The pros and cons of menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are popular overseas, but in Japan, they are still a relatively low-usage period product. However, awareness of menstrual cups has been increasing in Japan over the past few years, and there are probably many people who have heard of them, even if they have never used one.
When murmo exhibits at events, we often have the opportunity to talk to people who have heard of menstrual cups but don't really understand them or have never touched one.
Given the nature of the menstrual cup, which is inserted into the vagina, it's natural that many people have concerns and questions when using it for the first time (I was one of them). Here, we'll explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the menstrual cup.
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a cup-shaped sanitary product made from materials such as medical-grade silicone and medical-grade TPE. It is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood, and is removed and washed at set intervals (the time varies depending on the manufacturer's standards). Because it can be used repeatedly, it has the advantage of being less environmentally hazardous than disposable pads or tampons.
Menstrual cups also have a number of other benefits.
The benefits of menstrual cups
1. You won't have to worry about stuffiness or odors
Because a menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina, it reduces the stuffiness and odor that can be felt with externally worn menstrual products. Furthermore, the wet feeling, stuffiness, and odor caused by oxidation that can occur with externally worn menstrual products are eliminated by physically containing menstrual blood within the vagina.
2. Reduced replacement frequency
Once inserted, a menstrual cup can be used for up to 8-12 hours (according to manufacturer standards). This improves quality of life by eliminating the need to frequently change it when going out or sleeping. This is especially useful in situations where it is not possible to change sanitary products frequently, such as during busy daily lives or while traveling.
3. Less luggage
If you use disposable sanitary products or sanitary products that need to be changed frequently, you have to carry around multiple replacement sanitary products, which can be discouraging for many people. Furthermore, when traveling when your period overlaps, you may end up packing a considerable amount of sanitary products in your suitcase. With a menstrual cup, you can reuse the same product as long as you have an environment where it can be washed, so you can reduce the amount of sanitary products you need to carry.
4. Environmentally friendly
Menstrual cups can be reused, which significantly reduces waste compared to disposable sanitary products. While regular pads and tampons are discarded after each use, menstrual cups can be used for several years, making a significant contribution to environmental protection. As interest in environmental issues grows, more and more people are choosing menstrual cups as a sustainable choice, especially overseas.
5. Reduced replacement frequency makes it more economical
Once purchased, menstrual cups can be used for up to 10 years (depending on manufacturer standards), making them extremely economical in the long run. While disposable pads and tampons must be purchased every month, menstrual cups only require an initial investment. This reduces monthly expenses, and you can expect significant cost savings in the long run.
6. Makes sports, hot springs, saunas, and other water-related activities more comfortable during menstruation
Because the menstrual cup is a sanitary product that is inserted into the vagina, it allows women to lead an active lifestyle even during their period. Another major benefit is that they can enjoy activities such as sports, fitness, and swimming in the pool or ocean without any restrictions.
Furthermore, if you find your period bothersome when bathing with your child, you can eliminate the inconvenience by inserting a menstrual cup into the bath.
7. You won't feel uncomfortable wearing sanitary products
With externally worn sanitary products, you may feel a strange sensation of wetness or discomfort when they touch your private parts. However, with a menstrual cup, because it is inserted into the vagina, if it fits your body well, you won't feel any discomfort and you may even forget that you're on your period.
In particular, the Murmo menstrual cup has a slim design that makes it easy for first-time users to use, and is designed to minimize discomfort inside the vagina. If you have previously experienced a foreign body sensation with a larger menstrual cup, we encourage you to try the Murmo.
8. You can keep track of your menstrual flow using the memory.
Some menstrual cups have markings on the inside of the cup. Murmo's menstrual cup is also marked in 5ml increments, so you can keep track of your menstrual flow when you take it out. Keeping track of your menstrual flow over the long term can be a barometer of your own health.
Disadvantages of menstrual cups
1. Difficulty in insertion and removal
For those using a menstrual cup for the first time, inserting and removing it can be difficult. It takes some practice to insert it correctly. You also need to hold the cup firmly when removing it, which can take some time to get used to. This process can be stressful, especially for beginners. However, Murmo's menstrual cup has a unique design, such as an easy line and a slim shape, making it easy to put on and take off, even for first-time users.
2. The hassle of cleaning
Menstrual cups need to be cleaned after each use. Normally, you can simply wash them with a regular, unscented, neutral detergent, but you should sterilize them by boiling them before and after your period each month. This isn't a hassle once you get used to it, but for those who use disposable sanitary products, it can be a hassle.
3. Difficulty in choosing the right size
There are many sizes of menstrual cups available on the market. It's important to choose the right size for you, but it can be difficult to determine which size is right for you when purchasing for the first time. Some manufacturers offer guides to help you choose the right size, but vaginal size varies from person to person, so you won't know until you try it out. Many overseas products, in particular, come in larger sizes, so it can be a little difficult to find the right size for you.
For this reason, Murmo's menstrual cup is available in just one size, geared towards first-time users. We've packed it with ingenuity to ensure that those who mustered up the courage to try it won't find it unusable. The smaller M size, with a slimmer and slightly longer shape, minimizes the difficulty of putting it on and taking it off, making it easy for anyone to use.
4. Discomfort or pain
When using a menstrual cup for the first time, it may take some time to get used to the feeling of inserting a foreign object into your vagina. You may also feel discomfort if you do not insert it in the correct position or if the size is not right. You may experience some discomfort, especially until you get used to it.
At murmo, we offer HOW TO videos and LINE chat support. We will teach you the correct posture and tips for insertion, and provide support until you get used to it.
5. Risk of allergies
In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to the material used in menstrual cups. If you have a latex allergy, it is recommended that you choose a silicone menstrual cup. If an allergic reaction occurs, it is important to discontinue use and consult a medical institution. Silicone menstrual cups are considered to have a lower risk of allergy than latex, but as allergies vary from person to person, it is important to choose a material that is right for you. Murmo uses medical-grade silicone, which is highly biocompatible.
summary
Some people may think that menstrual cups are better off avoiding them or are afraid of them, but if you follow the instructions, they are a sanitary product that can make your period more comfortable. We hope you'll learn about the correct usage and other information, and if you're interested, give murmo a try. We hope you'll experience the thrill of having a more comfortable period than you do now.
We hope that this will make menstrual periods more comfortable and free for many people.
