Menstrual cups are becoming an increasingly popular choice around the world. But what are the pros and cons of menstrual cups? And are there any significant pros and cons regarding using menstrual cups instead of conventional products that you haven’t already considered? Keep reading to explore the pros and cons of menstrual cups, and how they measure up to disposable menstrual hygiene products.
Made of natural latex, Menstrual Cups are hygienic and bio-degradable. There are numerous pros of the menstrual cups to consider, from reusability and cost-friendliness. Unlike sanitary pads or tampons, menstrual cups don’t even add to sanitary waste. The following are some talking points which you should consider.
You'd be surprised to know that around 800 million women are menstruating around the world. Many of them use sanitary pads or tampons, which would take around 800 years to decompose. If you didn't know, these disposable sanitary products are made of plastics.
The greatest advantage of menstrual cups is their eco-friendly benefit. A menstrual cup does not create any waste in single-use, disposable packaging, unlike tampons and pads.
Tampons and pads are pricey, especially if you have to buy a new box every month. The average American will spend over $1,000 on menstruation care products throughout their lifetime in the United States.
You can save money by using a menstrual cup because you won't have to buy tampons or pads every month. A menstrual cup's material has been tested and shown to last up to 10 years, so your single purchase will last a long time without the need for disposable pads or tampons.
Tampons and pads should be changed every 4 to 8 hours, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. One of the many pros of menstrual cup use is that it can be worn for 12 hours.
This is due to the larger capacity of a menstrual cup, which is a significant benefit. A night pad can hold between 10 and 15 ml of blood, whereas a super-absorbent tampon can contain 12 ml.
In a nutshell, the capacity of your cup will be determined by its diameter and height. The capacity can range from 25 to 30 ml for every standard petit of four molds (size C4). This means you may go longer without having to clean your cup.
Hygiene is particularly essential for vaginal health. Any little change in the body, such as tension, food, or medication, might create an imbalance. Pads may produce a heated, moist environment that encourages bacterial growth and raises infections.
Menstrual cups collect blood, making them safer and lowering the chance of developing a bacterial illness like toxic shock syndrome.
Unfortunately, when blood is exposed to air, it has an unappealing smell. And there's no way to prevent this from happening if you use pads. Even though it is entirely natural, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed of it, especially at workplace or in a public place.
However, there is a means to reduce stench and boost your confidence while on your period. One of the major benefits of using a menstrual cup is that it eliminates odors. Because a menstrual cup collects blood inside your body, it prevents blood from coming into contact with air. As a result, no foul-smelling liquid results from the blood being exposed to air.
Apart from the numerous benefits, there are several cons of menstrual cup use you need to consider. Move on to the potential drawbacks of using a menstrual cup in the following section.
It's like when you first started using a tampon; You think it will be simple, but it turns out to be far more difficult than you anticipated. However, as time goes on and you become more used to them, things get so much easier.
You can open your eyes and change your tampon with your eyes closed as the muscle tension in your body dissipates. It's also the case with a menstrual cup, which takes some practice to master.
If you've learned the technique, however, emptying and re-inserting your cup should not be difficult. Some individuals may believe this to be a negative because it requires some practice and takes time to learn.
You must take care of your menstrual cup, as with disposable menstruation products. This implies cleaning your cup between cycles and inspecting for signs of wear and tear. There is no need to sanitize your tampon or cup every time you empty it during your monthly cycle.
A menstrual cup can be removed and replaced without cleaning, not increasing the risk of infection. However, after your period has ended, boil your cup for 3 to 5 minutes in hot water to sanitize it - beware not to burn the silicone.
This might be regarded as a negative in the debate about whether or not to use a menstrual cup, but at least you can relax knowing that your cup is clean and ready for your next period.
When removing and replacing your drink, you have to use your fingers and really push inside. For some users, this might be frightening enough that it is their first time doing it. However, after a while, you get used to it.
If you empty your cup, it's fascinating to observe how much blood your body generates as part of its natural rhythm. Menstrual cups can be viewed as a benefit and a drawback in this instance. Once you get used to handling your menstrual cup with your hands, you will begin to appreciate how incredible the human body is.
So, whether you're an experienced menstrual cup user or a novice, it's clear that the idea and design behind these devices are incredible. Perhaps you've been convinced to try a cup after reviewing the pros and cons thoroughly.
The biggest advantage of menstrual cups is that they are far less expensive than other types of feminine hygiene products. The main disadvantage is the cost, which varies depending on the brand and size. Furthermore, your age, weight, or height can also be a deciding factor.
While many menstrual cups are composed of latex-free materials, females with latex allergies can still use them. The rubber and silicone material, on the other hand, may cause allergic responses in certain women.
If your menstrual cup is not cleaned properly after each use, it might irritate your vagina, and it may even cause discomfort and soreness if you put it in without any lubrication.
Not everyone will like menstrual cups. If you've had uterine prolapse, talk to your doctor about all of your options, particularly if you've had a baby vaginally. This condition affects most women after menopause who have given birth vaginally.
Conclusion on Pros and Cons of Menstrual Cup
A menstrual cup is a money-saving and ecologically advantageous alternative to tampons and sanitary napkins during your period. You should consider Menstrual Cup pros and cons before making a decision. If you have any doubts, talk to your gynecologist about your choices and whether a menstrual cup might be the best option for you. Seek medical advice in case you are already allergic to latex or have vaginal infections.
1. Difficult to insert.
2. Rashes and irritation.
3. Overflow and Leakage.
4. Cup can't be worn for 12 hours
5. Hard to remove from vagina
6. Lactating mothers cannot use it.
There is no evidence that menstruation cups cause any harm. However, menstrual cups aren't recommended for women with anemia problems because they should not wear a menstrual cup for more than 12 hours. This is because, after exposure of the vagina to blood, bacteria grow more quickly, and the risk of infection is greater if the menstrual period is longer.
There is no evidence that menstrual cups are harmful during pregnancy, as long as they are used per the manufacturer's instructions.
The risk of getting TSS from a menstrual cup is no greater than it would be from tampons. It also seems unlikely that there is any additional risk of developing TSS after an initial episode of TSS. Therefore, tampons do not increase the risk of developing TSS.
