Menstrual cups have gained popularity among women seeking a more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional sanitary products. Made from various materials, one of the most common and trusted options is silicone. But is a silicone menstrual cup safe? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the topic to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about using a silicone menstrual cup.
What is a Menstrual Cup?
A small, flexible cup known as a menstrual cup is put into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual flow. It is constructed of medical-grade silicone. Menstrual cups, as opposed to tampons or pads, can be used while doing a variety of things, including swimming, camping, running, and even sleeping. They are an environmentally friendly option for menstrual care because they may be used on multiple occasions for up to 10 years.
What is Silicone and Why is it Used in Menstrual Cups?
Since its commercial development in the 1930s, silicone has become a remarkably common material in our daily lives. It has a liquid or solid form because it is made up of chains of silicon molecules with side-groups of other molecules. Because of its resiliency and resistance to the development of bacteria, silicone is an increasingly common material for intimate items like menstrual cups.
Understanding "Medical-Grade" Silicone
The term “medical-grade” silicone may have been employed in menstrual cups. What does it mean, though, exactly? Medical-grade silicone is a silicone that has gone through examination for biocompatibility and has gained FDA approval. It is therefore made to be securely worn inside the body for long periods. Medical-grade silicone is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, and latex-free. In addition, it is nonporous, which means that bacteria cannot grow on it.
Select a silicone menstruation cup to stay away from these possible concerns. Phthalates and other potentially hazardous compounds are absent from silicone, making it a material that is safe for human use. Furthermore, it is nonporous, making it simple to clean and keep sanitary.
How to Manufacture Silicone Menstrual Cup?
Multiple stages in the manufacturing of silicone menstruation cups necessitate the use of competent workers and sophisticated equipment. Let’s analyze every stage of the manufacturing process in a bit more detail:
Step 1: Design and Mold Creation
Developing a mold and designing the menstruation cup are the first steps in this manufacturing process. CAD software is generally used to develop the design, allowing for accurate measurements and adaptation. After the design is complete, a mold is made from materials like steel or aluminum. The mold is carefully crafted to match the desired cup shape and size. It is usually around 12″ by 16″ in diameter and can hold 2-4 cups. Creating the mold requires expertise and attention to detail to ensure accurate reproduction of the cup design.
Step 2: Mixing and preparing the silicone
The silicone mixture must first be manufactured when the mold is finished. Liquid medical-grade silicone must be blended with many different substances to give it its intended characteristics, such as flexibility and durability. Carefully measured catalysts, colors, and other additives have been included in the silicone mixture.
Step 3: Injection molding
After the silicone mixture has been established, the mold is next to be filled with it. A common manufacturing technique for producing complex and reliable structures is injection molding. Under intense pressure, the silicone mixture gets inserted into the mold in the above process. The silicone will then harden and assume the shape of the cup as the mold is cooled.
Step 4: Finishing the cups
The cup goes through multiple finishing touches after it has solidified. These include cutting the edges, poking holes close to the cup’s rim, and removing any extra silicone. The perforations perform an important role by establishing a seal that stops dripping and permits the controlled flow of menstrual fluid.
Step 5: Packaging and Quality Control
The cups have to go through stringent quality control inspections before being packaged and distributed. This guarantees that every cup satisfies the highest requirements for functionality and safety. Visual checks, leak tests, and measurements to make sure the cups are uniform in size and shape are all an instance of quality control. The cups are meticulously wrapped and made ready for delivery after passing the quality control inspections. This entails labeling, putting brochures with information in, and making sure that appropriate sanitary standards are maintained.
Identifying the Silicone Menstrual Cup
After learning about the manufacturing process of silicone menstruation cups, let’s look at how to tell if a product is made of silicone.
1.The Aroma
The aroma of a product could assist you in figuring out if it’s composed of silicone. It’s conceivable that an adult product you’ve ever used has several hazardous substances if it has a strong plastic or “new car” smell. On the other hand, silicone has an androgynous scent.
2. The Shade
Numerous individuals believe that silicone items that turn white when stretched are not 100% silicone and instead contain fillers. This is not true, though. Any silicone product that has been expanded potentially temporarily turns white, depending on the product’s thickness, color pigment mix, form, and size. Even though skilled specialists may evaluate the quality of silicone based on the stretch and the type of white seen, it’s crucial to rely on more precise examinations and certified materials to ensure the authenticity of the product.
How to Store Silicone Menstrual Cups?
Preserving the cleanliness and longevity of your menstrual cup depends on how you store it. The following information may help you store your silicone menstrual cup in between uses: Use a Breathable Pouch: The vast majority of menstruation cups have a breathable pouch that has been designed to be used for storage. If your cup didn’t come with one, you can use an organic cotton bag or satchel to keep it clean and free of dust while still allowing for optimum air circulation. Stay absent from airtight containers: Your menstrual cup should never be kept in a plastic bag or an airtight container. To allow moisture to evaporate and stop the emergence of bacteria, the cup needs airflow.
How to Clean Silicone Menstrual Cup?
Maintaining the cleanliness of your menstrual cup and avoiding the growth of bacteria require regular washing. Whether it is your first usage or during your menstrual cycle, the cleaning technique changes.
(1) First cleaning (before use)
You must meticulously disinfect your menstrual cup before using it for the first time. To begin, thoroughly wash your hands with a light, unscented soap. Then, wash the cup with a mild soap that is additionally oil-free and odorless or a cleanser formulated especially for menstrual cups. Avoid using substances that can agitate the cup or destroy it, which include antibacterial soap, oil-based soap, scented soap, baking soda, bleach, dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar.
It’s time to sterilize the cup after it is completely cleaned. For no longer than 10 minutes, carefully immerse the cup in a kettle of boiling water. Keep a close watch on the cup to avoid having it burn from clinging to the bottom of the pot. When the cup is clean, take it from the simmering water and let it cool before using.
(2) Cleaning Up During Your Period
It’s crucial to disinfect your cup after the completion of your menstrual cycle to stop bacterial growth and guarantee its cleanliness for the next use. How to disinfect your cup is as follows:
Rinse the cup in clean water carefully.
Bring a kettle of water on to boil, then submerge the cup for a few minutes. Any bacteria still on the cup will be effectively destroyed by this.
When the cup is fully boiling, remove it from the water and set it aside to cool and dry.
As a result, silicone menstruation cups act as a dependable and secure alternative to conventional sanitary goods. These cups are toxins-free, hypoallergenic, and made of medical-grade silicone. They are also nonporous, thereby rendering them easy to clean and resistant to bacterial growth. You may put your health, comfort, and your surroundings first by selecting a silicone period cup. To get maximum benefit out of your silicone menstrual cup, always use the right techniques for insertion, removal, and maintenance. So the problem: Is Silicone Menstrual Cup? The answer is YES!
Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any additional queries or are interested in discussing silicone menstruation cups with someone.
English
العربية
Français
Deutsch
Nederlands
Italiano
Português
Русский
Español