Menstrual Cup: Advantages Of This Alternative To Tampons And Pads
Menstruation is a biological cycle that accompanies women for practically all of your life, since it tends to start around 12 years of age and occurs every month until menopause arrives, at approximately 50 years of age.
During all this time, the menstrual cycle is accompanied by numerous devices and products, to regulate it, control it and make it interfere as little as possible with daily life. But the appearance of the menstrual cup can change all the dynamics and beliefs that still exist around menstruation.
The menstrual cup, also known as a vaginal cup, is an invention that, although it may seem new, has patent records since the beginning of the 20th century. However, thanks to the advances of recent years, the way women around the world experience menstruation could now change.
This menstrual cup is a barrier device that is inserted into the vagina in order to retain the menstrual flow throughout the days that the period lasts. Like tampons, the menstrual cup is used internally, but the main difference with these is that the latter does not absorb blood; but, having been designed in the shape of a cup, it stores the flow inside.
Thus, menstruation is stored inside the cup until it is time to extract it from the vaginal cavity, being able to discard the discharge in the toilet. Next, it is only necessary to wash it with soap and water and it can be reinserted. Once the cycle is finished, it is highly recommended to sterilize it with boiling water before using it in the next period.
These containers can be made from various materials, It can be made of latex, medical silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Although they seem like very artificial materials, the menstrual cup does not cause allergies, does not contain whitening components, or chemical substances, thus eliminating the risk of toxicity, as well as the possibility of suffering vaginal irritations.
But perhaps the most relevant feature, which has elevated this product, is that it is reusable. Unlike other methods such as pads and tampons, this is not a disposable item, having a useful life of up to 10 years.
In addition to the cup-shaped model, There is another somewhat less known prototype in the form of a diaphragm The advantage of this type of cup is that it is even more flexible and sexual relations can be had while wearing it, although this does not imply that it is used as a contraceptive method.
Advantages of the menstrual cup over traditional methods
As mentioned above, the use of a menstrual cup carries with it a large number of advantages and benefits, both in terms of health, hygiene, economics, etc.; compared to traditional methods of menstruation management such as tampons and pads, which are already outdated in comparison.
Advantages for the body itself
The human body has the ability to absorb practically everything that comes into contact with it, and the bleaches, perfumes and other chemicals used in the manufacture of tampons are also consumed by the body.
Likewise, the way tampons act, by absorbing menstrual flow, can cause vaginal dryness, inflation and itching. However, the cup works by storing the flow, eliminating any possibility of dehydration or irritation of the area Furthermore, unlike tampons, it can be inserted even before bleeding starts, thus avoiding possible unwanted surprises.
Other benefits for the body itself are:
1. Protects the vaginal flora
By collecting bleeding, rather than absorbing it like traditional tampons, protects the vaginal flora from possible infections
2. Does not produce odors
Unlike compresses, the menstrual cup does not generate bad odors as it is not in contact with the air. Therefore, it neither absorbs nor produces them.
3. Compatible with contraceptive methods
Its format makes it perfectly compatible with some contraceptive methods like the IUD and the contraceptive ring
The advantages over tampons and pads in terms of comfort are more than considerable.
5. It’s like not wearing anything
Thanks to its design, the cup fits perfectly to the vaginal cavity, remaining firmly attached to the vaginal walls without the possibility of moving. Plus, unlike tampons, the cup does not leave any filament visible so it is completely safe and discreet.
6. Compatible with any physical exercise or activity
The menstrual cup is inserted like a tampon, remaining completely inside the vagina, allowing you to carry on with your normal lifestyle and even do all kinds of physical exercise and sports including those for which great mobility is needed.
7. You can wear it for up to 12 hours straight
By having a storage capacity much greater than a tampon, and even more than a pad, the menstrual cup Can be worn for much longer, up to 12 hours unlike the tampon, which can remain inserted for at most 8 hours.
In addition, with a single menstrual cup you can cover all the days of the menstrual cycle, from those when the flow is much more intense, until the last days of your period.
8. It is not necessary to carry spare parts
If there is something annoying during the days of the menstrual cycle, it is that it is time to change the tampon or pad and not carry more with you, as well as the inconvenience of carrying a number of replacements both on a daily basis and in the workplace. case of going on a trip.
With the menstrual cup, a single cup is enough to cover the entire cycle. Once full or after 12 hours, It is only necessary to remove it, empty it in the toilet and clean it with soap and water ; being able to use the same one over and over again.
9. Can be used overnight
Unlike tampons, whose use at night is highly criticized for being harmful. The menstrual cup can be used perfectly during sleeping hours Being just as safe as during the day and without the possibility of staining underwear, pajamas or bedding.
It is estimated that the expenditure on pads and tampons per woman is between 350 and 400 euros per year, especially if one takes into account that, in Spain, these products still have a 10% VAT tax, instead of the 5% themselves. of essential products. If you take into account that the use of the menstrual cup eliminates the use of pads and tampons, this represents a significant saving for women.
Likewise, the menstrual cup is reusable, that is, you only need to have one, and if it is well cared for it can last up to ten years, which means 10 years without buying any other type of menstruation utensils
Finally, the price of the menstrual cup is around €20 or €30, so taking into account its duration, the expense pays off in much less than half a year.
Advantages for the environment
Considering that a single menstrual cup can replace the use of all the tampons and pads we use over ten years, the positive impact on the environment is more than considerable.
Reduces the volume of waste
A single woman can generate up to 6 kilos of waste per year in tampons and pads; Considering the long lifespan of the menstrual cup this means a very important reduction in the level of waste.
Its manufacturing is cleaner
The production of pads does not involve the use of a large number of layers of materials and packaging, so their production is associated with high levels of pollution.
In comparison, the menstrual cup It is only made with a single material and it is not necessary to resort to so many throughout life.
