The Pros & Cons of A Menstrual Cup
A monthly menstrual period for many women is no cakewalk. There are physical and emotional symptoms that may occur during “Aunt Flo’s” visit, and the last thing you want to worry about is not being well protected during your heaviest days.
There are different size tampons or maxi pads to protect women depending on their menstrual flow. However, some women have a heavier menstrual flow than others, and they have to wear both a tampon and maxi pad.
The menstrual cup has gained a lot of popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons.
What is a menstrual cup?
A leak-free alternative to traditional tampons and maxi pads, the menstrual cup is a small bell-shaped cup made of flexible rubber or silicone. It is inserted into the vagina to catch and collect your menstrual flow.
What are the pros of a menstrual cup?
There are a few advantages to using the menstrual cup:
Cost-effective and eco-friendly
Many menstrual cups are reusable and last for years, which means less money over time and less waste in the landfills. There are disposable brands available as well, so when buying a menstrual cup, make sure to check the label if you want to buy a reusable one.
Longer wear time
Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours depending on your flow, while tampons need to be changed a maximum of every 8 hours. The longer wear time makes the menstrual cup a good option for overnight protection.
Less odor
You no longer have to worry about an embarrassing odor associated with your period. Menstrual blood starts to smell when exposed to the air like with the pad, but the menstrual cup prevents air exposure by forming an airtight seal between the cup and your vagina.
No vaginal dryness
Menstrual cups don’t dry the vagina, which preserves healthy bacteria. Unlike tampons, they absorb blood and vaginal fluid, which can cause vaginal dryness and disturb the bacterial balance and pH in the vagina.
Mess-Free sex
The silicone or rubber reusable menstrual cups are not designed to wear during intercourse. However, the soft disposable menstrual cups can be worn during sex. The cups are shaped more like a diaphragm. There shouldn’t be any leaks during intercourse, and your partner shouldn’t feel the menstrual cup in place. The cup should be removed after sex.
If you decide to use the disposable menstrual cup during sex, confirm with your physician that the menstrual cup you have is safe to use. The menstrual cup does not protect against sexually transmitted disease and does not protect against pregnancy.
What are the cons of a menstrual cup?
There are a few disadvantages to using the menstrual cup:
Hard to find the right size
The menstrual cup is not one size fits all. There are different size cups depending on your flow, age, and whether you’ve had a child. It can take time to find the right fit for you, and in the meantime of trial and error, you could have leaks.
Difficult to insert
Inserting the menstrual cup can be tricky the first time around. It also may be challenging for young women who are virgins.
Also, if you have an IUD inserted, using a menstrual cup could pull the IUD strings. Talk with your physician before using a menstrual cup with an IUD.
Messy removal
Removing and emptying the menstrual cup can be a bit messy if not done correctly. The cup also has to be cleaned after removal, which can be challenging for some women if in public.
Is a menstrual cup right for you?
The best way to know if a menstrual cup is right for you is to try it out. Menstrual cups can be found online and at drug stores. Your physician can also help you determine the right fit and help decide if the menstrual cup is the best option for you.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitution for seeking medical attention.