Malkia Reusable Menstrual Cup

Malkia Reusable Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups

What is a Menstrual Cup?

The menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup normally made from perfect, medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex that is fitted into the vagina during menstruation to collect the blood. Unlike pads and tampons, which absorb menstrual fluid, menstrual cups collect it. It’s reusable, friendly to the environment, and might last as long as 10 years with proper care.

Why a Menstrual Cup in Kenya?

Many women use the menstrual cup for the following reasons:

Affordability: The initial price of menstrual cups in Kenya, with an estimated retail price of between Ksh 1,500 to Ksh 3,000, is relatively affordable. It is a cost incurred only once and can be used for up to a decade. This makes it far much cheaper in the long run compared to buying disposable products every month.

Eco-friendly: While it has been estimated that pads and tampons generate 200,000 tons of waste per year, a menstrual cup can be reused; hence, it is an environmentally friendly option if considering the economic life cycle of menstrual health.

Health Benefits: Menstrual cups are hypoallergic and are made from medical-grade material; therefore, they are safe to wear for extended periods without any problems and do not interfere with natural pH.

Menstrual Cup Size Guide

Choosing the right menstrual cup size is important for comfort and effectiveness. Cups usually come in two or three sizes, and choosing the right one depends on several factors:

Age: Generally, it is recommended that women under 30 years and those who haven’t delivered a baby vaginally go for smaller sizes of cups. Women above 30 years or those who have vaginal delivery may be comfortable and find it comparatively effective to use bigger cups.

Flow: In the case of heavy flow, one can go for a larger cup because it would provide more capacity with less number of changes required throughout the day. A smaller cup works fine for women who have lighter flow.

Cervix Height: Women with a low-lying cervix will find it far more comfortable to wear a shorter cup; the woman with a higher cervix may be able to accommodate one which is longer.

How to Use a Menstrual Cup: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Wash Your Hands and Cup

Always wash your hands with soap and water first. You will be required to sterilize your menstrual cup by boiling, for 5–10 minutes, before use for the first time and at the beginning of each cycle.

Step 2: Fold the Cup

Fold the menstrual cup to be inserted more easily. Common folds include:

C-Fold: Flatten the cup and fold in half, creating a “C” shape.
Punch-Down Fold: Using thumbs, push one side of the rim down into the base to create a smaller insertion point.

Step 3: Insert the Menstrual Cup

Hold the folded cup in one hand and use the other hand to open your labia. Insert the cup in at an angle into your vagina, with the cup pointing towards your lower back until fully inserted. Release when fully inserted, allowing it to pop open and create the seal.

Step 4: Verify Placement

Once inserted, slightly turn the menstrual cup or run your finger around the base to ensure that it has opened itself. This application probably helps the cup to seal and hence avoid leaking.

Step 5: Removal of the Menstrual Cup

After up to 12 hours, it’s time to remove the menstrual cup:

• Pinch the bottom of the cup in order to break the seal.
• Pull the cup out with your mouth, being careful not to spill anything from it.
• Empty the cup into the toilet. Then, if required, rinse with water and reaffix.

Step 6: How to Clean and Store the Menstrual Cup

After your period has ended, the menstrual cup needs to be cleaned by boiling for 5–10 minutes. Store the cup in a breathable cloth pouch.

Menstrual Cup vs Pads: How Do They Compare?

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of switching from disposable pads to a menstrual cup, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two:

As can be seen, menstrual cups hold more advantages in cost-effectiveness, in ecological friendliness, and in comfort; hence, they are much better for most women.

What are the advantages associated with the use of menstrual cups?

The advantages with the menstrual cup are far beyond the convenience factor:

• One appeal simply is the eco-friendliness: unlike those pads and tampons, which outlive for hundreds of years, a menstrual cup can be reused several years provided that it is well taken care of, reducing quite a bit of waste.
• Budget-friendly: Though it is more expensive than regular disposables at the start, which costs around 2000 to 400 ksh, it could last up to as long as 10 years when properly taken care of; hence, saving hundreds of dollars over time.
• Health Benefits: Menstrual cups are manufactured from medical materials and do not contain harmful chemicals such as dioxins, which the bleached tampons sometimes carry. Also, they collect rather than absorb, so they will not disturb the natural vaginal moisture or pH level.
• Fewer Changes: Menstrual cups can hold more liquid compared to tampons and pads, which means they won’t need changes as often, thus being perfect for those busy days or even for sleeping.

What are the disadvantages of using menstrual cups?

While menstrual cups confer a good number of advantages, disadvantages are listed below:

• Learning Curve: It can take some time to get used to correctly inserting and removing the cup. Some may have a feeling of discomfort in the beginning, which could be due to improper positioning.
• Maintenance: As opposed to the use of tampons or pads, which are simply disposed of, menstrual cups must be cleaned regularly, which can be an annoyance, especially using public restrooms.
• Suction issues might be the result of poor insertion, which causes discomfort or even pain when trying to take out the cup due to the suction effect.
• Not all people are forced to wear the same size: Menstrual cups are sold in different sizes, and finding the proper fit for one’s body may take some trial and error. Some women may find them unsuitable for the anatomy of their cervix or vagina.

Frequently Asked Questions About Menstrual Cup in Kenya

Can I wear a menstrual cup at night?
Yes, you can wear a menstrual cup for 12 consecutive hours without taking it out. It is, therefore, ideal to put on at night, but make sure to just empty it in the morning.

How to Choose the Right Menstrual Cup Size?
Refer to the menstrual cup size guide provided earlier in this article. Your age, if you have ever delivered or not, and your flow determine what size will best fit you.

Where can I buy menstrual cups in Kenya?
In Kenya, menstrual cups can be purchased from online vendors, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Prices start from 1,500 Ksh and go up towards 3,000 Ksh, depending on brands.

How often should I be emptying my menstrual cup?
On light-flow days, you can leave your menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours. The heavier days may require changing every 4–6 hours.

Capacity description:
S size Menstrual cup is suitable for Normal flow.
L size Menstrual cup is suitable for Heavy flow.

We recommend that you buy two different sizes of menstrual cups to handle different menstrual conditions.