Blame social media as much as you want to for all the ills right now but we’d have to admit it has contributed to some positive changes as well. The current fitness revolution is one of them. Thanks to a hoard of fitness enthusiasts and trainers across the web, people are getting more and more inspired to lead a healthier lifestyle. Movement is an integral part of this fitness revolution and it’s rather inspiring to see how almost everyone is chasing that 10k step goal every day. After all, the high when you manage to smash your daily activity goals is unparalleled.
However, people who menstruate might find it a little tricky to stay consistent in the movement and workout department. We’d blame it on inefficient period management aids. As comfy as you might find tampons and sanitary pads, they aren’t the best support when it comes to working out. While the pads can cause a lot of discomfort and rashes, the tampons require frequent changing. This is exactly why menstrual cups are a top choice among athletes and hailed as the perfect alternative to pads and tampons.
However, there are still some people who remain apprehensive about using these cups while working out. ‘Is it safe to wear menstrual cups during exercise,’ remains a frequently asked question. To settle it for once and for all, we recently got in touch with Dr Bhavini Shah Balakrishnan, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Masina Hospital, Mumbai. Here’s everything that she had to say about menstrual cups, their effectiveness, and safety during a heavy physical activity:
Chillax! Your Cup Won’t Leak
“Approximately 80cc of blood is generated during the entire menstrual cycle. A menstrual cup can hold up to 30cc of blood at a time. This means that it can easily contain your blood without causing leakages,” says Dr Bhavini. She highlights that the cups create a strong suction and hold on to the pelvic floor muscles. “This can provide long lasting leak proof protection,” she explains and adds that it’s important to use the right cup size for the job.
We understand that figuring out your cup size can be a bit confusing. So click here for a precise size-guide to help you.
Confused about which brand to rely on now? You can count on Sirona’s versatile size range of menstrual cups. Available in three different sizes, they can provide leak proof protection for 8-10 hours. Each cup is made with flexible medical-grade silicone for seamless insertion and has a stem at the end for easy access during removal. It also has a unique rim design to create a strong suction that can help them stay in place.
It Can Keep You Comfier Than Pads
Firstly, wearing pads and tampons for a longer duration can lead to staining. Secondly, the constant friction between these pads and the skin can lead to irritation and rashes. However, unlike pads, a menstrual cup sits inside the vaginal canal. So there’s no chance of any friction during a physical activity. “Its suction mechanism also prevents it from moving and causing discomfort,” adds Dr Bhavini.
It Can Save You Some Trouble
Last but not the least, it can save you from the extra-effort of carrying a stack of tampons or pads during a workout or to a sports tournament. “A menstrual cup can be worn for a longer duration. So you won’t have to make frequent loo visits. Even if you feel like it’s filled, you can simply empty the cup in a drain, wash it with water, and put it back on,” says Dr Bhavini.
Lastly, the only time you’ve got to be a little careful is while doing a strenuous stretch. “If the cup is of the right size, it won’t move even while stretching. But do check for any misplacements after the stretch to be sure,” Dr Bhavini warns. All in all, menstrual cups are safe to wear during exercise. They can keep you comfortable and protect you from leakages. So sweat it out without a doubt, we say.
Featured Image: Pexels
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