Menstrual cups: safe, practical and cheap alternative to tampons or sanitary pads few women have heard about

Sanitary protection is unaffordable or unavailable for many women around the world, some of whom face abuse or hostility during their periods

Menstrual cups are reusable and can last up to 10 years, and 70 per cent of women who try them would continue using them

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Menstrual cups are safe, practical and cheap, but few women have even heard of them. Photo: Alamy

Published: 9:15pm, 18 Jul 2019Updated: 9:15pm, 18 Jul 2019

Inexpensive and reusable menstrual cups are safe and as unlikely as disposable pads or tampons to leak, according to the first major scientific review of the devices, published on Wednesday.

Some 70 per cent of women who have tried menstrual cups said they would like to continue using them, researchers reported in The Lancet Public Health medical journal.

Sanitary protection remains unavailable and unaffordable to many women around the world, the authors noted.

This means monthly bleeding keeps many girls and women out of school or work, and puts them at risk of urinary tract infections if they use inferior products or substitutes.

Menstrual cups are reusable, making them better value than sanitary pads and tampons. Photo: Alamy

In some cultures, girls or women unable to conceal bleeding may face hostility, even violence. A safe, affordable and long-lasting alternative to pads and tampons, in other words, has the potential to change the lives of millions.

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