Menstrual Hygiene Product Myths

In India, menstrual hygiene is an unfamiliar word. While only 51 percent of women population think menstruation is a natural process, the rest consider themselves unpure during their menses and are unaware of menstrual hygiene. In rural areas, women use cloth, hay or sometimes use no protection due to scarce sanitation facilities which are simply unhygienic.

Because of the entire stigma surrounding menstruation, many are ashamed to talk about periods with their family which in turn leads to inadequate knowledge about menses. As a result, many are oblivious about menstruation hygiene products as well. While the talks about menses are slowly moving forward, there are still taboos about menstrual hygiene products and we are going to smash it out for you.

1. Menstrual cups 

Menstrual Cups are available since 1957 in the market and still many are sceptical about it.

Myth 1: If you use menstrual cup, you will lose your virginity.
Menstrual cups remain in the outer portion of the vagina and does not hurt your hymen. So, no you won’t lose your virginity.

Myth 2: You cannot pee if you use a menstrual cup.
Ladies, there are three openings in women- anus, vagina and urethra. The urethra is from where you pee. So, you need not worry about your bladder.

Myth 3: Menstrual cups are painful
You will be a little uneasy in the beginning but no, it’s not painful if you use it right. Its made of silicone which is soft and easy to use. But attention must be paid while buying menstrual cups as there are many different ones in the market.

How to use: Fold it and insert it in your cervix. It will open up and stay inside because of suction. That’s all.
To remove, you can pinch the end, twist and remove. The cup can be used in a day for 12 hours average.
Cleaning is easy as well. Boil the cup in hot water and sanitize it. One single cup can be used for 5 to 6 years.

Read: Menstrual cups Benefits

 2. Tampons

Tampons have been in the market since the 1930s but many are still unaware of it. Tampons are a cylindrical plug of cotton which absorbs 6-7 ml of fluid.

Myth 1: You shouldn’t keep a tampon overnight
The thumb rule is to change tampon after every 6 to 8 hours. If you use it longer, then there can be a growth of vaginal bacteria. Using it overnight is not an issue, but make sure to change it in intervals.

Myth 2: Tampons will get lost inside your vagina
No, it won’t. Things cannot get lost inside the vagina.
At the end of the vagina, there is the cervix and nothing can get past it.

Myth 3: You will lose your virginity and its painful.
Using tampons won’t lead to the loss of virginity. It stretches the hymen but won’t tear it open. Furthermore, it remains in the outer vagina similar to menstrual cups. Although the insertion may sound painful, it is not. Made of cotton, tampons might make you feel a wee uncomfortable in the beginning but surely you won’t even notice its presence later.

How to use:
Hold the tampon at its midpoint and keep your index finger at the end of the applicator where the string is. Push the applicator inside your vagina.
Make sure not to flush the applicator and instead wrap it in toilet paper or tampon wrappers.

Read: Facts on tampons

3. Disposable Pads 

The disposable pad is the most used hygienic product during menses. But there are few myths about it.

Myth: Pads can cause bacteria
Pads won’t cause bacteria if you keep your vaginal area clean. Changing pads are essential. Depending on the capacity of your sanitary pad, you need to make sure to change it after every 6 to 8 hours. Longer use can cause itching and growth of bacteria.

Read More : Male Body Shaming