Menstrual hygiene management is a major concern in rural India, where women have limited access to resources and education on the subject. Thereby, in an effort to provide a cost-effective, hygienic, sustainable, and safe solution to this problem, Menstrual cups are being introduced in rural areas of the country.
In rural India, access to menstrual hygiene products and education about menstrual health is still a major challenge. With menstrual health still considered a taboo and a forbidden topic of discussion many women ultimately resort to using unhygienic materials such as old clothes, rags, and even newspapers during their periods. Such practices, in addition to posing grave risks to the physical health and well-being of women in rural India, also cause their social exclusion and stigmatization. Additionally, the use of such inappropriate menstrual hygiene products also poses a serious threat to the environment.
Menstrual hygiene management is a major concern in rural India, where women have limited access to resources and education on the subject. Thereby, in an effort to provide a cost-effective, hygienic, sustainable, and safe solution to this problem, Menstrual cups are being introduced in rural areas of the country.
What are Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and are designed to be safe and reusable for up to 5-10 years with proper care. They are inserted into the vagina like a tampon and collect menstrual blood, which can be emptied and washed out as needed making them reusable for years while simultaneously dissociating them from the traditional period products which produce toxic chemical waste which harms the environment.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health journal has shed light on the acceptability and feasibility of menstrual cups in rural areas of India.
The study was conducted in the rural areas of Maharashtra, one of India’s largest states. It involved 1,051 women from low-income households in these rural areas. The participants were given menstrual cups and provided with information about their use and care.
The study found that 60 per cent of the women used the cups regularly, indicating a high level of acceptability. Moreover, almost 91 per cent of the participants reported that they were satisfied with the performance of the cups.
Additionally, the study of the effects of the menstrual cup and their overall safety and comfort was also conducted. Subsequently, it was found that the cups were safe and had no adverse health effects on their users.
It was also revealed that the use of menstrual cups had a positive impact on the lives of the women who participated in this study. Many participants also reported that they felt more confident and comfortable while using menstrual cups during their period cycles. Some even reported that they were able to participate in activities that they had previously avoided during menstruation.
This highlights that the use of menstrual cups as a menstrual care product can definitely have a positive impact not only on the physical health of the women using it but also improve their mental and social well-being.
The use of menstrual cups has numerous benefits.
Health: Menstrual Cups like GynocCup are made of medical-grade silicone which is chemically inert and soft for the body, this ensures the reusability of the cups for up to 5 years. This property definitely helps in making menstrual cups cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable.
Cost Effective: Menstrual cups like GynoCup 5 years with proper care, making them a much more sustainable option than disposable pads and tampons. Additionally, the use of cups can reduce the amount of waste generated by menstrual products, which is a significant environmental concern.
Safety: Unlike Tampons, menstrual cups pose no risk of toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal complication. Additionally, they cause no dryness or itching, unlike traditional period products like pads and tampons.
Environment Friendly: The use of menstrual cups also helps to reduce menstrual waste and has the potential to improve the health and well-being of women in rural India.
However, the study also highlighted some challenges to the widespread adoption of menstrual cups in rural areas.
One of the major barriers is the lack of access to clean water and private spaces for washing and changing the cups. Additionally, some women reported feeling uncomfortable with the insertion and removal of the cups and would prefer more education and support in this area.
While continued research, education, and resources are necessary to address the challenges and barriers associated with the use of menstrual cups, it is only with proper education and support, that they can become a valuable tool for improving menstrual health and empowering women in rural India.
In addition to improving feminine hygiene and menstrual health, the use of menstrual cups in rural India also has broader implications for women’s empowerment and access to education and employment opportunities.
By breaking down social and cultural taboos around menstruation and promoting more sustainable and affordable menstrual products, menstrual cups can help to support the rights and well-being of women and girls in rural communities.
However, continued efforts are needed to address the barriers to access and acceptance of menstrual cups, such as education, affordability, and availability, to fully realize their potential as a menstrual management option in rural India.
