The use of menstrual cups differs markedly from the usual use of pads and tampons. Let's figure out what their positive aspects and possible inconveniences are.
Menstrual cups are not an innovation. For the first time, a bowl for general use was patented in 1937. However, they still remain exotic for many: the vast majority of women prefer other hygiene products.
Menstrual cups do not absorb bloody secretions, but collect them. Devices are inserted into the vagina and placed just below the cervix. Every 4-12 hours (depending on filling) they need to be emptied. The safety and effectiveness of menstrual cups has been confirmed by clinical studies. Their major review, published in The Lancet Public Healt, showed that they are on par with pads and tampons in these parameters.
Good things
- Menstrual cups are reusable and can last for many years. This eliminates the need to constantly spend money on tampons and pads. In addition, this choice is good for the environment.
- Cups can be changed less frequently than tampons. The frequency of their emptying depends on how intense the menstrual bleeding is. But experts point out that they can be worn without taking them out for up to 12 hours.
- A number of resources indicate the absence of peculiar odors in the list of positive features of menstrual cups. The secretions do not come into contact with air, as happens when using pads and tampons. In addition, there is speculation that tampons may contribute to pH and bacterial imbalance in the vagina, which also affects odors.
- When using menstrual cups, a woman gets more information about her condition. Since the blood is not absorbed, it is possible to assess its loss, says gynecologist Alyssa Dweck (Alyssa Dweck). This can help to detect a medical problem in time: for example, excessive bleeding may indicate uterine fibroids.
Difficulties in using menstrual cups
- Bowls come in different sizes, their shape may vary slightly. It is difficult, for example, to find a suitable product for a low-lying cervix. In case of the wrong choice, it will be difficult to use this tool, you will have to spend money on a new one again.
- Emptying the bowl in public can be inconvenient, as this is fraught with splashing of secretions. The lack of soap in a public toilet can complicate the procedure, as it is recommended to wash your hands before using it.
- Using cups in parallel with an intrauterine device has the potential to cause expulsion of the device. A 2012 study found that there is no such risk. However, the authors of a major review in The Lancet Public Healt write that this issue has not been studied enough.
- Tampons may contain small amounts of chemicals that can irritate the mucous membrane of women with hypersensitivity. These risks are lower when in contact with menstrual cups.
- Menstrual cups, unlike tampons, do not dry out the vaginal mucosa, Healthline points out.
- Smells. We pointed out their absence in the positive properties of bowls, however, for example, the authors of an article in Vice, on the contrary, name an unpleasant smell among their shortcomings. Its appearance is associated with a long stay of spotting in a warm environment. To reduce odors, it is advisable to rinse the bowl after each emptying. It must be sterilized at the beginning of each menstrual cycle.