Perspectives Regarding the Menstrual Cup

 

Lija Prince1, Anu.V. Kumar2

1Ph. D scholar, Professor, Shri Shankaracharya College of Nursing, Hudco, Bhilai, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.

 2Ph. D Guide, Professor, Index College of Nursing, Indore. Madhya Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail:

 

ABSTRACT:

A menstrual cup, which keeps the vagina clean during the monthly cycle, is inserted into the vagina. Menstruation cups are often made of flexible medical-grade silicone, thermoplastic isomers, or latex. They resemble bells and have stems or rings on them. The bell-shaped cup is used for both insertion and removal, pressing on the vaginal wall just below the cervix to hold menstrual fluids in place. It is inexpensive, eco-friendly, and simple to use.

 

KEYWORDS: Menstrual cup, Monthly cycle, Eco-friendly, Inexpensive.

 

 


INTRODUCTION:

Menstruation is a truth and fear for every woman but she has to face this condition every month. Female have to maintain proper hygiene during this time and the product she uses during this period should be cleverly to be choice. Even though there are plenty of menstrual products are available but still Indian female prefer to use sanitary napkin. These forces menstruating individuals to come up with their own disposal methods for period products, which can have negative effects. Prior to reaching a tipping point, this viewpoint demands reform.1

 

What is a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cup is shaped just like small cup. The rim, stem and the body are the part of it.2 Period fluid is collected and held in place by inserting a tiny, flexible cup, shaped like a funnel, made of silicone or rubber, into vagina. Because they are more blood-holding than other techniques, many women can utilize cups as a more environmentally responsible tampon substitute.

 

Adult normal flow monthly:

An adult's normal menstrual cycle typically lasts eight days3. Menstrual fluid can leave your body in the range of 5 to 80 ml, or up to 6 tablespoons, during the course of your period.4 Menstrual cups are implanted into the vagina, but the container which holds 10-38 mL of blood is where the blood is collected. Depending on the type of cup and the flow of the menstrual cycle, the menstrual cup should be emptied every 4–12 hours.5

 

Size of the cup:

Mostly cups are in two sizes

a.     Small

b.     Large

 

There are four main components of menstruation cups:

1.     Rim: The portion of the cup's upper edge that seals against the vaginal walls.

2.     Release holes: tiny gaps that let air in to help with suction and stop leaks. These are located close to the rim.

3.     Cup: The primary component of the cup used to hold menstrual fluid.

4.     Stem: A little projection that helps in removal that is located at the base of the cup.

How To Choose Correct Cup:

1.     Determine the factors. There are numerous menstruation cup brands available on the market, each with a variety of possibilities.

2.     Let's start by talking size. Not like when we choose our shoes or clothes, there is no set method to figure out what size we should wear. That being said, the majority of manufacturers constantly advise selecting a cup size-small or large-based on the general traits and classifications of female consumers.

a.     Small: Those under thirty or without children who have a mild to medium flow.

b.     Big: Those who have a lot of flow, are older than thirty, or are nursing a child.

3.     Take some time to get used to this menstrual cup. Wear a pad or panty liner for the first few periods using the cup to prevent leaks or spills. After selecting a brand and size, give self some time to get used to it.

4.     Be aware of the menstruation cup's volume. Ten to twelve hours is the normal amount of time between recommended emptying. However, to avoid leaks, plan for six to eight hours if flow is unusually heavy.6

 

Technique For Folding Menstrual Cup:

 

1. C-Fold

2. Punch-Down Fold

3. S-Fold

4. 7-Fold

5. Origami Fold

6. Triangle Fold

7. Diamond Fold

8. E-Fold

 

Insert it starting with the fold that feels the easiest. Additionally, the cup would not slip in smoothly because the material is typically silicone. To guarantee that there is no friction, it must be adequately lubricated. Just apply water, or even a water-based lubricant, to the rims to achieve this. Use of lubricants with silicone or oil bases will damage the silicone cup, so avoid doing so.7

 

 

Insertion, removal and cleaning:

Before handling or inserting the menstrual cup, always cleanse the hands with soap and water. Folding the cup that feels most cozy.8 The cup will open as soon as it is placed inside the vagina. In order to produce an airtight seal, rotate the cup sideways. In the vagina, the cup shouldn't be too high. The distance between the bottom of the cup and the vaginal opening should be roughly half a finger's width.9

 

When should I drain the cup? Make the hand clean. To obtain a comfortable grip on the cup's bottom, gently pull on the stem of the vessel. To release the vaginal seal, pinch the cup inward. To prevent any liquid spills, carefully remove the cup from the vagina while tilting it slightly backward. Toss the cup into the nearest toilet. Before replacing the cup in the vagina, give it a quick wash with water. In a public area, where it should be properly wiped if washing is not an option. Each time, boil the cup for three to five minutes.

