Menstrual cup is the generic term for a reusable sanitary product worn inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood. These cups are usually made from flexible materials, like silicone or rubber, which makes them easier to insert.
A menstrual cup is sometimes called a vaginal cup. Some people refer to menstrual cups by their brand names, including DivaCup, Moon Cup, and Keeper Cup.
Different types of menstrual cups
Menstrual cups come in a range of sizes. Many companies offer a small and a large cup. Some manufacturers refer to their small menstrual cups as 1 or A cups and their large ones as 2 or B cups. Some cups are designed with specific women and people who menstruate in mind, such as shallow cups for people with low cervixes.
Benefits
One of the key advantages menstrual cups have over other period products is they’re reusable. As women and other people who menstruate can use the same cup over many menstrual cycles, these products create far less waste than tampons or pads. While the initial cost of menstrual cups is higher than these sanitary products, their reusability makes them much more affordable over time. The average cup costs between $20 to $40 and can be used for between six months to 10 years. In contrast, the average woman spends $50 to $150 annually on disposable sanitary products.
Menstrual cups also hold between one or two ounces of menstrual blood, which is three to six times as much as tampons. Users can also leave them inside their vaginas for up to 12 hours, which provides real peace of mind overnight and during busy days. When the right size menstrual cup is inserted correctly and emptied as directed it won’t leak, even during exercise.
“The most common comment we receive from customers is that cups are ‘life-changing’ because they last them longer during the day and are more comfortable than wearing tampons,” Cherie Hoeger, the CEO and co-founder of sustainable period care company Saalt told Kinkly. “The second most common comment is that customers find the menstrual cup to be so comfortable and sensationless that they forgot they were on their period! Many people also report that cups decrease the intensity of period cramps. Menstrual cups are naturally odor-free because the blood stays in a controlled location inside and doesn’t get exposed to oxygen, which is actually what causes odor.”
Since the cups collect blood rather than absorb it, women and other people who use menstrual cups are far less likely to develop toxic shock syndrome than those who use tampons. The reduced risk can give people peace of mind during their periods.
High-quality menstrual cups are also made from safe materials. This is especially important in light of a recent study that found traces of heavy metals in tampons.
“All of Saalt's menstrual cups and discs are made of medical-grade silicone that does not leach anything into the body or absorb anything from the body,” Hoeger confirmed.
Downsides
Using a menstrual cup effectively can take some practice, though. It can take time for users to feel comfortable inserting the cups and removing them without mess, if they master these techniques at all.
As they come in different sizes, varying from brand to brand, finding the right one can also be challenging. Some women may find they spend a substantial amount of time and money searching for the perfect menstrual cup.
How to choose a menstrual cup
Reading the packaging can help people choose the right one for their needs. Many companies recommend their small menstrual cups for people under 30 who’ve never been pregnant or given birth. Large menstrual cups are often more suitable for people over 30 who’ve been pregnant or given birth. Some manufacturers take a different approach and suggest using small cups for light to moderate flow and large cups for moderate to heavy flow.
There are no sizing regulations for menstrual cups, so users may need to experiment with different manufacturers to find one that suits them best.
How to insert a menstrual cup
Users should get in a comfortable position, such as sitting on or putting up leg up on a chair or toilet, squatting, or lying down on a bed. They can fold the menstrual cup tightly using their preferred folding technique, such as the C fold which folds the cup in half to make a C shape. Then the user should hold their folded cup in one hand, with the rim facing up. They can use their free hand to open up their labia for insertion.
Users gently insert their cup with the rim side first, guiding it into their vagina towards their lower back, as if they were inserting a tampon. Once the menstrual cup is in the vagina, users can rotate it. It should open up and create a tight seal. Users can check this by running their finger around its sides. Once the cup is in place, the user shouldn’t feel anything at all.
Using a menstrual cup during periods
People who use menstrual cups need to remove them every six to 12 hours, depending on how heavy their flow is. A menstrual cup should never be worn longer than 12 hours.
To remove the cup, users place their thumb and index finger into their vagina and feel for its stem. They can gently pull the stem until they can reach the cup’s base. Pinching the menstrual cup’s base releases its seal for easy removal. They can empty the cup into a toilet or sink, then wash and wipe it until it’s clean and dry. The clean cup can then be reinserted or stored for the next period.
