Menstrual cup (left) and tampons (right)
Are there safer alternatives to Tampons?
Yes there is!
If you are concerned about the risks of infection of using tampons, then you might want to research more about menstrual cups.
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Its purpose is to prevent menstrual fluid (blood containing uterine lining) from leaking onto clothes. Menstrual cups are usually made of flexible medical grade silicone and shaped like a bell with a stem. The stem is used for insertion and removal. The bell-shaped cup seals against the vaginal wall just below the cervix. Every 4–12 hours (depending on the amount of flow), the cup is removed, emptied, rinsed, and reinserted.
Unlike tampons and pads, cups collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. One cup is reusable for up to five years or more. This makes their long-term cost lower than that of disposable tampons or pads, though the initial cost is higher. Menstrual cups are also promoted as more practical and eco-friendly than pads and tampons.
Source: Wikipedia
How is a menstrual cup differ from a tampon?
In general, the menstrual cup collects the menstrual flow rather than absorbing it like tampons or pads do.
What are Their Similarities?
Both have to be inserted into the women's body.
Both require quite learning curve on how to use them properly.
Both can be used when swimming while menstruating.
What are the Differences?
Menstrual Cups
It collects menstrual flow.
Made of medical grade silicone. Anyone with a latex allergy is safe.
Depending on size and the heaviness of the menstrual flow, the cup can be emptied twice or three times a day.
Can be used while sleeping overnight.
Risks of infection are less when compared to tampon.
Reusable. Buy once and can be used for more than 5 years (Depending on brands).
Tampons
It absorbs menstrual flow.
Made of cotton or rayon or mixture of both.
Tampon is to be changed at least once in 4-6 hours.
Not advisable to be used overnight while sleeping.
There are risks of infections with wearing tampon.
Not reusable. Money is spent to buy tampons monthly or bimonthly.
If you have no idea what menstrual cups are and how to use one, check this link for additional info.
After reading this post, DO NOT take what I’m sharing here as my health advice. This post is meant for sharing information about menstrual cups only.
Regardless if you are married or not, use menstrual cups at your own discretion.
If you are interested to know more about menstrual cups, you can just google it. There are so many brands popping up now with so many designs.
Kindly do your own due diligence before switching to menstrual cup.
Hayatti Rahgeni The Effortless Swim Team