In March, gaskets of foreign brands disappeared from the shelves of Russian stores, and the prices of the remaining packages skyrocketed. Excessive demand has also given rise to a search for alternatives: how to replace gaskets? The popular answer is menstrual cups. Are they safe? The expert explains.
As Nona Hovsepyan, gynecologist, PhD, chief gynecologist of the Invitro group of companies, emphasizes, the main advantage of menstrual cups over pads and tampons is environmental friendliness and economy: one cup can be used for 10 years. True, in order for this to be safe, it is necessary to follow the rules for caring for the menstrual cup.
“Before inserting or removing the menstrual cup, wash your hands with soap and water, and after removing the cup itself, too. The instructions for some bowls state that after removal, it is sufficient to rinse with plain water without soap: this depends on the manufacturer. If you follow all the rules of care, then any harm is almost impossible, ”the expert notes.
How to choose the right menstrual cup? To determine the size, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Only a gynecologist, after conducting a gynecological examination, will be able to give recommendations on the selection of a suitable size.
All menstrual cups on the market are made of silicone and TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), tested and approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). The materials from which the bowls are made are neither toxic nor irritating.
“A potentially dangerous lack of menstrual cups, or rather, the likelihood of it occurring if a filled cup is not removed in a timely manner, is the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The materials used in the production of menstrual cups themselves do not enhance the action of Staphylococcus aureus toxins, the bacteria that causes TSS,” says Nona Hovsepyan.
According to the expert, when using tampons, the risk of developing TSS is even higher than when using menstrual cups. Therefore, the practice of using these hygiene products is more a matter of habit and discipline than safety.