Tips for use
These tips can improve the experience of using a menstrual cup:
- Relax when inserting and removing the cup.
- Apply some water or a water-based lubricant to the rim of the cup for easier insertion.
- Warm the cup in boiling or warm water to soften it and make it easier to fold and insert.
- Start on a lighter day or overnight to build confidence.
- Try alternating with other more familiar period products when transitioning to a menstrual cup.
- Use a larger cup if experiencing leakage.
- Remove the menstrual cup in the shower to minimize leakage until confident.
Hoeger also noted “Typically, it takes at least two cycles for your body to get used to the idea of a new cup, so be patient with yourself as you navigate the learning curve. Saalt offers numerous resources to help those learning to use a menstrual cup such as YouTube tutorials, online chat representatives, and even a private community group.”
Storage
Between cycles, users should store their menstrual cups in a breathable pouch in a cool, dry location such as a vanity drawer. Many menstrual cups come with these storage bags.
A menstrual cup should never be stored in a non-breathable container, such as a plastic bag or airtight container, as moisture can build up and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Safety
There can be a risk of infections if users don’t practice proper hygiene.
- New menstrual cups should be sterilized in a pot of boiling water for five to 10 minutes.
- Users should thoroughly wash their hands with water and a gentle, oil-free soap before inserting or removing their menstrual cup.
- They should also wash their menstrual cup with gentle, oil-free soap and water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth after use.
- Some people like to soak their cup in warm water, brush it with a soft toothbrush, or sterilize it in between cycles for a deeper clean.
Sex and menstrual cups
Women should remove their menstrual cup before having vaginal sex to maximize comfort and reduce the risk of vaginal and penile injuries.
While menstrual cups look a little like diaphragms, their seal isn’t powerful enough to stop sperm from entering the uterus. Women who want to prevent pregnancy should use effective birth control.
While there were early concerns that menstrual cups might displace IUDs, a 2012 study put these fears to rest.
Irritation from menstrual cups
Some people may experience irritation wearing menstrual cups if they’re allergic to their materials, they’re wearing the wrong size, or they don’t properly clean or store their cups. Users who worry they might have an allergy or notice symptoms of irritation should stop using that menstrual cup and choose a different sanitary product.
Wearing the right size menstrual cup won’t just prevent irritation. A menstrual cup that’s too small can adhere to the surface of the cervix and cause pain on removal. There’s also a small risk of prolapse. On the flip side, menstrual cups that are too large might put pressure on vaginal tissue and obstruct urine flow.
Toxic shock syndrome
While people who use menstrual cups have a much lower risk of toxic shock syndrome than tampon users, there is still a very small risk.
In 2021, a 20-year-old woman was admitted to her local emergency department with toxic shock syndrome. Her healthcare team believed she developed the infection because she only rinsed her used menstrual cup with hot water, rather than washing it with soap to remove all blood. In 2015, another woman contracted toxic shock syndrome after she created a small vaginal abrasion when inserting her menstrual cup. Her period was heavy and longer than usual, which likely contributed to the problem.
Practicing good hygiene and using an alternative sanitary product, such as pads or period underwear, after any vaginal injuries, can reduce the risks.
When to replace a menstrual cup
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends replacing a menstrual cup every two to three years. When cared for correctly though, menstrual cups made of materials like medical-grade silicone may last up to 10 years. There are some obvious signs a menstrual cup should be replaced, regardless of how old it is, including:
- Splitting or cracking
- Sticky or powdery film on the surface
- Major discoloration
- Strong odor
- Causing irritation when it didn’t previously
Users should also replace their menstrual cup if they accidentally drop it in the toilet.
Deciding whether to use a menstrual cup
Using a menstrual cup or another type of sanitary product is a personal decision. Many people love the cost savings and reduced environmental footprint, but they’re not for everyone. Experimenting with a menstrual cup can help people decide if they’re the right choice for them.
Remember that some people take several cycles to feel comfortable inserting and removing the cup, so it’s important to be patient and avoid rushing the decision.
A gynecologist can help someone decide whether a menstrual cup or another sanitary product may work best for them.
Synonyms: Vaginal cup.
