2023-08-08 13:32:10
August 08, 2023
Menstrual cups can help prevent infections and improve vaginal health. Explanations.
A new study conducted in Kenya by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago shows that menstrual cups reduce the risk of certain types of vaginal infections. Young female users are more likely to have a healthier vaginal microbiome.
To prove it, scientists followed 436 Kenyan high school girls, half of whom received menstrual cups. They were tested every six months for bacterial vaginosis, a common type of infection, and at 12 months and 30 months for sexually transmitted infections. The researchers also analyzed the vaginal microbiome of the participants to determine the levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria.
In details, ” girls who received a menstrual cup were 26% less likely to suffer from bacterial vaginosis and 37% more likely to have an optimal vaginal microbiome than girls who did not receive a cup says Prof. Supriya Mehta, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the UIC School of Public Health and principal investigator of the study. After adjustment ” confounding factors, such as age and whether the girls were sexually active, they found a decrease in STIs in those who used a menstrual cup ».
Infection deterrence
But why are menstrual cups more beneficial to vaginal health compared to pads and tampons? ” The cup, bell-shaped and made from medical-grade silicone, is inserted into the vagina, where it collects blood. Tampons, on the other hand, do not remove blood from the vaginal vault, and this iron-rich environment can be home to the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. », adds Professor Mehta.
The cuts otherwise remain “ more effective than tampons in maintaining an acidic environment, which is a deterrent to infections. As for sanitary napkins or reusable tissues worn too long or poorly cleaned, they can end up transferring bacteria to the vagina. ».
To note : click here to find out how to take care of your cup step by step.
1691502008
#menstrual #cup #friend #health #vagina #une