What is it?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup that is made from rubber or silicone. Instead of absorbing your flow, like a tampon or pad, it catches and collects it. It is generally regarded as safe to use within the medical community. Menstrual cups are free from toxins, perfumes, bleaches and leave no fiber residues in the vagina. This will drastically decrease the risk of getting bacterial or yeast infections.
Why switch?
The biggest reason for the switch is mainly for health care and the environment. Many disposable pads and tampons use plastic applicators or linings that are harmful to the environment which eventually ends up in landfills and not biodegradable. Apart from that, the long-wearing use of tampons may impose threat of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is caused by the release of toxins from Staphylococcus aureus or staph which is found in many women. Read more about TSS syndrome here.
Where to buy?
There are a lot of local brands available in the market. What’s important is to get a high quality, long lasting product that is safe to use. Before you spend your hard-earned money on a menstrual cup, pay attention to these details:
a. What is it made of?
A good menstrual cup is made from high quality or medical grade silicone that is FDA approved and BPA free. Generic menstrual cups are often made from cheaper silicone and the production process can put the cup in contact with other chemicals. Cheap materials are impure, and may contain traces of latex, phthalates, BPA, heavy metals etc.
b. Reviews and testimonials
Read, read & read! Look out for reviews on the page to see the customers’ feedbacks of wearing the brand. This also shows that the brand is reliable and has a genuine product.
c. Price
Be cautious of very cheap cups sold in the market, a good quality cups will not be as cheap as RM 10! In Malaysia, the price for a good menstrual cup can range from RM40 – RM150. It’s up to you to choose which brands suit your budget.
Brands that are made and available in Malaysia:
1. Suci Cup
4. OrganiCup
5. Daraa Cup
How to care for it?
Before Cycle starts
· Wash with warm water & mild soap
· Sterilise the cup with boiling water for 3-4 minutes
· Let it cool down before use
After emptying the cup during cycle
· Rinse the cup with water, can also wash with a mild soap before reinserting.
After Cycle ends
· Wash with warm water & mild soap
· Sterilise the cup with boiling water for 3-4 minutes
· Dry with a clean towel
· Store inside a container/pouch
When to change?
A menstrual cup can be worn up to 10 hours; some brands can go up to 12 hours. If you are a beginner, monitor your flow by checking every 4-6 hours during your first cycle with your cup. Once you got the hang of it, you will be able to use the cup for long periods of time. As long as you follow the instructions and step-by-step guide, you’re good to go!
Pros
· Wallet and eco friendly
· Can hold more blood
· Less odour
· Safer to use for a long term
Cons
· Beginners may need a bit of practice and it may go wrong sometimes
· Removal can get messy – or embarrassing
· Can interfere with IUD
· May cause an allergic reaction
· Irritation might happen if the cup is not maintained properly
Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual disc, you name it – the key is to ensure that you are taking proper care of your personal hygiene, regardless of which sanitary products that you choose to wear. New year, new goal & new you!
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