5 Reasons to Switch to Menstrual Cups

The latest and perhaps the greatest invention in women’s health and hygiene products range, is the menstrual cup. Large number of women of different age groups are ditching the tampons and sanitary napkins and making the big switch. And while they are skeptical in the beginning, most of them who have used it, become loyal fans. Menstrual cups are made of medical grade silicone, a flexible and healthy material, which is inserted inside the vagina to collect the menstrual blood. It needs to be emptied after around 10 hours of usage and then reused. And there are several reasons to switch to menstrual cups!

Reasons to Switch to Menstrual Cups

If you are wondering why you should switch to menstrual cups, here are five most important reasons:

a) It’s inexpensive

One menstrual cup costs between Rs.300-900. Well, that may not look inexpensive, but it’s an investment for ten years. Yes, a menstrual cup is expected to last for around ten long years, which means, you don’t have to spend any money on tampons and sanitary napkins for the next 120 periods! Now, if you’re using about 25-30 pads/tampons in a single period, your cost is about Rs.150-300 per period, if we consider only the cheapest products. We’ll let you do the rest of the calculations!

b) It is healthier

With tampons, you run the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), though it’s rare. The cotton also dries out the vagina. You can also develop bacterial infections. There are chances of all kinds of infections originating in the moist, dark sanitary napkins. The chemicals can be harmful, too. Pads can also cause rashes. With menstrual cups, there’s no fear of TSS, bacterial infections, vaginal dryness, chemical harms, chafing, rashes, etc. They’re made of medical grade silicone.

c) You don’t have to make frequent changes

Ideally, you should change your pads/tampons every 3-4 hours. This is not only to prevent leakage and avoid the feeling of wetness but also because keeping them on for too long can become the primary reason for all kinds of harmful diseases, especially bacterial infections and TSS. But your menstrual cup needs to be emptied every ten hours. This is because, the cup sits inside, collecting the blood, with no chance of leakage, and no possibility of harmful diseases.

d) No more smelly mess to hide

If you’re changing every 3-4 hours, that’s about 30 pads/tampons in a single month for five days. And, these blood-soaked items need to be wrapped in plastic bags and kept in covered bins. They are not only unsightly but also give off a terrible smell. However, with menstrual cups, there’s no question of disposing of used products carefully. There’s no mess or noxious odour. You just have to clean and sterilise the cup regularly, and you’re good to go!

e) It’s environment-friendly

Used tampons/pads can be very harmful to the environment and people. The non-biodegradable materials used in making these products are a roadblock in the path of a clean society. Plus, the toxic chemicals, as well as the pathogens developing in the blood on them, are not only detrimental to the environment but also the manual cleaners. But with menstrual cups, you take a step closer to a safer, cleaner world as there’s no repeated dumping involved.

So, while it may sound a little icky to insert a reusable cup into the vagina with your fingers, and then disposing of the blood, you have to understand that things are happening in a much more natural way, with no chemicals involved. Plus, you get to understand your body better. So, if you’re thinking of making a switch to menstrual cups, don’t think twice…. just give it a go!