One thing that slows down the pace of our hectic and active lives every month is– menstruation. For most women, it is one of the most painful time of the month. From cramps to stomach ache, monthly periods is the time when women take a beat to cater to the demands of their bodies (tell me you haven’t tried every method in the book to make the pain go away?) and cravings (read: PMS). And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
While women are busy bleeding out and dealing with the associated ‘stuff’, they also have to take care of those pesky stains that sometimes can leave them embarrassed, especially in a social setting. While tampons are increasingly gaining popularity in India, most women still use sanitary pads. The biggest problem with the pads is of leakage (yes ladies, we all have been there).
Menstrual cups are a hassle-free and an economical alternative to both tampons and sanitary pads. Not only do they completely eliminate the leakage issues but they also easy on your budget.
Here’s what you need to know about Menstrual cups:
Menstrual cup (Photo: Dreamstime)
What is a menstrual cup?
They are tiny cups that are made of soft silicone. Instead of absorbing your flow (like pads and tampons), they collect it. You can place a menstrual cup in your vagina and leave it there for 4-12 hours (depending on your flow) before removing, emptying and reinserting them.
How to use a menstrual cup?
As mentioned earlier, they are made of soft silicone. You can just fold the top of the cup and insert it in your vajayjay. Once it’s in, it will pop back to its original shape. Remember, it will take you some time to get used to menstrual cups, so some discomfort is expected during the initial usage time.
ALSO READ: 11 tried and tested food items that help in getting rid of period pain
Is it reusable?
Yes. While most menstrual cups are reusable, disposable ones are also available in the market. They are designed for long-term usage and some can even be used for years depending on the brand that you select. But you will have to sterilise them after every usage.
Menstrual cup (Photo: Dreamstime)
What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup?
The benefits of using the cup are many. Apart from fewer visits to the pharmacy and saving on your monthly budget, they account for reduced landfill waste and lower leakage problems.
ALSO READ: Missed your period? Here are 9 reasons what could have happened and pregnancy is not the one
Can I get Toxic Shock Syndrome?
It’s a rare bacterial infection associated with wearing a tampon for a prolonged period of time that can lead to death. Good news is that TSS from menstrual cups is virtually non-existent, so you have one less thing to worry about.
Where can I buy a menstrual cup in India?
While you can buy one from your nearest pharmacy, many retailers like Diva Cup, Silky Cup, She Cups sell them online. Alternatively, you can buy them on Amazon India. The price varies between Rs 600 to Rs 2,000.
For interesting entertainment and lifestyle videos from InUth, follow us on Youtube.com/InUthdotcom
