Women need safe, affordable and effective menstrual products. Single-use products are not that effective but as an alternative menstrual cups are less known.
In a new study found that menstrual cups are the safe, affordable and effective alternative way during the menstrual cycle. This study covered 43 studies and more than 3,300 females. And the study published under the Lancet Public Health.
There is more than 2 billion reproductive age female and most of them use single-use or reusable pads. However menstrual cups are better than sanitary pads and much less expensive.
These cups are a bell-shaped device made of silicon rubber elastomers. They need to empty in 4-10 hours. Menstrual cups be reused up to 10 years and both vaginal and cervical caps are available.
Findings
- Out of 43 studies 27 studies on a vaginal cup, 5 studies on cervical cups and 11 studies on other types of cups. 15 studies were from low or middle-income countries.
- 4 studies direct compare menstrual cups and other products and shown that leakage was similar or lower in menstrual cups than other disposable tampons and pads.
- In 13 studies, more than 70% of participants were willing to continue the use of menstrual cups at the end of the study.
- In 4 studies found that the use of menstrual cups shows no adverse effect on vaginal flora.
- Menstrual cups need no sanitary pads or soap. Very fewer changes required during the cycle as compared to pads and tampons. So this also helped in better attendance, higher performance and higher concentration.
- Although in these studies five women reported vaginal wounds or severe pain, six reports of allergies, nine of urinary tracts complain and five of toxic syndromes after use of menstrual cups.
- 199 brands available in 99 countries and price range within $0.72- $46
How to use
Check on amazon
Conclusion
Menstrual cups are a safe and effective option for menstrual management and being used all over the world. If you haven’t used these once in your life then you might try these at least once.
These cups are very inexpensive. These can save a lot of money because once you buy it, you can use them for up to 10 years.
Although more studies needed on environmental effect and cost-effectiveness comparing different menstrual products.
Source
Anna Maria van Eijk, PhD | Garazi Zulaika, MPH | Madeline Lenchner, MSc | Linda Mason, PhD | Prof Muthusamy Sivakami, PhD | Elizabeth Nyothach, MSc | Holger Unger, PhD | Kayla Laserson, ScD | Prof Penelope A Phillips-Howard, PhD