CUP ALTERNATIVE

Another reusable feminine hygiene product that generated a buzz is the menstrual cup. The flexible, medical-grade silicone is inserted into the vagina during menstruation in order to collect fluid, rather than absorbing them like pads. The cup can be used for up to 12 hours, emptied, properly rinsed, and reinserted. It can be reused for years, making it more affordable in the long run compared to typical sanitary napkins. Different sizes are also available. Certain challenges also come with the cup. Some women may find it daunting to insert the cup into their body, and the removal can get messy. It is difficult to clean the cup while using a public toilet. It’s also recommended that the cup be boiled for hygienic purposes, and so extra work goes into using this type of sanitary product. A study published in the journal of Applied And Environmental Microbiology last year linked the cup to possible risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), something that has also long been associated with the use of a tampon. While rare, TSS can be deadly. So, proceed with caution!