11 Feminine Hygiene Products Indian Women Should Know About

4. Menstrual cups — Low-waste, cost-effective once learned

Menstrual cups are flexible silicone or rubber cups inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They hold more fluid than most pads, can be worn for up to eight hours depending on flow, and create far less waste than single-use pads. Once you learn to insert and clean a cup, it’s a discreet, economical option that suits many lifestyles, including travel and work. Challenges in some Indian settings include the learning curve, local acceptance, and access to cleaning facilities in public restrooms. For hygiene, wash hands before inserting or removing the cup, rinse with clean water, and sterilise between cycles by boiling if the product instructions recommend it. If you have certain medical conditions or an intrauterine device, speak with a clinician before trying a cup. Several community programs and online retailers now stock cups, and health educators sometimes offer demonstrations to build comfort. For many women, a cup reduces monthly waste and recurring costs, but it requires a bit of patience to master the technique.