For many women, the monthly menstrual cycle can be a time of inconvenience and discomfort. Trying to manage cramps and pain, as well as dealing with the potential for leaks or other mishaps during that time of the month, can be frustrating and stressful. With this in mind, today we’ll be talking about one of the most popular period products on the market: menstrual cups. Let's find out more about menstrual cups, how they work, and why they might be a better choice for you than tampons or pads.
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, soft cup made of silicone or latex that is inserted into the vagina for menstrual blood collection. These can be used for up to 12 hours at a time and can be reused for up to 5 years. Many women find cups more comfortable than tampons, as they do not dry out the vagina or cause irritation.
Menstrual Cup vs. Tampons or Pads: Which One Is Better?
Many different options are available for menstrual products on the market these days. It can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Some women swear by tampons, others prefer pads, and some like to use a menstrual cup. So, which one is better? Let's quickly compare all to help you decide.
Tampons are probably the most popular option for menstrual products. They are easy to use and can be found just about anywhere. Tampons do have some downsides, though. They can be uncomfortable to insert and can sometimes cause irritation. Tampons also come with the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is a rare but serious condition that can occur when bacteria from the vagina gets into the bloodstream.
Pads are another popular option for menstrual products. They are usually more comfortable than tampons and don’t carry the same risks as tampons do. Pads can, however, be bulky and uncomfortable in some cases. They can also leak if they aren’t changed often enough or if they aren’t the right size for your body.
Menstrual cups are a newer option on the market, but they are still gaining in popularity
Pros and Cons of each one
There are pros and cons to both menstrual cups and tampons or pads. Here are some things to consider when deciding which one is right for you:
Menstrual Cups:
- Pros: Can be worn for up to 12 hours, can be reused for years (with proper care), has no risk of toxic shock syndrome, environmentally friendly.
- Cons: Can be messy to use, difficult to insert/remove, and may cause irritation.
Tampons or Pads:
- Pros: Easy to use, easy to find in stores, no risk of toxic shock syndrome.
- Cons: Can only be used once and then must be disposed of, may cause irritation, and environmental impact.
How to use them
There are many different menstrual cup products available on the market, and they can vary somewhat in terms of how they are used. However, in general, most menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina like a tampon, with the stem hanging outside the body. Once the cup is in place, it forms a seal with the vaginal walls and collects menstrual fluid. To remove the cup, simply break the seal by pinching the base of the cup and then pull it out. Most cups can be rinsed with water and re-inserted, although some women prefer to change them more frequently.
Troubleshooting with these products
If you're someone who's tried both tampons and pads, you know that there are a few things that can go wrong with each. Tampons can leak or cause discomfort, while pads can bunch up or leak.
However, some quick hacks might help you troubleshoot these products. If you have leaks with your tampon, make sure it's inserted correctly. If it's still leaking, try a different brand or size. If you're having discomfort with your tampon, again, check the insertion and also try a different brand or size. It may take a little trial and error to find the perfect fit.
As for pads, if they're bunching up, try a different style. There are pads designed for all different types of flows and activities, so there's bound to be one that works for you. And if you're still having leaks, again, try a different style or brand.
The best way to figure out what works for you is to experiment until you find something that does the trick. Go ahead and consult your friends for advice - chances are they've been through the same thing and can offer genuine and valuable insight!
