People who struggle to pay for pads frequently and use them for longer hours should use 'menstrual cups' as they can be used for 8–10 years and contains fewer hazardous chemicals.
21-year-old Soumya has been using sanitary pads since her first menstrual cycle. Soumya explains that using a sanitary pad has been unpleasant. She has to change the pad every six hours. The odour and leakage that sanitary napkins bring are other major issues.
According to the World Bank, 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to basic menstrual hygiene and management facilities. Women face significant challenges due to inadequate; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, particularly in public settings like schools, workplaces, or health clinics. Access to clean sanitation is crucial for women and girls as it affects their health and overall well-being.
As per a survey by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, among women in the age group of 15-24 years, 42% use sanitary napkins, 62% use cloth, and 16% use locally prepared napkins. The survey also revealed that Indian women are more comfortable using sanitary pads and cloth rather than tampons or menstrual cups. Overall, 58% of women in this age group use a hygienic method of menstrual protection.
But, hygienic is not always healthy, explains Dr Rasika Agarwal, Senior Resident Gynaecologist at Tata Motors Hospital - Jamshedpur, "Because they are made of plastic and toxic chemicals, sanitary napkins are not organic and harm women's health. The female genitalia is particularly sensitive to any form of chemicals, making it susceptible to different infections due to these chemicals. Perfumes are also used in pads to keep the period odour at bay."
"The rule of thumb is that pads should be replaced every 4-6 hours since the blood that builds up in them is a great environment for the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that are extremely dangerous for females. Therefore, if pads are not replaced every 4-6 hours, it may result in an infection in the vagina, which may then migrate to the uterus. Severe infections may also spread throughout the body. People who struggle to pay for pads frequently use them for longer than 12 hours, which exposes their bodies to numerous infections. So, menstrual cups are a better choice. Because it is more affordable (one cup can be used for 8–10 years) and contains less hazardous chemicals, it is better in every way," Dr Rasika adds.
The menstrual cup is a small, reusable, funnel-shaped cup made of medical-grade silicone that collects period fluid when inserted into the vagina. Despite many advantages, women lack awareness about it.
Varsha, a 23-year-old Master's student at Jamia Millia Islamia, explains why she is scared to use menstrual cups. "During periods, I have enormous cramps and pain for 3-4 days, and sanitary napkins give me rashes which become painful even post periods. So, I am thinking of exploring menstrual cups. But, the idea of inserting something inside my vagina during periods, which is already painful, scares me off, and I often end up feeling that it will add to the pain I already have."
Not just Varsha, but many women in the age group of 18-24 face similar problems and hence are scared to use menstrual cups. The usage of menstrual cups is also a social stigma as the cup is inserted inside the vagina, making women think they would lose their virginity, which can cause problems when getting married.
Awareness Of Healthy Periods!
In July 2022, the Karnataka administration made the historic decision to provide menstrual cups to all adolescent females enrolled in government schools. To begin with, the health department began the program in two districts by giving menstrual cups to 300 girls between the ages of 16 and 18.
Moreover, major corporations are financing NGOs under their corporate social responsibility to spread awareness and use of menstrual cups in India. 'Cup of Life' was one such initiative where Eden, with financial support from Muthoot Finance, distributed one lakh menstrual cups in schools, colleges, clubs, and panchayats of the Ernakulam parliamentary constituency.
Similarly, NGOs and non-profit organizations are working in the healthcare domain, conducting workshops and selling menstrual cups at subsidized rates to end period poverty through various programs. These programs and organizations include A Period of Sharing, Green the Red, Shomota, Swasti - The Health Catalyst, EcoFemme, UGER, Happy To Bleed, and The Red Cycle, among others.
Initiatives for safe and healthy periods have now and then been taken up by NGOs working in the healthcare sector, where they inform, educate, and aware women of safe and healthy periods and the correct usage of each menstrual product.
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