"MENSTRUAL CUPS : SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY PERIOD PRODUCT"
A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It's a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid. Cups can hold more blood than other methods, leading many women to use them as an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons. Menstrual cups were in use since the the1800s. The use of a menstrual cup is becoming increasingly popular among college students and working people. Although they may appear intimidating at first, using a menstrual cup is a convenient, safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to collect menstrual blood with little practice. In major locations, menstrual cups are available from a variety of startups and online shops. During the training of Visible Impact for us Sarathis, I first learned about menstrual cups.
Cups for menstrual purposes sounded tough and frightening. I was afraid to try menstrual cups since I had been using sanitary pads for so long. I was fed up with the continual stress of sanitary pads, which included rashes, disposal hassle, and leakage. Menstrual cups were recommended to me by some of my friends who had used it, and I decided to give it a try. Unlike cloth, sanitary pads, and tampons, which absorb blood, a menstrual cup is a flexible cup made of medical-grade silicone or rubber that sits in the vagina and collects blood.
Choosing to use a menstrual cup was one of the best decisions I've ever made. A cup eliminates period discomfort, rashes, skin infections, and leaking while also allowing physical activity and lasting for years, reducing the waste production. This leads to better menstrual health and less waste production. Menstrual cups are not only environmentally beneficial but also sustainable. They are less harmful to the environment than sanitary napkins or tampons.
Individuals must learn about menstrual cups before using them; else, the first use may be frightening.
PREPARING TO USE A MENSTRUAL CUP
Check with your local pharmacy or go online to see what varieties are available. Many menstrual cup retailers offer a variety of sizes to persons of all ages and stages of life, as well as varying quantities of menstrual flow and anatomy. A shorter cup, for example, maybe preferable for women with a low cervix. People who engage in more physical activity may find that a stiffer cup is more effective in preventing leaks.
According to the manufacturer, the menstrual cup can be reused for up to 3-4 years or even longer.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP
It's critical to disinfect your menstrual cup before using it for the first time (and after each period). Simply grab a pot, drop the monthly cup in, add water till the menstrual cup isn't sitting on the bottom of the pot, and place the pot on the stovetop. It's as simple as boiling the menstruation cup for five minutes. Before inserting the menstrual cup, remove it from the pot and let it cool fully.
You don't need to disinfect your menstrual cup every time you empty it while you're on your period; a simple washing with warm water and a little soap will be sufficient. Make sure the little holes right below the rim of the menstruation cup are clean.
It must be sterilized and stored at the end of each cycle in order to be used again the following month. Boiling the cup in a kettle of water for three minutes is an easy way to sterilize it. To keep it safe, put it in a breathable cotton bag. It should not be kept in an airtight container.
HOW TO INSERT A MENSTRUAL CUP
It's normal to feel uneasy when using a menstrual cup for the first time. However, “greasing” your cup can make the procedure go more smoothly. Using water or water-based lubrication, moisten the rim of your cup before inserting it (lubricant). It's considerably easier to insert a wet menstruation cup. One should be at ease and worry-free while inserting the cup.
It's important to remember that the menstruation cup is made of silicone. As a result, it is extremely pliable and flexible. It must be folded in order to be inserted. Inserting a menstrual cup can be done in a number of different ways. The most used folds are the Punch down fold and C-fold methods.
To use a menstrual cup, simply follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- To lubricate the rim of the cup, use water or a water-based lubricant.
- Fold the menstrual cup in half tightly and hold it in one hand, the rim facing up.
- Insert the cup, rim up, in your vaginal canal. It should sit a few inches below your cervix.
- Rotate the cup once it's in your vaginal canal. It will spring open, forming an airtight seal that will stop leaks.
If you've inserted your menstrual cup correctly, you shouldn't be able to feel it. You should also be able to move, leap, sit, stand, and perform other common tasks.
WHEN TO TAKE YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP OUT
Depending on whether you have a heavy flow or not, you can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours. This implies you can use a cup to protect yourself overnight.
By the 12-hour mark, you should have removed your menstrual cup. If it fills up before then, you'll need to empty it ahead of time to prevent leaks.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR MENSTRUAL CUP OUT
To take out a menstrual cup, just follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina until you can reach the base.
- Pinch the base to release the seal and pull down to remove the cup. Never pull the cup without breaking the seal.
- Once it’s out, empty the cup into the sink or toilet.
When heading out, it's a good idea to bring a little bottle of water with you in case you need to empty your cups in a restroom without running water.
Menstrual cups have shown to be a viable alternative to pads as they are eco-friendly. A reusable menstruation cup costs a one-time fee. They are cost-effective in long term. They're easy to use, safer, holds more blood, and don't make you feel like you're on your period. After a few cycles of using menstrual cups, you can get the hang of it. I do not think I will ever use pads again after using the menstrual cup.
Annamarya Scaccia. Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. Healthline. Published November 14, 2017. Accessed September 25, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cup#advantages