The societal stereotypes for women are so deep-rooted in the hearts of our civilization that even the smallest things that women do for themselves feel like heavy baggage of guilt. The problem is women grow with a notion that they need to be selfless, they cannot talk about their bodies, they have to tolerate menstruation as if they are sinning, and using menstrual hygiene products like an organic menstrual cup or demanding for one of the most basic amenities like toilets feels like a sham. But to what extent is it true? Let’s find out!

The truth about menstrual cups

Well, a huge portion of the Indian population thinks that menstrual cups are the biggest mistake in the history of sanitary products. Some say they are worthless, some say they aren’t convenient while some say that they hardly solve the issue of environmental pollution. However, all these are fallacies and marketing gimmicks weaved by industries and individuals to encourage fear in the minds of women and to fuel consumerism. 

• Several brands often try to degrade reusable menstrual cupswhile banking on the taboos surrounding female hygiene. The truth is these are nothing more than stunts to sell their products because disposable brands depend on repeat sales. In the States alone nearly 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year. These products end up in a landfill or clog sewers which leads to a staggering amount of plastic in the oceans and other water sources. So, there is no exaggeration or “baseless environmental crusade” in the fact that disposable sanitary products cause harm to the environment. However, with reusable menstrual cups,this isn’t the case. When you use a Shecup, you can use it for years and the best part is that the organic menstrual cupsare biodegradable as well.
• It is often highlighted that menstrual cups are not comfortable to use focusing on the insertion mechanism. However, data clearly shows that although the first time women might take time to insert it properly and get used to it but with a couple of use that becomes as seamless as anything else. If women can wear tampons then menstrual cup should be a piece of cake. It doesn’t take months or years, so you can easily use a reusable menstrual cup after two or three times of usage.
• The age old myths surrounding female bodies are rebranded to defame menstrual cups. Women are made to believe that menstrual cup isn’t appropriate because it can tamper the hymen of virginal girls. Well, to debunk that, a menstrual cup has nothing to do with tampering one’s “virginity”. Just like tampons their placement is nowhere near that area of your vaginal tract. If women can wear disposable and non-biodegradable tampons without any such inhibitions and obligations, then use of menstrual cups should not be ostracised as well. Unlike tampons, menstrual cups are reusable and more hygienic. Hence are a better option for both the body and the environment.    

The bottom line

The ads that you see on television where women go on trekking and do all sorts of adventures during their periods while wearing white jeans is just a marketing gimmick. Women go through a emotional, and rather a painful journey during their periods, and there should be no shame in using an organic menstrual cup to make your one of those days more comfortable.