Menstrual fluids and its convenient collection has been a pressing topic for many hygiene and scientific researchers. The old tradition of sanitary pads was replaced by tampons in the late 80s and 90s. The current trend is the use of menstrual cups that are inserted in the vaginal tract to collect the discharge.
Since ancient times in India as well all over the world, the use of cloth or folds of cloth was prevalent as a way to handle the discharge. The cloth would be washed for subsequent re use. They are effective when the flow was controlled and movement of women, limited. With advent of activity beyond the household chores, the need for other alternatives has become increasingly relevant. Inserting tampons was a taboo since it was a new concept for women in the initial phases. But that stigma has been overcome and many women in India has opted for this measure.
The new invention that has come up in recent times, especially in India is the use of menstrual cups which are inserted into the vaginal tract and the discharge is collected in the latex or fine rubber like cups.
With the use of sanitary pads, there used to be fear of leakage, which was reduced further by tampons and nearly nullified by the menstrual cups. Ayurveda understands the modern day demands of the people. It also accepts that this necessitates the use of modern day measures to counter the same.
The flow along a canal or a cavity has a purpose. Like in case of the nose, running nose or sneezing along with running nose helps to moisturize the nasal cavity and allow the particles to stick to the walls and filter the inhaled air. Similarly, when stools tend to be dry and hard, they rupture the anal canal causing fissures due to the lack of moisturizing element. In the same manner, the vaginal discharge as it flows through the vaginal tract; though appears to be excretory in nature has a moisturizing effect in the tract that maintains the flexibility of the vaginal canal. This helps during sexual interaction and also in a normal child birth. After menopause, dry and sensitive vaginal appears to be a common because of the absence of this very flow.
However, these are subtle matters and can be ascertained as the adverse effects of tampons and cups start to be seen over a period of time. These measures should therefore be used judiciously, keeping in mind the possibility of adverse effects and reverting to sanitary pads whenever at home or in a more relaxed ambience.
* This is the Doctor’s interpretation of the Ayurvedic Texts based on his experience of over 32 years, and that there can be further discussion on the issue.
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