Veena Rajappa
Natural Healing Explorer
11:05 AM | 07-03-2019
Issues faced by menstruating women world over
Today the exposure of a menstruating woman to toxic chemicals is unbelievably high compared to women one or two generations ago. The reason being the use of sanitary pads or tampons during periods. Sanitary pads and tampons contain bleach, pesticides and other chemicals used for growing cotton, dioxins from plastics and gels used as absorbants. Once the menstrual blood soaks up, it creates an eco system of unhealthy microbes that are in direct contact not just with the vagina, but the urinary track and the digestive system. The exposure to these harmful chemicals and the microbes for continuous long hours cause havoc to the body.
Environment pollution
The disposal of used sanitary pads and tampons is a nightmare in most developing and under developed countries. They are clearly not biodegradable nor are they recyclable. In the developed countries, they are typically incinerated (combusted in a controlled industrial process) but in most other countries they are burnt in the open or dumped in the sewage from where they enter the water bodies and finally into the oceans!! There is enough mess created by these to the environment once they are done with all the damages they cause to our bodies.
Is there an alternative?
Yes, there definitely are. One of course is to switch to cloth pads like in the olden days of our grandmoms. The other is to use "Menstrual Cups". I have been using these cups for a decade now and have also converted (we call this Cup-verted) hundreds of women through a campaign called "Green The Red".
https://www.greenthered.in/
The menstrual cup is a tiny, flexible cup made from silicone, which is an inert material. This little cup is all that a lady needs to fit into the vaginal cavity and collect the blood quietly with absolutely zero interference in the process. There is zero sensation of anything sitting inside, when the cup is inserted to the correct position. Once inserted, the cup forms a seal with the vaginal walls as it sits there doing its work. After about 6 to 8 hours, it can be removed and cleared, washed and reinserted.
Endless benefits of the menstrual cup
Image credit: jill111 via Pixabay.com
What are gynecologists saying?
This is most safe and easy to use, if one can stay patient for one full cycle. Like in anything, there is a small learning curve about how to use it. The “Green The Red” campaign is led by several women in India that have used and benefited immensely by it. It has a team of super active Gynecologists and doctors as well who have reached out to women across the country in India and beyond.
If any woman in the menstruating age group has not experienced the cup, they say she has clearly missed out on something supremely significant. This is a silent revolution happening. And the best invention for women ever! So, just go for it!!
References
https://www.greenthered.in/ - All about sustainable menstruation
Help Vote
(9)
Comments
(6)
Share
Disclaimer: The health journeys, blogs, videos and all other content on Wellcure is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered a ‘medical advice’ ‘prescription’ or a ‘cure’ for diseases. Any specific changes by users, in medication, food & lifestyle, must be done under the guidance of licensed health practitioners. The views expressed by the users are their personal views and Wellcure claims no responsibility for them.
12:48 PM | 08-03-2019
Thanks Veena. This Women's Day, this is the gift I'm buying for myself :-)
Reply
06:04 AM | 08-03-2019
Hi Anchal, In India, it is still not available off-the-shelf in retail stores or medical stores. But you can buy them online.
To buy menstrual cups in India - https://goo.gl/iupJQ3
In most developed countries, the retailers stock menstrual cups right next to pads and tampons and they are easily available in the stores.
06:00 AM | 08-03-2019
Hi Asha,
Thanks for asking a very important question !
For teenagers also it is definitely recommended. But they need to be coached or guided by their moms or a trusted mentor as for young girls who are still quite unaware of their body anatomy, the usage could be a little new and they will have a learning curve. Please also check this video
mom and daughter :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyDoKFn2fB8&feature=youtu.be&list=PLdn87RYhFrpCIEV7FbmrOzl_QlVgUAZir
11:12 AM | 07-03-2019
Can these cups be used by teenagers? I have bought reusable cloth pads from ecofemme.org for my daughter.
Reply
09:16 AM | 07-03-2019
Hi Veena. Is a menstrual cup easily available? Where can I buy it?
Reply
Reply
