk of infection. Always follow instructions provided with your specific product for best results.
