Pune: Although tampons are very popular among women in urban areas as a substitute for sanitary pads, many of them are unaware of menstrual cups which are environment-friendly. Due to lack of awareness about such options, many women are not using menstrual cups.
A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. The purpose of these cups is to prevent menstrual fluid from leaking onto clothes, similar to a sanitary pad.
Speaking about the used substitutes for sanitary pads, Dr Nina Mansukhani from Jehangir Hospital said that only a few women use tampons.
“Sanitary pads are most popular among women. Those from a higher living standard prefer tampons as well. However, not many are aware of menstrual cups and hence they are not very popular,” said Dr Mansukhani.
“Even among women who come from well to do families, who choose to use tampons, the popularity and awareness about a menstrual cup is very low,” added Mansukhani.
Talking more about menstrual cups, Dr Jyoti Unni, gynecologist from Jehangir Hospital said that many women suffer from toxic shock syndrome which is associated with tampons. “As an alternative to the toxic shock syndrome, menstrual cups are better. But due to lack of awareness many women are still not using it. So far only one of my patients has reported that she uses menstrual cups which underlines its popularity,” said Unni.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Vandana Khaniju, gynecologist from Jehangir Hospital said that with the recent plastic ban, menstrual cups are more eco-friendly.
“These cups are made of silicon and are re-usable. The only precaution for using these cups is to wash them thoroughly. Another point is to clean hands while handling or inserting these cups. Personal hygiene is advised here more as the cups have to be inserted inside the vagina,” said Khaniju.
She added that each woman uses a minimum of 10 sanitary pads or tampons in her one cycle, which generates a lot of waste. “These eco-friendly cups are a better option from the point of view of the environment,” said Dr Khaniju.