Busting Myths of 4 Inserted Period Products

The taboo of “losing one’s virginity and purity” by using insertive period products is deeply entrenched in Indian society. Prudish myths like that are mostly widespread through hear-say without any rational explanation behind them. People just starting out with their period are usually not given guidance for any products besides pads, simply because of the social stigma surrounding them. 

Let’s take a look at the list of 4 helpful period products and bust the stigma and myths that tend to overshadow them.

1. Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are eco-friendly, reusable feminine hygiene products. A small funnel-shaped cup is inserted into your vagina to collect period fluid, made of flexible rubber or silicone. They hold blood for 12 hours and don’t leak so you can wear them while exercising or even swimming.

2. Tampons

Tampons are little plugs made of cotton that are inserted into your vagina and soak up menstrual blood. Their pros are that you can also swim and exercise with them without worrying about a mess. Tampons have a stringless option also called soft tampons. They are also conveniently small and can fit in purses and pockets (if you are lucky to have them in women’s clothes!) 

3. Menstrual Sponge

Menstrual sponges are commonly known as Sea Sponge Tampons or Period Sponges. They are natural sea sponges that can be reused for up to six months. They are free of chemicals, fragrance, and synthetic materials.  

4. Menstrual Disc

Menstrual discs are insertable period products similar to menstrual cups, the only difference is that they look like discs and let you have mess-free intercourse while being on your period, and even help minimize cramps. 

Now let’s clear 3 myths that are common for all of these inserted period products.

Myth #1: you lose your virginity

“Virginity” is a social construct and typically is “lost” after having intercourse for the first time. The concept of the hymen breaking after losing one’s virginity is completely false as it is a membrane that can only be stretched and Inserted period products only push past that membrane, not breaking it.

Myth #2: Inserted products will get lost inside 

No object can get lost inside the vagina because the vaginal canal is only about 3-4 inches long until it reaches the cervix, which stops anything from going into the uterus. 

Myth #3: you can't urinate or sleep with inserted products

Firstly, you urinate from your urethra and menstruate from your vagina (which is behind the urethra) so yes, you can use the washroom while products are inserted. Secondly, insertive products last longer, are leak-proof and are also comfortable, thus are ideal to sleep with.

It’s no secret that products for periods are getting better and better, so why shouldn’t we use them and make our period more stress-free? All the aforementioned products have their own advantages that may suit some individuals and not others. It is important to know what your preference is by using more than one product, freely.

This is why Azah has launched their own Menstrual Cup! The Azah Menstrual Cup has the new and unique Ring Design which eases the removal of the cup. You can wear it for upto 10 hours without the stress of leakage. It is chemical-free and non-toxic for a rash-free experience AND is eco-friendly!

We hope this blog has been informative and helpful! We should be able to freely discuss periods and the products that are functional to us without shame or stigma. Share this post with your friends and family to help #BreakTheShush together!