COURTESY TIMES OF INDIA JULY 18

Menstrual cups are as safe as pads, tampons
Paris:

Inexpensive and reusable menstrual cups are safe and as unlikely as disposable pads or tampons to leak, according to the first major scientific review of the devices, published Wednesday.

Some 70% of women who have tried menstrual cups said they would like to continue using them, researchers reported in ‘The Lancet Public Health’.

Sanitary protection remains unavailable and unaffordable to many women, the authors noted. This means monthly bleeding keeps many girls and women out of school or work, and puts them at risk of urinary tract infections.

A safe, affordable and longlasting alternative to pads and tampons has the potential to change the lives of millions.

Made from medical grade silicone, rubber or latex, the cups collect blood rather than absorb it. They are inserted into the vagina and emptied every four to 12 hours.

The cups were found to be as effective or better at collecting blood than sanitary pads or tampons. The research showed no increased risk of infection