Urban Indian Women on Transitioning to Menstrual Cups for Sanitary Hygiene

In several developed countries, menstrual cups are recognized as a feasible alternative to traditional menstrual hygiene products. However, the prevalent practice among most women in India involves using pads and cloth for menstrual hygiene.

The goal of a new study was to emphasize the socio-cultural challenges in India hindering the widespread adoption of menstrual cups as a mainstream menstrual hygiene product.

This was a prospective interventional analysis conducted among urban Indian women. The study employed a prospective interventional questionnaire-based approach involving 100 women who experimented with menstrual cups for three menstrual cycles.

The findings indicated that even among women aware of the benefits, a delay in transitioning from pads to menstrual cups was attributed to familiarity with pads. The primary deterrents included concerns about vaginal insertion, uncertainty regarding cup size, the need for privacy during cup sanitization, fear of leakage and infections, and familial disapproval. However, once women adapted to the nuances of using menstrual cups, the process was swift and uncomplicated. Notably, no significant health concerns were reported with menstrual cup use.

The discussion underscored the various challenges posed by cultural factors in India to the acceptance of menstrual cups. Irrespective, a majority of women were likely to continue using menstrual cups after the initial trial. Furthermore, women well-versed in sexuality and reproductive health encountered fewer difficulties and exhibited better compliance.

The results identified unique challenges specific to the Indian context, which continue to influence the choice of menstrual products. These insights emphasize the importance of cultural considerations in promoting the adoption of menstrual cups in the region.                                             

Source: Udapurkar P, Mali K, Bora A. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India. 2023 Oct;73(Suppl 1):161-5.