This sounds too good to be true, right?<\/p>\n
Well, yes. In fact, we have gathered quite a bit of information from the Colombian Journal of Gynecology, Lancet Health, and the American Society of Microbiology, which concluded that the menstrual cup is an excellent option, superior to single-use disposable products like pads and tampons in terms of comfort and hygiene.<\/p>\n
What is the reason why it is claimed that the menstrual cup reduces the incidence of vaginal infections?<\/p>\n
The main difference is that: the menstrual cup does NOT absorb menstrual flow; the menstrual cup COLLECTS it. This prevents the vaginal pH from being disturbed by an external object that can alter the moisture of the mucosa necessary to maintain a good balance between good and bad bacteria.<\/p>\n
Additionally, tampons, for example, dry out the vagina, exposing the tissue and causing small lacerations. This makes us prone to bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, entering our bloodstream and suffering from the infamous Toxic Shock Syndrome.<\/p>\n
And with disposable pads, our menstrual flow comes into contact with oxygen, the environment, sweat, external bacteria, and the bleaching chemicals they contain. The recommendation is to change the pad every 6 hours, but this often doesn't happen, which has shown that after tampons, it is with sanitary pads that the most genital tract infections occur.<\/p>\n
With the menstrual cup, we have the advantage that it doesn't dry us out and doesn't come into contact with the outside, which prevents menstrual flow from becoming a breeding ground for multiple bacteria. However, there is always some bacterial proliferation, but in much smaller amounts than with previous products.<\/p>\n
In addition to my favorite benefits, it's the responsibility that this method gives us. Since it's recommended to empty it every 12 hours, and being in constant contact with our body, it gives us an idea of the hygiene routine we need to maintain, and each of us finds the best practices. This responsibility and awareness help reduce the number of vaginal infections we might have.<\/p>\n
Again, it's important to be aware that everything carries its risk. My recommendation is to sterilize our cup once a day, wash our hands every time we handle it, and not leave it in longer than the tested safe time.<\/p>\n
The menstrual cup is an excellent option: safe, hygienic, and comfortable.<\/p>\n