Menstrual Cups Are Lifesavers for Girls in East Africa

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Menstrual cups are proving to be lifesavers, and are changing the way girls in East Africa deal with something every single female in the world does: their period.

Most women in the western world don’t have to think twice when that time of the month comes, and head out to a pharmacy or grocery store to find supplies to deal with the inconvenience. It’s not as simple in East Africa, where a sanitary napkin sells for about $.85.

You see, the average daily income in that part of the world is a mere $1.27, and there are many more things to buy with that amount of money. The menstrual cups help girls avoid the use of things such as newspaper, rags, cotton, bits of mattress stuffing, and even mud, according to the Huffington Post Canada.

Yes, that’s right. Girls in East Africa don’t have sanitary napkins, much less tampons, available to use when they are on their period, and they must be very inventive. However, these methods can not only be uncomfortable to wear, but can bring serious infections.

The menstrual cups allow girls to stay healthy, while allowing them to participate in daily activities available to women all over the globe, including school, work, and sports. Unlike tampons, which contain bleaches and can cause serious side effects, the menstrual cups are made of surgical grade silicone.

Source: Inquisitr (link opens in a new window)

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Health Care