Apart from ordinary pads and tampons, there are currently other products that are increasingly in demand, namely menstrual cups. This product, also known as a menstrual cup, is known to have many advantages, although there are also disadvantages. Come on, find out more about menstrual cup.
Menstrual cup is a substitute for sanitary napkin and made of rubber or silicone. Unlike pads or tampons, menstrual cups only function to store menstrual blood, not absorb it.
Various Strengths and Disadvantages of Using a Menstrual Cup
Before using a new product, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of these products, including menstrual cups. There are several benefits of using a menstrual cup, namely:
1. Durable
The menstrual cup is a substitute product for an environmentally friendly sanitary pad, because it can be reused after washing. Its durability is quite long, which is 6 months to 10 years, depending on the type and treatment.
2. Large capacity
The menstrual cup can hold up to about 40 ml of blood. This capacity is greater than other methods, for example tampons which can only absorb about 7 ml of blood. That is why, menstrual cups can be used longer, which is around 6-12 hours.
3. Does not cause odor
Menstrual cups make menstrual blood not exposed to air, so you don't need to be afraid of the smell of menstrual blood, which might appear when using pads or tampons.
4. Maintain pH and good bacteria in the vagina
The menstrual cup does not disturb the pH balance and bacteria in the vagina, because it only holds blood. This is different from the use of tampons which can absorb menstrual blood as well as vaginal fluid, so that it will interfere with pH and bacteria in the vagina.
5. Safer
The menstrual cup only holds blood and does not absorb it. This will reduce the risk of bacterial infection. In addition, this product is also less risky to cause blisters or rashes, which sometimes appear when using pads.
Even so, menstrual cup also has several disadvantages, namely:
1. Difficult to use
The process of inserting and removing menstrual cups can be difficult and uncomfortable, especially during first use or in women who have never had sex.
2. More messy
Revoking the menstrual cup can make menstrual blood splatter and scattered, if not done carefully.
3. Need to find a suitable size
Menstrual cups are available in various sizes, so you might need to try several sizes before finding the most suitable one. This can be even more difficult if you have certain conditions, such as the uterus tilting or descending, and fibroids.
4. The possibility of causing allergies
Some types of menstrual cups are made of latex, so people who are allergic to this material need to be careful and more careful when buying products. If you have an allergy to latex, choose a menstrual cup made of silicone.
5. Need extra care
The menstrual cup should always be washed thoroughly after use. In addition, these pads also need to be sterilized (boiled in boiling water) every month. Without careful treatment, the use of these pads will actually increase the risk of a number of health problems, such as irritation and infection of the vagina.
Guide to using Menstrual Cup
The first thing to do is to choose the right size menstrual cup. Small menstrual cups are usually used for women under 30 years old or have never given birth normally. While menstrual cups are large, usually for women over the age of 30 years, have given birth normally, or usually experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
The following are the steps to use a menstrual cup:
- Lubricate the mouth of the menstrual cup funnel with water or water-based lubricants, to make it easier to insert
- Pinch or fold the menstrual cup funnel in half with one hand.
- Insert this funnel (folded and face up) into the vagina slowly. Once inserted, the funnel will automatically reopen and snap into position, which is a few centimeters in the cervix.
- Reinsert your finger slightly into the vagina and rotate the bottom of the funnel to install an airtight seal, so that menstrual blood does not leak.
If the menstrual cup is installed correctly, you should not feel any lumps or discomfort. You can move freely, including exercising, without fear that the device will come off and fall outside.
When the menstrual cup is full, remove the device in the following way:
- Place the index and thumb into the vagina and gently pull the menstrual cup stems until you can reach the bottom of the funnel or bowl.
- Pinch or clamp the bottom of the funnel to release the airtight seal and pull the funnel out.
- After removing from the vagina, menstrual blood that has been accommodated to the toilet.
Menstrual cup can be an alternative sanitary napkin during menstruation, which is considered medically safe. Even so, still make sure the product you are going to use is guaranteed quality, for example by checking the permission of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency on the packaging. If when using this tool you feel uncomfortable or experience other complaints, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.
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