Did you know that menstrual cups have been around since as early as 1867, predating the first sanitary pads by a decade and the first modern commercial tampons by more than 50 years? It’s only in today’s times that menstrual cups have become mainstream, a good 150 years after they were first introduced. However, menstrual cups are certainly not widespread with research showing that only between 11 and 33 per cent of women are aware of menstrual cups and their benefits.
That said, if you’ve heard about them and are curious about their uses, pros and cons, read on to know. But before we delve into the details, let’s first understand what a menstrual cup is, and if it’s something you should consider:
What Is A Menstrual Cup?
Considering we’re discussing menstruation and feminine hygiene products, naturally, a menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of either rubber or silicone, and is inserted into the vagina to collect discarded tissue from the uterine walls during one’s period.
In terms of efficiency, cups can hold more blood than other methods, allowing many women to use them as an eco-friendly substitute to tampons or sanitary pads. And depending on your flow, it is safe to wear a cup for up to 12 hours.