Over the years, your support has made Women’s Web the leading resource for women in India. Now, it is our turn to ask, how can we make this even more useful for you? Please take our short 5 minute questionnaire – your feedback is important to us!
If you're thinking of using menstrual cups but are unsure what to do, here are a few of the most common questions, answered. Read on to understand!
If you’re thinking of using menstrual cups but are unsure what to do, here are a few of the most common questions, answered. Read on to understand!
Each time you use those pads and tampon and get rashes and itchiness, the thought of opting for an alternative comes to your mind, but you forget about it as soon as your periods are over. But what if I tell you that there is an eco-friendly way to get rid of these problems?
Most of you have must already heard of menstrual cups and how they have revolutionised the feminine care aisle. However, it is your apprehensions which are keeping you away from them.
These small, flexible cups are made of silicone or latex rubber. They are reusable feminine hygiene products that can be inserted in your vagina to catch and collect period fluid. Now, before your apprehensions get better of you, here are some questions and answers related to a menstrual cup which would definitely make you change your mind and hop aboard the menstrual cup flight.
Unlike pads and tampons which absorb your flow, these cups catch and collect menstrual blood. Which means you don’t need to change the pad or tampon again and again, as you can use them continuously for 10-12 hours.
Just before the period date, tightly fold the cup and insert it sans any applicator. If used correctly, you will not feel it. These cups would spring open as soon as you insert them and rest against the vagina walls. You might have to rotate it first to correctly insert.
Depending on your menstrual flow you can wear these cups for 6-12 hours, which means you can wear it for overnight protection. Remember, you need to remove it by the 12-hour mark. If it becomes full before that, empty it immediately to avoid leaks.
Before taking out your cup, wash your hands thoroughly. Place your thumb and pull the stem out of the cup softly and try to reach the base. Inch the base and pull down to remove the cup.
Now you can empty the cup in the toilet. If your bodily fluid grosses you out each time you change the pad, this is the best way to get rid of that in one go.
Most menstrual cups are reusable, so maintaining hygiene is essential. They should be washed and wiped clean before they are inserted and should be emptied at least twice a day. After emptying it, wash with soap and at the end of your cycle sterilise it in boiling water. However, disposable cups should be thrown out after one use.
Menstrual cups are safer than pads and tampons. While pads and tampons absorb the blood, these cups simply collect it. So you are not at the risk of getting TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) which is a bacterial infection tampon users are at risk of. And of course, you will be free of rashes and itchiness caused by pads.
Reusable menstrual cups last for a long time. This means you will not enhance environmental wastes by disposing the pads and tampons. In short, less waste in landfills.
Pads and tampons need to be bought every month. However, you would pay only one time for a reusable cup.
Menstrual cups are available on all online shopping sites. Before opting for one, consider the eco-friendly and pocket-friendly factors. If still unsure, consult your gynaecologist.
Picture credits: Pixabay
A free-spirited bohemian whose world revolves around books and blogging. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
If you want to get back to work after a break, here’s the ultimate guide to return to work programs in India from tech, finance or health sectors - for women just like you!
Last week, I was having a conversation with a friend related to personal financial planning and she shared how she had had fleeting thoughts about joining work but she was apprehensive to take the plunge. She was unaware of return to work programs available in India.
She had taken a 3-year long career break due to child care and the disconnect from the job arena that she spoke about is something several women in the same situation will relate to.
More often than not, women take a break from their careers to devote time to their kids because we still do not have a strong eco-system in place that can support new mothers, even though things are gradually changing on this front.
A married woman has to wear a sari, sindoor, mangalsutra, bangles, anklets, and so much more. What do these ornaments have to do with my love, respect, and commitment to my husband?
They: Are you married? Me: Yes They: But You don’t look like it Me: (in my Mind) Why should I?
Why is being married not enough for a woman, and she needs to look married too? I am tired of such comments in the nearly four years of being married.
I believe that anything that is forced is not right. I must have a choice. I am a living human, not a puppet. And I am not stopping anyone by not following any tradition. You are free to do whatever you like to do. But do not force others. It’s depressing.