Most women and girls have for years been using pads and tampons during their periods to absorb the flow.
In fact, most Kenyan women use sanitary pads compared to tampons. The most common brand of sanitary pads had been always for a long time (people referred to all pads regardless of the brand as ‘always’. Some still do).
But most people will agree with me that it’s always fun until you need to use pads. Because some, if not most women’s skin react to sanitary pads.
Not so long ago there were concerns about always ultra-pads. There was an uproar even on social media with allegations that women and girls in Kenya were being sold counterfeit Always Ultra pads, that apparently was causing burns, rashes and skin irritation. Sadly, many ladies thought that burning, rashes and each were what they were supposed to go through every month.
The truth is, when using pads, it may get all itchy. Either because of the moisture or because you’re reacting to the pad whether it’s scented or unscented.
I don’t want to get started on tampons but as you may already know, much as we really cannot live without them, they increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and also absorbs all the fluid and moisture rather than the menstrual blood only. It messes up your pH levels.
Good news is if you react to tampons and sanitary pads, or are just tired and of them and thinking ‘Lord, why should I be the one to walk around with these itchy paper-like things’, there is a better option. The menstrual cup. I’ll tell you why.
Advantages of using the menstrual cup over pads.
Menstrual cups may be rarely used but they have been in existence since the 1930s. And, studies show that they are safe and as effective as any other sanitary products.
It is a small flexible cup made from silicone or latex rubber, that collects your flow instead of absorbing it like tampons and pads. Some advantages of using menstrual cups over pads are;
- They are eco-friendly and affordable. They are reusable for up to 10 years! So you reduce plastic waste. And in the long-term, you spend less than you would have spent using disposable sanitary products. Imagine using less than 2000 shillings, and you’re sorted for the next ten years.
- You can have it in for much longer than you do with tampons and pads. A very great option for night-long protection as it can still be useful for more than six hours. In fact, one can have it on for up to 12 hours. That means it is great for people with heavy flow.
- Lessor no leakages as it holds twice as much as a super-absorbent tampon does.
- If you find a nicely fitting menstrual cup, you won’t feel it. They are comfortable.
- Maintaining the menstrual cup is easy. Before your first use, sterilize it by boiling it. After that, it’s up to you to decide if you’ll keep boiling it or just wash it with gentle soap and water.
- No itches and rashes. They do not cause allergies as they are mostly latex-free, plastic-free and of course not scented.
You only need to wash your hands before using it and when removing it to avoid causing irritation to your skin. And ensure you clean it well.
And come to think of it, don’t many of our girls in the country miss classes during their periods due to lack of sanitary products? Not everyone can afford pads or tampons monthly. But can you imagine what a menstrual cup could do for a poor little girl somewhere for ten years?
Now, that you know this, can you go and make a difference, by trying getting yourself a menstrual cup and experience the fun or helping a poor girl out there?