Addressing the biggest concern: “Will it take virginity?” - A menstrual cup.
This question comes up a lot, especially with younger girls, and it needs a calm, respectful explanation.
The hymen is not a sealed cover. It is a thin, stretchy tissue with a natural opening that allows menstrual blood to pass.
Last week during the Uganda Water and Environment Week in Luzira, this was one of the most frequent and important conversations we had at our exhibition on menstrual hygiene management within WASH.
Many girls and even adults are navigating a mix of curiosity, cultural beliefs, and limited information. It became clear that beyond access to products, what is most needed is honest, informed dialogue.
The truth is, a menstrual cup does not “take virginity.” Virginity is a social and cultural concept, not a medical condition. The body is naturally designed to allow menstrual flow, and the cup simply collects it safely. When used correctly, it sits comfortably in the vaginal canal and does not cause harm.
Interestingly, the next big question was not even about how to use the cup, but whether it is comfortable.
From the many users I have interacted with, the feedback is consistent. Once properly inserted, most say they do not feel it at all. No wetness, no friction, no constant adjustment. In fact, many find it more comfortable than pads. The only real challenge is the first use and learning proper positioning. After that, it becomes part of normal life.
Now consider the economic reality.
In Uganda, a girl may use about two packs of pads per cycle. At an average of UGX 4,000 per pack, that is UGX 8,000 per month. Over a year, that becomes UGX 96,000. Over 10 years, that is nearly UGX 960,000 spent on disposable products.
A menstrual cup, however, costs between UGX 50,000 and 80,000 and can last between 5 to 10 years. Even with replacement, that is roughly UGX 100,000 to 160,000 over the same period.
That is a saving of more than UGX 800,000 for one individual.
Now scale that across communities, schools, and programs. The impact becomes significant, not just for households, but for broader economic resilience.
Then there is the environmental side.
Pads contribute to a growing waste problem, especially in areas with limited disposal systems. Blocked latrines, drainage issues, and unmanaged waste are becoming more common in both rural and urban settings.
Menstrual cups produce no monthly waste. They align directly with sanitation and environmental sustainability goals, making them a strong fit within WASH programming.
This is why conversations around menstrual health need to evolve.
Providing pads is important, but it is a short-term solution that requires continuous supply. Menstrual cups offer a long-term, cost-effective option that reduces dependency while giving girls and women more control and dignity.
The focus should not be replacement, but choice. When girls are given accurate information and practical support, they are able to decide what works best for them.
Using a menstrual cup is simple with the right guidance. Hands are washed, the cup is folded and gently inserted, it opens to form a seal, and after several hours it is removed, emptied, rinsed, and reused. At the end of the cycle, it is sterilized and stored safely.
What I saw in Luzira was encouraging. Once myths are addressed and facts are shared, the hesitation begins to fade and interest grows.
Menstrual cups are not just an alternative product. They are a practical, sustainable solution that connects health, environment, and economic empowerment.
And for many girls, that shift can be life-changing.
#SexualReproductiveHealth #MenstrualHygiene #MHM @RHUganda @WHO @Mariamsanyu25