Tampons and sanitary pads are not the only menstrual hygiene products that could help you manage your blood during the visit of Aunt Flow. Other options are great to consider, such as menstrual cups.
However, not unless you have personally tried one, or know somebody who has, you probably are still in the dark and see these colorful, rubbery cups as a shrouded mystery. Thus, today, we lift the veil of this so-called mystery product.
What is the Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is another one of the industry’s innovation in making the menstruation cycle of women convenient. Although it has been around a little longer than the tampons, it is just this era that it has gained its fame.
Menstrual cups vs tampons —You would inevitably compare the two from each other, especially that they have their own set of pros and cons.
Menstrual cups are a reusable alternative to tampons and pads are its forefront advantage given that the people nowadays are now aware of being environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Not only that, but you do not need to change pads in every three to four hours since you can use it up to 12 hours a day and pour the contents into the toilet, easy and straightforward isn’t it? Not to mention that it is washable so it can be used cycle after cycle, till its lifespan of five years and more.
Are Menstrual Cups Safer than Tampons?
Menstrual cups are reportedly safer than tampons, although it has not yet been thoroughly studied, the primary running factors of having the Toxic Shock Syndrome in menstrual cups are lower than of tampons.
Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS for short is a severe and very rare infection due to the growth and accumulation of bacteria in a particular area which leads to organ failure and death.
It was around 1980 when TSS was associated with super-absorbent tampons that have led to mass infection, in which, later on, the tampons were pulled off from the market and changed the formulations.
It is said that the material of tampons is to be blamed due to its synthetic fiber, which acts as a house for bacteria. However, menstrual cups aren’t also exempted for this case, since on the year 2015, a study was published by the Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Biology has documented the first case of menstrual cup associated with TSS.
With this said, Gynecologist/ obstetrician Dr. Jen Gunter stated that we now should not assume that cups are safer than tampons. However, on an advantageous note for a menstrual cup, is that it does not contain any dioxins, or toxins, which might make you feel it is indeed safer than tampons.
Are Menstrual Cups Eco-Friendly?
Are you pro-environment and sustainability? Well, in that case, this might just work well for you. Clearly, when your menstrual cup is reusable that can be used for many years, then that would mean you will generate less trash than going through a few doe pads or tampons every month.
Now, if you are planning to be a part of the people who produce less garbage over your lifetime, then menstrual cups are a great choice to reduce your garbage footprint, women product-wise. Nevertheless, it is one of those small steps you can make in lowering garbage, but make a significant impact by reducing less waste in your lifestyle.
Can Menstrual Cup Financially Help?
Menstrual cups usually cost 20-40 dollars each, depending on the brand. That may be a lot up front, but in terms of long-term investment, it will help you save over time since you will not be buying any pads or tampons every month.
To avoid buying or replacing the cup soon, then you should know how to choose the right size and how to clean the menstrual cup properly. Since by knowing how to do the actions as mentioned earlier above will help in preserving the menstrual cup and avoiding any waste of budget.
Are Menstrual Cups More Convenient?
There are many reasons as to why women keep on switching to menstrual cups, leaving tampons and sanitary pads behind. Wondering if the menstrual cups are far more convenient than sanitary pads or tampons? Well, here are the benefits or advantages that you can gain by using menstrual cups:
• Menstrual cups can be used up to 12 hours, meaning you don’t need to visit the restroom to change pads or tampons frequently
• You don’t need to carry extra supplies since you just need to empty the cup and wash it to use it again.
• You don’t need to worry about leaking during a physical activity since menstrual cups are sealed in within your vaginal walls to avoid leakage.
Takeaway
Menstrual cups, pads, tampons, or any other menstrual hygiene product, are created to provide the essential convenience that women need during their menstruation.
Thus, when deciding or choosing for a menstrual product, you should know the information needed so that you will be able to judge what’s best for you. You can ask for any insights from your friends or professionals, what’s important is you find the right product for you.
