By:
Reshu Hora, BMM
Student of SJMC Sem.-IVth
School of Journalism & Mass Communication
The matter of Feminine Hygiene has recently been enlightened in India. With movies like Padman and advertisements of the Sanitary Napkin- Pari, the problems that come with using cloth during a menstrual cycle has been widely acknowledged, and most importantly, the word Period has been accepted. Another word that comes across with it is, Menstrual Cup. Now, what is this and why are they gaining so much popularity?
What are Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual cups are a bell shaped object, that can be inserted in vaginal canal to collect menstrual blood. They have been around since, 1932 when L.J. Goodard patented a ‘vaginal receptable’. Nowadays, these cups are made with soft, pliable, sterilized and easy to clean medical grade materials such as silicone, rubber, latex or elastomer.
Why menstrual cup?
Menstrual cup has gained a lot of popularity because of its property of being reusable. They are Eco friendly products that are committed to reduce waste which is created by the plastic, non-recyclable and non- biodegradable sanitary napkins. They burst the myth that women produce larger quantity of blood usually displayed by pads and might also sometimes make your period feel non-existent since they are extremely comfortable.
An average women uses over 10.000 sanitary napkins in a lifetime. Imagine the amount of waste menstrual cups can actually reduce.
Is it safe?
It actually reduces the chances of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) which is associated with disposable products. Menstrual cups collect the blood rather than absorbing it. Moreover, it serves as a little measuring cup for your period. For some women, it is difficult to insert or remove it, but the problem can be solved with education of women’s own body and insertion techniques. It has no associated infections with the use of it, the only thing it needs is a bit of practice.
How to use it?
It is first folded in a C-shape and then inserted in the vagina. Once it is in, you can leave the rim and the cup will unfold inside and create a light seal against the walls. It can be used up to nine hours and then removed in a similar pattern. Every time you insert or remove your cup, your hands need to be washed and the cup is to be boiled after every use. It can actually help you know your body better.
Is it suitable for physical activities?
The menstrual cup supports any sort of running, jumping or exercising. If it is used for more than eight to nine hours, it might leak just like any other menstrual product. However, any sort of physical activity won’t prompt it to come out.
Average Costing
The average cost of sanitary napkins for your one period is 100/-. That makes it, 1200/- for a year and 9600/- for 8 years.
The average cost of menstrual cup is 600/- to 1000/- for 2 cups, which can be used for 6-8 years.
The acceptability of menstrual cups in India-
There is a myth surrounding menstrual cup that it might tamper with the virginity of a girl, by breaking open the hymen. As we have been already told, hymen can break open with any physical activity other than intercourse, like jumping or running. However, a menstrual cup can not break a hymen as it is located much above where a menstrual cup can reach.