In today’s era, women can now freely do things that men can without being criticized by society. With this said, many years have already passed since women have become active in the world of sports.
However, there is one thing that may hinder a woman’s progress as an athlete, and that may be due to a natural occurrence called the menstrual cycle.
Let’s take this Chicago runner athlete Annabelle Winters’ every month dilemma, wherein she needs to go to the bathroom every now and then for a tampon change or else she’ll need to put her shorts into the sink due to her heavy blood flow leakage.
For a woman who already has a lot on her plate, adding the discomfort and effort during menstruation time might be overbearing. Now, it might be the reason why many women that are active in sports turn to menstrual cups, and why some of them are eyeing the cup.
So, you want to know why many women are choosing a menstrual cup over tampon or pad usage? Then you indeed came to the right place! Read and learn to see the answer to the possible questions that are running in your mind!
Wait, a Menstrual Cup?
If you are still unsure as to what a menstrual cup is, then here is a run through about its description and usage. Technically speaking, a menstrual cup is either a funnel-like shaped cup or a v-shaped one, whichever that caters to the woman’s need for her period. In addition to this, it is a feminine menstrual hygiene product that can be reused for about ten years maximum.
The method for using the menstrual cup is the same as with tampons wherein the insertion of the item is done for it to function correctly. The only similarity between a menstrual cup and a tampon is how they’re used. However, the materials used, and how it collects blood, are distinct from one another.
Lastly, menstrual cups are an ideal feminine hygiene product, especially for women athletes, because they can hold up to 30ml blood volume and can be worn for up to 12 hours. This means to say that you can train without having to go in and out of the restroom all day.
Is it More Complicated than Tampons?
It does sound more complicated than tampons. However, the University of Washington gynaecologist and runner, Dr. Sue Lee Moreni, stated that many women could develop and make their own tips and techniques since information is available.
Some athletes, like Ms. Winters, have vouched for menstrual cup. She said it took her quite some time to use it correctly. With this, one can guarantee that using menstrual cups is not really that far off from the way women use tampons.
Can I Really Use it During Training?
It is proven and tested that, unlike tampons, menstrual cups do not harbor bacteria that might cause toxic shock syndrome. The reason for this is the material used for a menstrual cup is either rubber or medical-grade silicon.
With this said, you can leave your menstrual cup for up to 12 hours, and you can run or train for a four-to-six hour race without having to excuse yourself for every 3 to 4 hours!
What you only need to remember, though, is that even though menstrual cups lessen the risk, it is still advisable that you clean out your cup every 12 hours so that it wouldn’t create an environment perfect for bacteria to live. Additionally, you are also doing a favour for yourself since it is also a way of taking good care of your hygiene and the menstrual cup.
Okay, So Is There Any Other Perks?
So, you have already heard of the primary benefits it brings. Looking for any other perks? Well then here they are:
Leak-proof. Many women find the cup leak-proof and comfortable since the silicon makes the menstrual cup smooth rather than dry, which can chafe your vaginal walls due to the usage of pads or tampons.
Environmental Friendly. The environmental-aspect of this feminine hygiene product is that it can be reused. Little by little, it helps with the carbon footprints that humans make every year. Thus, by using this product, women can make a significant contribution to the environment.
Budget-Friendly. Since it can be reused and has a lifespan of up to 10 years maximum (if it was well-taken care of), then you can save up your money that was meant to buy boxes of tampons or sanitary pads every month. Now, imagine how much you can save up because you switched to menstrual cups.
Takeaway
Choosing a menstrual cup over other feminine hygiene products can be a wise decision for other women and you. However, it’s entirely up to you if you give the product a try. Just remember that you need to know first the things that you should consider before buying a menstrual cup for yourself.