 

Tips for storing a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups should be cleaned, sterilized, dried, and stored in the accompanying cotton drawstring bag at the conclusion of the cycle. Keep it away from airtight containers and plastic bags.10

 

Corns of Menstrual Cup:

·       They're economical as well as ecological.

·       They can stay in for a full twelve hours.

·       You can insert one without waiting for your period to begin.

·       They can hold about twice as much as a super-absorbent pad or tampon.

·       Mess-free sex is possible.

·       Using them is simple.

·       The smell is diminished

·       Absence of dry vagina

 

Prons of menstrual cup:

·       Finding the perfect fit might be difficult.

·       Removal may become untidy or awkward.

·       They might tamper with an IUD.

·       They may irritate your vagina and be difficult to insert or remove, at least initially.

·       After each use, they must be cleaned. 11

 

Menstruation cup myth:

1.     One potential side effect of menstrual cups is that they may break the hymen.

2.     It is possible for the cup to disappear within the vagina.

3.     It is necessary to take off the menstrual cup in order to urinate.

4.     During heavy periods, you are not allowed to use the cup.

5.     Period cups are readily infectious and not hygienic.

6.     Using it while you sleep puts you at risk of blood clotting back in.

7.     It is incredibly uncomfortable and difficult to use menstruation cups.

8.     Menstrual cups are considered filthy and unhygienic.

9.     The messiness of menstrual cups

10. Only women who are childbearing can use menstrual cups.

11. Uterine prolapse may be brought on by menstruation cups12,13

 

Health and safety considerations on menstrual cup:

Used in accordance with safety precautions, menstruation cups are safe. The use of menstrual cups is growing among women who have menorrhagia, a disease characterized by abnormally heavy monthly bleeding. Tampon use does not even affect the pH of the vagina. Prolonged tampon use is associated with a higher incidence of TSS in women. Because silicone does not degrade or leave fragments behind, TSS with a menstrual cup is improbable. Reduced expenses and waste sent to landfills.

 

CONCLUSION:

When used properly, taking safety and health concerns into account, menstrual cups can be a sustainable and safe choice for people who are menstruation. A comfortable and leak-free experience with minimal hassles can be had by users by selecting the appropriate material, size, and hygiene practices. For menstrual health to remain at its best, using a menstrual cup safely is essential, just like using any other menstrual product. Globally, as menstrual cups continue to gain popularity, thorough education and knowledge about safe usage will help women have positive and powerful menstrual experiences.

 

REFERENCES:

1.      Biju A. Period product disposal in India: the tipping point. The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia. 2023 Aug 1;15.

2.      Bolen, J. The Ultimate Guide to Menstrual Cups: An Eco-Friendly, Safe, Affordable Alternative to Tampons. 2018

3.      Munro MG, Critchley HOD, Fraser IS, Committee the FMD. The two FIGO systems for normal and abnormal uterine bleeding symptoms and classification of causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years: 2018 revisions. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2018; 143(3): 393–408.

4.      Fraser IS, Critchley HO, Broder M, Munro MG. The FIGO recommendations on terminologies and definitions for normal and abnormal uterine bleeding. Semin Reprod Med. 2011 Sep; 29(5): 383-90.

5.      Van Eijk AM, Sivakami M, Thakkar MB, Bauman A, Laserson KF, Coates S, Phillips-Howard PA. Menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2016; 6(3)

6.      How to Choose the Correct Menstrual Cup Size (with Pictures) (wikihow.com)

7.      https://pinklungi.com/menstrual-cup-the-a-z-guide-for-beginners

8.      Manley H, Hunt JA, Santos L, Breedon P. Comparison Between Menstrual Cups: First Step to Categorization and Improved Safety. Womens Health (Lond). 2021; 17: 17455065211058553. doi:10.1177/17455065211058553

9.      Van Eijk AM, Zulaika G, Lenchner M, et al. Menstrual Cup Use, Leakage, Acceptability, Safety, and Availability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Lancet Public Health. 2019; 4(8): e376-e393. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30111-2

10.   Kakani CR, Bhatt JK. Study of adaptability and efficacy of menstrual cup in managing menstrual health and hygiene. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2017; 6: 3045-53

11.   Jabeen Begum. What’s a Menstrual cup? Women health guide October 2023

12.   Busted: Six myths around menstrual cups (happiesthealth.com)

13.   Menstrual Hygiene Day: 7 menstrual cup myths busted (healthshots.com)

 

 

 

Received on 08.05.2024         Modified on 06.07.2024

Accepted on 16.08.2024       ©A&V Publications All right reserved

A and V Pub J. of Nursing and Medical Res. 2024; 3(3):96-98.

DOI: 10.52711/jnmr.2024.22