In addition to regular pads (pads) and tampons, currently there are other products that are increasingly in demand, namely menstrual cup. This product which is also known as menstrual cup is known to have many advantages, although there are also disadvantages. Come on, find out more about menstrual cup.
Menstrual cup is a substitute for sanitary napkins in the form of a funnel and made of rubber or silicone. Different from pads or tampons, menstrual cup only serves to accommodate menstrual blood, not to absorb it.
Various Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Menstrual Cup
Before using a new product, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of the product, including for menstrual cup. There are several advantages to using menstrual cup, that is:
1. Durable
Menstrual cup is an environmentally friendly substitute for sanitary napkins, because it can be reused after washing. The durability is quite long, which is 6 months to 10 years, depending on the type and maintenance.
2. Large capacity
Menstrual cup can hold up to about 40 ml of blood. This capacity is greater than other methods, such as tampons which can only absorb about 7 ml of blood. That is why, menstrual cup can be used longer, which is about 6-12 hours.
3. Does not cause odor
Menstrual cup prevents menstrual blood from being exposed to air, so you don't have to be afraid of the smell of menstrual blood, which may appear when using pads or tampons.
4. Maintain pH and good bacteria in the vagina
Menstrual cup does not disturb the balance of pH and bacteria in the vagina, because it only holds blood. This is different from the use of tampons which can absorb menstrual blood as well as vaginal fluids, so it will disturb the pH and bacteria in the vagina.
5. More secure
Menstrual cup It only holds blood and doesn't absorb it. This will reduce the risk of bacterial infection. In addition, this product is also less risky of causing blisters or rashes, which sometimes appear when using sanitary napkins (pads).
Even so, menstrual cup also has some drawbacks, namely:
1. Difficult to use
The process of entering and exiting menstrual cup can be difficult and uncomfortable, especially during first use or in women who have never had sex.
2. More messy
The process of removing the menstrual cup can make menstrual blood splatter and scatter, if not done carefully.
3. Need to find a suitable size
Menstrual cup They are available in a variety of sizes, so you may need to try on several sizes before finding the one that fits best. This can be even more difficult if you have certain conditions, such as a tilted or descending uterus, and fibroids.
4. Possibility of causing allergies
Several types menstrual cup made of latex, so people who are allergic to this material need to be careful and more careful when buying the product. If you have an allergy to latex, go for it menstrual cup made of silicone.
5. Need extra care
Menstrual cup should always be washed thoroughly after use. In addition, these pads also need to be sterilized (boiled in boiling water) every month. Without painstaking treatment, the use of these pads will actually increase the risk of a number of health problems, such as irritation and infection of the vagina.
Guide to Using Menstrual Cup
The first thing to do is to choose a size menstrual cup that fits. Menstrual cup small size is usually used for women aged less than 30 years or have never given birth vaginally. Whereas menstrual cup large, usually for women who are over 30 years old, have given birth vaginally, or are used to having heavy menstrual bleeding.
Following are the steps to use menstrual cup:
- Lubricate the mouthpiece menstrual cup with water or a water-based lubricant, for easier insertion
- Clamp or fold the funnel menstrual cup in half with one hand.
- Gently insert this funnel (folded and facing up) into the vagina. Once inserted, the mouthpiece will automatically open again and snap into position, which is a few centimeters inside your cervical canal.
- Insert your finger slightly back into your vagina and twist the bottom of the mouthpiece to place an airtight seal, so that menstrual blood doesn't leak out.
When menstrual cup installed properly, you shouldn't feel anything stuck or uncomfortable. You can move freely, including exercising, without fear of this tool falling off and falling out.
If menstrual cup is full, unplug the device in the following way:
- Put the index and thumb into the vagina and pull the stalk menstrual cup slowly until you reach the bottom of the funnel or bowl.
- Pinch or pinch the bottom of the funnel to release the airtight seal and pull the funnel out.
- Once removed from the vagina, dispose of menstrual blood that has been accommodated into the toilet.
Menstrual cup can be an alternative to sanitary napkins during menstruation, which are considered medically safe. Even so, make sure the quality of the product you are going to use is guaranteed, for example by checking the BPOM (Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) permit on the packaging. If when using this tool you feel uncomfortable or experience other complaints, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.