Menstrual cup: advantages of this alternative to tampons and pads

This menstrual product offers several advantages in terms of convenience, health and cost.

Menstruation is a Biological cycle that accompanies a woman for practically It tends to begin around the age of 12 and occurs every month until menopause, at around the age of 50.

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 in daily life. But the advent of the menstrual cup can change all the dynamics and beliefs that still and beliefs that still persist around menstruation.

What is the menstrual cup?

The menstrual cup, also known as a vaginal cup, is an invention that, although it may seem novel, has had patent registrations since the beginning of the 20th century. However, thanks to advances in recent years, it could now change the way women around the world experience menstruation.

This menstrual cup is a barrier device that is inserted into the vagina in order to retain in order to retain menstrual flow throughout the days of the period. Like tampons, the menstrual cup is used internally, but the main difference with these is that the latter does not absorb the blood; but, having been designed in the shape of a cup, it stores the flow inside.

In this way, menstruation is stored in the cup, menstruation is stored inside the cup until it is time to remove it. until it is time to remove it from the vaginal cavity, being able to dispose of the flow in the toilet. Then, it is only necessary to wash it with soap and water and it can be reintroduced. Once the cycle is finished, it is highly recommended to sterilize it with boiling water before using it for the next period.

These containers can be made of different materials, latex, medical silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). (TPE). Although they look like very artificial materials, the menstrual cup does not cause allergies, does not contain bleaching components, nor chemical substances, so the risk of toxicity is eliminated, as well as the possibility of suffering vaginal irritations.

But perhaps the most relevant characteristic that has made this product so successful 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 intercourse can be maintained 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 the menstrual cup brings 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 in comparison are already outdated.

Advantages for the body itself

The human body has the capacity to absorb virtually everything it comes in contact with, and bleaches, perfumes and other chemicals used in the manufacture of tampons are also consumed by the body.

Also, the way tampons work, by absorbing menstrual flow, can cause vaginal dryness, bloating and itching. However, the cup works by storing the flow, eliminating any possibility of dehydration or irritation of the area.. In addition, unlike tampons, it can be inserted even before bleeding begins, thus avoiding any unwanted surprises.

Other benefits for the body itself are:

1. Protects the vaginal flora 2.

By collecting the bleeding, instead of absorbing it like traditional tampons, protects the vaginal flora from possible infections.

2. Does not produce odors

Unlike sanitary napkins, the menstrual cupmenstrual cup does not generate bad odors because 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 such as the IUD and the contraceptive ring. such as the IUD and the contraceptive ring..

4. Comfort of the menstrual cup

The advantages over tampons and pads in terms of comfort are more than considerable.

5. It's like wearing nothing

Thanks to its design, the cup fits perfectly to the vaginal cavity and remains firmly attached to the vaginal walls without the possibility of moving. In addition, unlike tampons, the cup does not leave any filaments in sight 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, so it allows you to lead your normal life rhythm and even and even do all kinds of physical exercise and sports, including thoseincluding those for which great mobility is needed.

7. Can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time

With a much larger storage capacity than a tampon, and even more than a sanitary napkin, the menstrual cup can be worn for much longer than a tampon. can be worn for much longer, up to 12 hours, unlike a tampon, which can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time.Unlike a tampon, which can remain inserted for up to 8 hours at most.

In addition, a single menstrual cup can cover all the days of the menstrual cycle, from those when the flow is much more intense, until the last days of the period.

8. No need to carry refills

If there is something annoying during the days of the menstrual cycle is that it is time to change either the tampon or the pad and not carry more, as well as the inconvenience of carrying a lot of refills both in the day to day and in the case of going on a trip.

With the menstrual cup, one cup is enough to cover the entire cycle. Once filled or after 12 hours, it is only necessary to remove it, empty it in the toilet and clean it with soap and water.You can use the same cup 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 well during sleeping hours.. Being just as safe as during the day and without the possibility of staining underwear, pajamas or bedding.

Economic advantages

It is estimated that the cost of pads and tampons per woman is between 350 and 400 euros per year, especially if we take into account that in Spain these products are still subject to a 10% VAT tax, instead of the 5% tax on basic necessities. Considering that the use of the menstrual cup eliminates the use of pads and tampons, this represents a significant saving for women.

Also, 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 menstrual utensils..

Finally, the price of the menstrual cup is around 20€ or 30€, so taking into account its duration, the expense is amortized 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 the course of 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 tampon and pad waste per year; Considering the long shelf life of the menstrual cup, this means a reduction in the level of waste.This means a very significant reduction in the level of waste.

Its manufacture is cleaner

The production of pads and sanitary napkins 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 is only made from a single material and there is no need to use as many over the course of a lifetime.