Periods are a woman’s best friend. Or you can say an enemy too if your cramps and mood swings are at their peak! Well, it is something that every woman gets at a certain time in her life. So, there are many period products as well. Sanitary pads, tampons, period pants, and many more. Well, a fresh item has just hit the stores - Menstrual cups. Menstrual cups have become an easy alternative to pads and tampons. Some are reusable, and some are disposable. Menstrual cups come with high claims, and high claims raise many doubts. Are menstrual cups safe? Are menstrual cups hard to use? What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup over pads and tampons? So keep reading to learn everything you need to know about menstrual cups.

A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product that is used during menstruation to collect period blood. Unlike sanitary pads and tampons, this does not absorb the blood but collects it. It is a small funnel-shaped cup made of silicon or rubber that is inserted into the vagina to collect the blood. The menstrual cup isn’t a new product. They were primarily discovered in some form in the 1800s. But it has come to light in the last 10–12 years. Menstrual cups come in different sizes. Menstrual cups are considered to hold more blood than pads and tampons. It is also considered an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons.

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If you are thinking of using a menstrual cup, you can first consult your gynecologist, or there are many menstrual cups of different brands available on the market. But menstrual cups come in different sizes. The perfect size for you can depend on several factors.

• Age
• Blood flow
• Length of your Cervix
• Pelvic floor muscle strength
• Given a natural birth

Most menstrual cups go from small to medium and large. Mostly, the small size is advised for females of less than thirty years of age and those who did not have a natural delivery. Though it is always best to consult a doctor for the best size selection and other factors.

For first-timers, inserting a menstrual cup might be difficult. It will be a little easier if you use a 'greased' menstrual cup. Try using water or water-based lubricants on the rims of the menstrual cup.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. And also wash the cup.
2. Apply water or water-based lube to the rims of the menstrual cup.
3. Fold the rim in half. Hold the cup in one hand with the rim of the cup facing up.
4. Now slowly insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina. Imagine the way you would push a tampon in without an applicator.
5. Now rotate the cup slowly after placing it a little below your cervix. It will open and stick tightly to the surface to prevent any leaks. You might hear a ‘pop’ sound when it opens.

Initially, it might take time to get adjusted to it, or it may even take you time to put it inside correctly. But eventually, it will become easy. If it fits correctly, you won’t feel anything inside.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. By using your index and thumb fingers gently hold the stem of the cup and pull it out slowly until you can reach the base.
3. Now squeeze the base gently and pull it out completely.
4. After the cup is out, throw the blood and wash it thoroughly with mild, fragrance-free soap.

You can use the cup throughout the cycle. You must keep track of your flow and pull it out when needed. Once you throw the blood out and wash it, you can put it back in the same way.

After the end of your period cycle, place your cup in hot water for a few minutes and sterilize it. Keep the cup out of closed containers. Let the cup dry completely, and you can keep it in a cloth pouch or wrap it in a clean and dry cloth.

You can wear a menstrual cup for 6–12 hours, depending on your flow. You can use your cup for overnight purposes. If your flow is heavy, you might need to take it out early and dispose of the blood.

So, do you think menstrual cups are right for you? Let us know what the pros and cons of a menstrual cup are.

1. They are more budget-friendly- Reusable menstrual cups can last from 6 months to 10 years. You can reuse them if you take care and store them correctly. On the other hand, sanitary pads and tampons are one-time-use and disposable. A menstrual cup costs around 300–700 INR and can last for a really long time. But you need to visit a drugstore to buy a pad or tampons once you are finished with your stock.

2. Less landfill waste- Reusable Menstrual cups do not promote waste and do not clog drains. Sanitary pads and tampons are disposed of, and they have chemicals that are not biodegradable, pollute the environment, and clog landfills. Also, fewer trees are cut compared to the alternatives.

3. Menstrual Cups are safer- Unlike pads and tampons, menstrual cups do not absorb blood but collect it. So you are not at risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare bacterial infection that is associated with tampons.

4. Menstrual cups hold more blood- A menstrual cup can hold about two ounces of blood. You can wear it for about 12 hours, depending on your flow. Tampons or pads can be worn for 4-6 hours.

5. No embarrassing odor- Sanitary pads have a certain type of chemical inside. For which they turn the absorbed blood into gel form. If you wear it for a long time, it can create a bad smell. Also, pads are exposed to air; this is another reason that can lead to a bad smell. The menstrual cup, on the other hand, is not exposed to air and also holds the blood in its natural form. Hence, there is no chance of getting any odor.

You may also read: Vaginal Odor? It Could Be Bacterial Vaginosis

Menstrual cups are no doubt a cheaper and more eco-friendly option. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind before buying a menstrual cup.

1. Can be messy- One of the major problems with menstrual cups is that it can be messy while removing. Spilling of blood is a common problem which can be a little “ick factor”. Removing a menstrual cup can be more problematic in public washrooms. Eventually, you will understand the technique of how to remove it without spilling the blood with a little practice.

2. Problems while inserting and removing the cup- Beginners can have a hard time inserting and removing a menstrual cup. You may not be able to find the correct way to fold the cup during insertion. Also, you might face problems finding the base while removing the cup. By doing it over and over again, you will get habituated to it, but it might be a little painful and give you a hard time initially.

3. Finding the right size- Cups come in different sizes, from small to large. Different brands sell menstrual cups. Unlike pads and tampons, it is not a "one-size-fits-all" product. You might need to try out a few brands before getting your perfect fit. Though it is recommended, if you are under thirty and did not have a normal delivery, go for the small size.

4. It can cause vaginal irritation and infection- If you are allergic to the material of the cup, it may irritate. Also, as these cups are reusable, you need to wash and sterilize them correctly and store them in a dry place. Otherwise, it might give you an infection. To avoid any kind of infection, know your allergies to any material and store and take care of them the right way.

There are many advantages to the menstrual cup. But before switching from sanitary pads and tampons, ask yourself some questions about what you need from your hygiene products.

• Is a cup easier to use?
• Are pads and tampons causing you irritation?
• Will a cup be cheaper for you?

If the above answers are "yes," you can try a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are safe to use as long as you follow all the safety guidelines and take care of them correctly. If used correctly, a menstrual cup can be safer and also save you a lot of money. But finding the right size that fits you perfectly might be a hassle. If the first cup does not fit, go for another brand. Check out the reviews and online tutorials. Because a little experiment never hurts.