Menstrual Cups: The Pros and Cons You Need to Know Before You Make the Switch!
Menstrual cups are available in the market by various names and are generally safe when used properly.
Some of the disadvantages of menstrual cups include:
- They need to be sterilized between periods
- Emptying menstrual cups may be messy
- They may not fit properly, especially if your uterus is too low or you have other anatomical concerns related to the uterus or cervix
- Need to rinse the menstrual cup every time you empty it
- Removing and inserting the cup may not be convenient for some women
- Vaginal discomfort
- Allergic reaction or rashes
- Risk of infections
TTS (Toxic Shock Syndrome): Being a woman we all know the risk of TTS or also known as toxic shock syndrome. This type of infection is as bad as they come, even if it doesn't happen often. This infection is caused by the bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus or Staph aureus and typically occurs if proper hygiene, such as handwashing before removing and inserting the menstrual cup, is not followed. TSS may present as high fever, chills, skin rash, dizziness, and even fainting. It can lead to serious consequences if urgent medical attention is not provided.
There’s a learning curve: Using a period cup takes some practice — and you may not get it right on the first try. Try using backup protection, like a pad or eco-friendly period underwear, to avoid leaks until you nail down your insertion technique.
Difficult to insert: There are different ways to insert one — and it may take a few tries to find the technique that works for you.
Removal takes practice: Most period cups have a stem, but you don’t want to yank the stem to remove them. An alternative approach would be to use your fingers starting at the stem and following it to the bottom of the cup. Grab the bottom of the cup to force it to let go of the inside of your vagina while slightly wiggling it from side to side. Let the opening fall towards the toilet in order to dump its contents for the no-mess solution.
Bonus tip: try removing your cup in the shower, especially in the beginning.
There’s a chance of infection: To avoid this, wash your hands and menstrual cup well before and after use. And be sure to store it properly — most come with a bag or pouch for storage.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When you do not use menstrual cups correctly you may cause yourself to suffer from what's called Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
When you experience this unique problem, the muscles and surroundings that help hold your pelvic organs or your pelvic floor has the tendency to weaken and do not hold the organs where they are supposed to be.
This tends to let one or more organs fall from their original position and move to your vagina, whether it be the bowel, bladder, top of the vagina or womb. With pelvic floor exercises and some life changes, this can be cured, but in extreme cases, a medical procedure may be needed.
7 benefits of using a menstrual cup
Cups are really affordable, eco-friendly, safe, and really good replacements for the normal throw-away options many people use.
The benefits of menstrual cups include but are not limited to the following:
Cost-effective: Menstrual cups can be reused multiple times. The average cost of a menstrual cup is anywhere between 20 and 40 dollars. This one-time investment provides menstrual hygiene care for up to 10 years. Compared to sanitary pads and tampons which cost about 50 to 150 dollars a year, menstrual cups are quite an affordable option.
Good for the environment: On average, a woman uses about 2600 pads or tampons in 10 years. This can be replaced by a single menstrual cup. Thus, a lot of waste generation can be avoided by swapping pads and tampons with menstrual cups.
Chemical-free: Menstrual cups do not contain any allergens, chemicals, or fragrances. Thus, they are even suitable for women who are prone to rashes and allergies in the genital area.
Easy to carry: Menstrual cups are smaller than two inches in size. They can easily fit in your pocket and are, thus, more convenient to carry than multiple sanitary pads or tampons.
Suitable for different flow rates: Menstrual cups are suitable for women who suffer from heavy flow. One menstrual cup, on average, holds the menstrual flow for which three to four tampons may be required. They help prevent staining, chafing, and odor due to heavy periods. They need to be emptied every 4 to 12 hours, thus suitable when you need to stay outdoors for a long time.
Available in different sizes: Menstrual cups are available in different sizes for your convenience and comfort. You can choose them based on factors such as vaginal length, age, and how heavy your periods are. Menstrual cups can be safely used by a woman of any age regardless of whether she has delivered or not. Menstrual cups do not interfere with virginity.
Ability to measure the flow: The menstrual cups help measure flow, which helps doctors diagnose menorrhagia.
No matter what, looking at the other options for your monthly visitor all of them come with their own risk and regulations on use. Some last longer, some are less messy, and some may even contribute to using too much of the world's resources. Menstrual cups are a great alternative and maybe something you've never thought about. Check out the ones from the Moon Time Store to find exactly what you may need as well as a wide variety of other products to help that monthly visitor be as comfortable as can be.