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Would you use menstrual cups? In Kenya, it seems like women are still hesitant about using menstrual cups. Well, before you shift from sanitary towels or tampons to menstrual cups, there are a few things you need to know about them:
1. They are comfortable
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I know this is hard to admit. But those who have used the cup say that it’s completely comfortable and that you don’t even feel it. One study showed that 91% of the women who used the menstrual cup found it to be satisfactory and would actually recommend it to other women.
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2. You don’t have to change as often
With pads and tampons, you are required to change them frequently and you shouldn’t stay with one for more than 8 hours. However, menstrual cups can stay for up to 12 hours and are thus ideal for night time protection.
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3. They don’t leak
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You would think that 12 hours is such a long time to still have the same menstrual cup. I mean, if you were using a tampon or pad, it could already be leaking and probably smelly. As long as you use the cups well, they don’t leak at all. A Kenyan study done to evaluate the experience of menstrual cups among adolescent girls in Kenya showed that girls who used cups were more confident and had no worries of leakage, unlike their peers who used sanitary towels.
4. They are flexible
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In case you are wondering how on earth you are going to insert them; menstrual cups are very flexible. All you have to do is fold them and carefully insert them.
5. They are reusable
Washable sanitary towels are still not so common and it’s not easy to find them in Kenya. So, the sanitary towels that are readily available in most stores are the non-washable ones. The same case applies to tampons. Once you have used it, that’s the end of it. With menstrual cups, you can reuse them over and over again. Unlike pads and tampons that are designed to absorb menstrual blood, menstrual cups collect it.
6. They are environment-friendly
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We have all come across used towels by the roadside and the sight is disgusting. So, by using menstrual cups, you will be doing the environment a favor since they are reusable.
7. You will save money
Well, they are definitely not as cheap as pads or tampons but you will end up saving more in the long run. You don’t have to buy them every month as they can last for up to 10 years.
8. You will need to sterilize them after use
Since this is something you are inserting in your vagina, you will need to ensure maximum hygiene. This means you have to properly clean and sterilize the cup after use. You can clean it with soapy water and boil to sterilize. You might need to get an extra sufuria and set it apart for boiling your cups hahaa!
9. Bye bye TSS
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Toxic shock syndrome is common when you leave a tampon for too long. With the cups, however, you can leave it on overnight without worries of TSS or vaginal infections.
10. There is no smell
Your menstrual blood smells when it hits the air. The menstrual cup sits on the walls of your vagina tightly enough preventing air from getting in. Therefore, there is no odor until you remove it.
11. They come in sizes
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Just like with tampons and sanitary towels, menstrual cups come in different sizes. Before you get one, find out which size will fit properly to avoid discomfort or leaking. If you have given birth, you will need a bigger size.
12. It might feel awkward
The first experience may feel awkward and inserting it might not be easy. Removing it might also be difficult but with time, you get used to it as you perfect the art of using them.