If you ask many women, they can candidly retell their first-period experience. For some, it was horrifying. For others, it is quite bearable. In light of making period experiences smoother for women, innovators have gone above and beyond to develop period products. One of the notable innovations is the menstrual cup.
Did you know that the first prototypes of menstrual cups were patented in the 1860s and 1870s? However, most of the designs never made it to the market. Later, in 1937, American actress Leona Chalmers patented the first modern menstrual cup. It was made from latex rubber. Several decades later, menstrual cups are slowly gaining popularity. Here are some of the ways they have improved their period experiences.
More Comfort
The menstrual period has its fair share of challenges —mood swings, cramping—the list is long. Therefore, the last thing you need is a product that will add to the discomfort. Most women report that the menstrual cup is more comfortable than other options. As you may know, a menstrual cup has no flaps, so you don’t have to worry about chafing. Besides, there are no flaps to scrunch up your underwear. While the menstrual cup cannot take away the uncomfortable period cramps, you might consider using essential oils for menstrual cramps to make your period experience even better.
More Freedom To Carry On With Your Day
Menstrual cups collect about twice as much blood as a tampon or pad. That means you don’t have to spend much time going to the bathroom for a change. Fewer interruptions mean more freedom to go about your day.
Besides, if you insert the menstrual cup correctly, you will not feel it. If you love sports, you can go on with that. You can even go swimming, horse riding, or biking—anything you want. It is worth noting, however, that it is important to avoid strenuous workouts during your period.
Do you have travel plans that overlap with your menstrual period? You know how much of a bummer that could be. Imagine the stress of finding your brand in another country. But that won’t happen with a menstrual cup. It is pretty discrete and easy for you to carry anywhere.
Menstrual Cups Save Money
A woman uses an average of 270 disposable pads or tampons per year. However, if you choose a menstrual cup, you can reuse it for the next ten years. So, while the initial cost of a menstrual cup might be higher than a single box of tampons, you will save so much money in the long run. Who wouldn’t want to save a penny or two? Better still, you don’t have to worry about running out of supply, which translates to peace of mind.
Lower Chances of Leaks
Every woman thinks about the possibility of a leak. That can be the case, especially if you experience a heavier flow. So, you might worry about embarrassing yourself in public or staining your clothes. However, a menstrual cup has a larger capacity, coming in handy even for people with a heavy flow. As long as the suction holes at the top of the cup are not blocked, you don’t have to worry about leaks. What a relief!
No More Odor
If you have used pads or period panties, you know that the smell is inevitable on some days. The products might also smell once you dispose of them in a regular trash bin. With a menstrual cup, you empty the menstrual blood in the toilet and flush it away, so there is no possibility of a bad smell.
A Happier and Healthier Experience
As you have read earlier, a menstrual cup is incredibly comfortable—you even forget you have one in your body if you place it correctly. But it doesn’t end there—they are also healthier for the body. Typically, the cups are made of medical-grade silicone. Therefore, they don’t contain harmful chemicals or bleaches that could interfere with the vagina’s natural flora.
The silicone is also very smooth, so you don’t have to worry about vaginal dryness, a common concern with tampons. Additionally, the risk of toxic shock syndrome is lower.
Ease of Use
Some women get skeptical when it comes to inserting a period cup. But once you get the hang of it, it is easy peasy—as long as you find the right size, insert and remove it correctly, and sterilize it properly.
Positive Impact on the Environment
As you have seen, menstrual cups have numerous benefits to you. Besides that, they are also good for the environment. In a time like this, when environmental awareness is at its peak, menstrual cups are the way to go. They have no plastic wrappers and applicators, not to mention that they are reusable. Although reusable menstrual pads are available, they are not as sustainable as menstrual cups.
Switching to a Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups are like the holy grail of period products. Don’t be anxious if you have been thinking about ditching other options in favor of a menstrual cup. Typically, cups are available in two sizes—small and large. Pick the right size depending on your flow; the rest will be easy.
Aging is associated with declining mobility and daily functioning
Coming out is a complex, personal process that happens
If you’ve had skin cancer and have recently undergone
