Most women dread that time of the month with mood swings and pain, besides the hygiene factor. For all of us living in the urban world, there is easy availability of sanitary pads and tampons. But now there are safe menstrual cups which prove to be a more eco-friendly option. 

For long we have seen our mothers and grandmothers use cloth pads during menstruation. In rural India, women still do that. While this seems like a good solution, it does have its cons. A dirty cloth means rashes, itching, and other skin infections. It also means washing and drying them in sunshine and the need for eco-friendly detergents.

In cities, sanitary pads are easily available. Using them is easy, but disposing becomes an issue most of the times. I have sometimes seen dirty ones thrown on the road, left open in dustbins, especially in public places.

Tampons are another option but personally, I have never used them. I always wonder what if I am unable to pull the string or it breaks. Both tampons and sanitary pads need to be changed every 3-4 hours.

Environment Impact

Going by the scientific data, “The average woman uses between 11,000 and 16,000 tampons in the course of her lifetime. According to online menstrual pad calculators, if you start menstruating at 12 years of age, and use 20 pads per period, you’ll use around 11,000 of these as well.” All this trash ends up in landfills, and pads and tampons could take 500-800 years to decompose. They are made of cotton but have plastic components. And wee are all aware that plastic is one of the primary causes of damage to the environment.

Best Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is an easy option to transit to. Most menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and last up to 10 years. There are many menstrual cups available in the market. I was introduced to Sirona Menstrual Cups and decided to know more about the advantages of switching over to a safe menstrual cup.

The Benefits

• There is no worry about disposal
• There is no need to change pads or tampons frequently.
• There is no danger of infection.
• It fits into a pouch and does not need a lot of space to carry around.
• It is soft and you don’t feel uncomfortable.
• There is no leakage, therefore no stains.
• There is no odour.
• The cup can be worn at night.
• The cup is reusable and just needs proper sterilization.
• It can be worn during all physical activities such as sports, exercising.
• It is easy to use during travel.
• With proper care, the lifecycle of the cup can be 10 years.
• Saves money, saves the environment from pollution.

Sirona Menstrual Cups

These come in three sizes—small, medium and large. Which one should you use? This would depend on the size of the cervix and the period flow and also your age. For teens, a small one works. For women in the age group above 35, a large one is recommended. 

The cups come with all the instructions. The packaging is attractive and there is a pouch also along with it.

How To Use

It is a funnel-shaped cup.

• Wash the cup. Wash your hands properly too.
• Now relax the muscles, do some flexing if they are too tight.
• Sit in a squat position.
• Press the cup so that you make a U/C and hold it at a 45º angle.
• Gently insert it into the private parts.
• Once properly inserted, it will open up inside.
• To be sure, rotate and check with your finger.
• Slowly, you will get comfortable with it.
• Wash your hands.
• To remove it, sit in a squat position again. Pull it out from the stem gently.
• Remove the fluid and wash it. You can use it again.
• The cup can be worn for 10-12 hours, depending on the flow of blood.
• You can go to the bathroom while wearing it.

Long-lasting Care

• Once you have taken it out of the sealed bag, you can wash it with an intimate wash. Sirona also has a menstrual cup wash.
• Cleaning the cup in a public toilet can be a problem but you can carry a small water bottle with you inside the toilet. Wipe it with a tissue or toilet paper, wash it and wipe it again before reinserting.
• Always keep a handwash with you.
• After your periods, sterilize the cup and keep it in the pouch till your next cycle.

Keep In Mind

• You will need to consult a doctor if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted.
• If you have fever or pain, then also you will need to consult a doctor before using it.
• If there is discomfort or leakage, then you will need to check the position. Maybe take it out and reinsert.
• It is advisable to empty the cup 2-5 times a day.