Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Menstrual Cups To Replace Sanitary Napkins In Karnataka Government Schools

Pilot project to provide menstrual cups to school and college students in selected districts of Karnataka has been successfully implemented and now the Department of Health and Family Welfare has decided to expand the scheme across the state. The Government order noted a revised administrative approval which granted to provide 10,38,912 menstrual cups at a cost of more than Rs 61 crores through Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. 

This decision is said to cut government expenditure on sanitary napkins by Rs 10 crores. The government spend Rs 71 crores to purchase 2,35,74,084 sanitary napkins annually to provide to beneficiaries of the Shuchi scheme. The revised order states that the department will continue distributing sanitary napkins for the next three months, after which students will be provided one <span>menstrual cup</span> for the following academic year.

Menstrual cups are a small, reusable intimate product used to collect period blood. It is not only good for maintaining menstrual hygiene but is also good for the environment.

<h2>How To Insert A Menstrual Cup Correctly?</h2>

Learning to use a menstrual cup properly might take some time and practice. If you have questions about which cup to choose or how to use it, your gynecologist can provide guidance. It's common to have some difficulty during the first few uses, but most people become comfortable by their third menstrual cycle. Here is how you insert it for use:

<ul><li>Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before handling the menstrual cup.</li><li>There are various ways to fold the cup for insertion, such as the C-fold, 7-fold, or punch-down fold. Experiment to find which one works best for you.</li><li>Find a comfortable position, such as squatting or sitting on the toilet.</li><li>Gently insert the folded cup into your vagina, aiming it towards your tailbone.</li><li>The cup should sit just below your cervix and feel comfortable. It should sit lower than a tampon.</li><li>Once inserted, the cup should open and create a slight suction against the vaginal walls. You can gently rotate the cup or run a finger around the base to ensure its fully open.</li><li>If your experience any pain or discomfort, it’s important to consult with a health care professional or your gynecologist.</li></ul>

<h2>Dangers Of A Poorly Fitted Menstrual Cup</h2>

The problem arose because the menstrual cup wasn't sitting where it is supposed to be. The cup was pressing on the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, essentially blocking the flow. This blockage led to pain and other symptoms for the woman. While this is a very rare occurrence, it emphasizes the importance of understanding how the cup interacts with your body.

Lancet health explains that a poorly fitted menstrual cup can cause issues like leakage from improper fit or fullness, pain or minor injuries from insertion, rare allergic reactions, and possible urinary problems due to urethral irritation or blockage. Though infrequent, IUD dislodgement has been reported, but it's difficult to definitively link it to cup use. Infections, including the very rare toxic shock syndrome (TSS), are possible if cups aren't properly cleaned, but studies suggest they may be less risky than tampons or pads. Overall, while complications are possible, they are generally infrequent.

The size of the cup, how it's placed, how long it's used, and each person's unique body shape all play a role. Even though this kind of complication is unlikely with regular use, it's a good reminder to pay attention to how you use menstrual cups and to be aware of potential issues.

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Pilot project to provide menstrual cups to school and college students in selected districts of Karnataka has been successfully implemented and now the Department of Health and Family Welfare has decided to expand the scheme across the state. The Government order noted a revised administrative approval which granted to provide 10,38,912 menstrual cups at a cost of more than Rs 61 crores through Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. This decision is said to cut government expenditure on sanitary napkins by Rs 10 crores. The government spend Rs 71 crores to purchase 2,35,74,084 sanitary napkins annually to provide to beneficiaries of the Shuchi scheme. The revised order states that the department will continue distributing sanitary napkins for the next three months, after which students will be provided one menstrual cup for the following academic year.What Are Menstrual Cups?Menstrual cups are a small, reusable intimate product used to collect period blood. It is not only good for maintaining menstrual hygiene but is also good for the environment.How To Insert A Menstrual Cup Correctly?Learning to use a menstrual cup properly might take some time and practice. If you have questions about which cup to choose or how to use it, your gynecologist can provide guidance. It's common to have some difficulty during the first few uses, but most people become comfortable by their third menstrual cycle. Here is how you insert it for use:Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before handling the menstrual cup.There are various ways to fold the cup for insertion, such as the C-fold, 7-fold, or punch-down fold. Experiment to find which one works best for you.Find a comfortable position, such as squatting or sitting on the toilet.Gently insert the folded cup into your vagina, aiming it towards your tailbone.The cup should sit just below your cervix and feel comfortable. It should sit lower than a tampon.Once inserted, the cup should open and create a slight suction against the vaginal walls. You can gently rotate the cup or run a finger around the base to ensure its fully open.If your experience any pain or discomfort, it’s important to consult with a health care professional or your gynecologist.Dangers Of A Poorly Fitted Menstrual CupThe problem arose because the menstrual cup wasn't sitting where it is supposed to be. The cup was pressing on the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, essentially blocking the flow. This blockage led to pain and other symptoms for the woman. While this is a very rare occurrence, it emphasizes the importance of understanding how the cup interacts with your body.Lancet health explains that a poorly fitted menstrual cup can cause issues like leakage from improper fit or fullness, pain or minor injuries from insertion, rare allergic reactions, and possible urinary problems due to urethral irritation or blockage. Though infrequent, IUD dislodgement has been reported, but it's difficult to definitively link it to cup use. Infections, including the very rare toxic shock syndrome (TSS), are possible if cups aren't properly cleaned, but studies suggest they may be less risky than tampons or pads. Overall, while complications are possible, they are generally infrequent.The size of the cup, how it's placed, how long it's used, and each person's unique body shape all play a role. Even though this kind of complication is unlikely with regular use, it's a good reminder to pay attention to how you use menstrual cups and to be aware of potential issues.The size of the cup, how it's placed, how long it's used, and each person's unique body shape all play a role. Even though this kind of complication is unlikely with regular use, it's a good reminder to pay attention to how you use menstrual cups and to be aware of potential issues.