The more eco-conscious we become, the more innovative we become. Recently, out of that innovation came menstrual cups. Menstrual cups are a safe alternative to traditional pads or tampons. You may even consider menstrual the new zero waste period care.
Menstrual cups are small, flexible funnel-shaped cups made of rubber or silicone that you insert as you would a tampon to catch and collect period fluid. They are reusable, easy to clean, comfortable, and leak proof. They are also free of harsh chemicals, latex, BPA and dyes.
Now there are many benefits to choosing menstrual cups. First, given that menstrual cups collect rather than absorb blood, you’re not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use.
Plus, since they are reusable, they’re also budget friendly. Once you make the one time investment you’re all vested because unlike traditional period wear you won’t have to repurchase. That also makes them eco-friendly. Traditional pads and tampons are responsible for a significantly high carbon footprint. However, menstrual cups can last a very long time, which means you won’t be contributing to more waste.
Additionally, menstrual cups can hold between one to two ounces of menstrual flow compared to tampons, which can only hold up to a third of an ounce. So depending on your flow, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours.
Now while menstrual cups come with a long list of benefits, there are a few cons. Some users may experience vaginal irritation or allergic reactions to menstrual cups. Also, some may find it difficult to insert or remove. Others may have difficulty with sizing.
Nonetheless, the list of pros far outweigh the cons, which makes menstrual cups well worth the try. Most who try it love it. Menstrual cups makes sense in more than enough ways. So if you’re looking for zero waste period care with all the fixings than menstrual cups may be for you.