Menstrual cups are nothing new, they have in fact been around for 80 odd years, but they’re getting mad love again. We’re talking double-digit growth in sales!

This eco-friendly, cheaper alternative to disposable period products are becoming increasingly popular. Could this product be a game-changer for women around the world?

I hear you: menstrual cups are a little … unconventional, to say the least. And it’s okay to be a little sceptical  – at least when compared to your other period supplies. Sure, there’s a lot less waste and you can wear them for longer than a tampon (making them much more cost effective), but they also require that you get up close and personal with your vagina. Any cup you buy will come with lots of instructions about insertion and removal. And, what about leakage … ?

Short version? A menstrual cup is a flexible silicone or rubber cup-shaped device that come in reusable and disposable options. This cup is folded and inserted into your vagina, where they seal themselves against the vaginal walls and collects your blood. The cup is emptied out every 8 to 12 hours – less than you would change a tampon or a pad.

So far so good, right? But what about when it’s time to empty it? Well, you’ll need to sit on the toilet for this part. You will need to reach into your vagina, pull on the stem of the cup, grip its base, and keep pulling downward to break the suction. Once it slides out, the blood is dumped in the toilet and that’s it!

Let’s face it, the reusability of menstrual cups is fantastic as a sustainable and less wasteful way to collect flow. It’s like carrying your groceries in a reusable bag instead of using a plastic bag!

Also, menstrual cups have the potential to improve the lives of women and girls in developing countries. In some rural areas women don’t have access to tampons or pads and use rags that are breeding grounds for bacteria. Menstrual cups are a cheap, reusable way to hide your cycle.

After every use, the cup should be cleaned with warm soapy water or  a PH balanced shampoo to prevent vaginal infection. You could also sanitize your cup by putting it in boiling water for 5 minutes. If you clean and care for it correctly, you won’t need to replace it for one or two years.

But will it leak? A scientific review published in the Lancet Public Health Journal concluded that leakage rates were significantly less than tampons. In fact, menstrual cups can hold up to 5 times more blood than pads or tampons.

Can you use it from your first period? Absolutely. It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but don’t force it. It’s best to choose a brand which offers smaller sizes.

Tampons strip your vaginal walls of its lining and soak up the healthy discharge you need to keep your body’s flora at optimum levels. A menstrual cup takes the blood and leaves everything else.

Maybe it’s time to go with the flow? Don’t knock it till you try it.

Source: womenshealthmag.com, healthline.com, prevention.com, cosmopolitan.com, womanandhome.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.