Are Menstrual Cups Safe?

Typically, a woman uses more than 16,000 tampons or pads in her lifetime. As a result, India's landfills annually accumulate roughly 12.3 billion sanitary napkins or 113,000 tonnes of menstrual trash. And that causes a lot of damage to our environment.

Moreover, according to a study conducted by a Delhi-based environmental NGO, popular sanitary napkins supplied in India contain significant quantities of chemicals linked to heart conditions, diabetes, and cancer. 

And with the advent and advertising of menstrual cups in the market, women became curious. Women want to use menstrual cups but have so many questions and doubts about their safety. So, in this article, we have listed down all the necessary things you need to know about menstrual cups and their safety. Read carefully before jumping on the decision to use one. 

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstruation cup is a feminine hygiene item of latex, thermoplastic elastomers or silicone of the highest quality. It is because of these materials that a menstrual cup can be easily reused.

A menstrual cup is a funnel-shaped or bell-like cup that has to be inserted inside the vagina. After insertion, the cup will stay in there because of some amount of suction force and will collect the menstrual fluid easily. 

And in order to remove the cup, one has to pull it out using the stem provided for doing the same. 

How does a menstrual cup work?

A menstrual cup is not a complex product to use and they work by simply collecting the menstrual fluid.

The menstrual cup should be folded firmly and inserted like you would a tampon just before your period starts. And, if used properly, you will not even feel it inside you. It is comparable to inserting a diaphragm or birth control ring.

Once inserted, your cup will automatically spring open and rest against the vaginal walls. And due to the suction force created inside, there is a seal created and it helps in stopping leaks. Hence, the blood simply drips into the cup at that point.

Are menstrual cups really safe?

Menstrual Cups are absolutely safe to use during your periods as long as you are following the instructions. Moreover, a comprehensive examination of 43 studies—totalling 3,319 participants—on the safety of menstruation cups was published in The Lancet (a trusted source). The study's findings support the use of menstrual cups as a secure method of managing periods.

Hence, you can be sure that menstrual cups are absolutely safe to use and make them a part of your life without any second thoughts. However, if you still have any doubts or questions then it is better to consult an OB-GYN online before making a decision. 

What are the benefits of using menstrual cups?

There are a lot of benefits of using a menstrual cup, you might be aware if some already. Nevertheless, we have listed down all the compelling benefits for you, so that you can make a better choice.

Cost Effective

While you will have to keep buying sanitary pads, tampons and disposable cups, again and again, reusable menstrual cups will be a one-time purchase as they can last up to 10 years with proper care.

Hence, you will save a lot of money by not spending on disposable menstrual hygiene products. 

Safety

As mentioned earlier, pads use chemicals and tampons have also been found to be unsafe in many ways. However, in the case of menstrual cups, you can be sure about their safety as long as you are inserting it with clean hands. Moreover, you must also ensure that you clean it properly after every use. 

Environment Friendly

Menstrual Cups can be reused and don’t end up in landfills as often as tampons and sanitary pads. As a result, while using menstrual cups, you will be doing your bit in saving the environment as well.

Better Holding Volume

While tampons and pads need to be changed every 4-6 hours, menstrual cups can do the job for longer periods of time.

A menstrual cup can hold a menstrual fluid maximum of up to 12 hours. Yes, you read that right. This means that you can go for hours without having to worry about leaks or any other issues.

What are the risks involved in using menstrual cups?

Although menstrual cups are completely safe to use, some people might face some issues. We have listed down all the potential risks and issues involved in using menstrual cups for your convenience, have a look-

Pain and Injuries

Inserting any object inside your vagina without taking proper precautions or steps might lead to some injuries.  You might have not trimmed your nails, or the menstrual cup might not be of the appropriate size. As a result, you might end up hurting yourself.

That is why it is necessary to follow all the instructions before insertion.

Leakage

Although the chances of leakage while using a menstrual cup are lesser as compared to tampons and pads, they are still there. You might experience leakage if you have not inserted the cup properly or if the cup is not on the perfect size

Urination issues

Any object inserted into the vagina could irritate the urethra and perhaps spread bacteria to the urinary system. When using menstruation cups, some people realise that this happens.

Also, in rare instances, the cup could also press up on the urethra and restrict it, making it difficult to urinate.

IUD Expulsion

Menstrual cups may cause IUDs to become free, which might render them ineffective at preventing conception, according to some studies. In 13 individuals, the Lancet found that using a menstrual cup caused an IUD to become loose or fall out of the vagina.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that you might still have some doubts or questions in your mind. That is why we have selected the frequently asked questions about menstrual cups and answered them briefly for you. Have a look-

Can virgins use menstrual cups safely?

Yes, virgins can use menstrual cups safely without any issues. However, they will have to go for a smaller cup size. 

Do menstrual cups break the hymen?

Using a menstrual cup might stretch the hymen in some cases but won’t break it. However, if you are doubtful about using a menstrual cup because of this reason then we suggest you to consult a doctor. 

How to clean a menstrual cup?

You can easily clean your menstrual cup with a menstrual cup sterilizer. 

Summing Up

Menstrual cups, if used properly have many benefits and will help you stay at inexplicable ease during your periods and make your period care journey smooth. 

Now that you have all the necessary information at hand, we hope your decision to switch from pads or tampons to these reusable feminine hygiene products will be easier. 

If you have any more doubts, drop them in the comments. Also, do explore Newmi and find solutions for all your feminine health issues.