What Is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup that you insert into your vagina. Unlike a tampon or pad (which absorb your period flow), the cup catches and collects your flow. After a few hours, you remove the cup and wash it for reuse. It's also known as a period cup.
Types of Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups come in different sizes and materials.One key difference among cups is that they can be:
- Stemmed, with a bottom part that protrudes into your vagina to make removing the cup easier
- Unstemmed, which some people prefer since the stems can be irritating and might need to be trimmed for comfort
You'll see them mostly sold in small and large sizes.
- Small: For people with a light to medium flow, who are under 30, or who haven't had a baby.
- Large: For people with a heavy flow, over age 30, or who have had a baby.
- Some companies also offer a "teen" size that is smaller than the small size, and/or an extra-large size.
Most period cups are made of silicone. However, some are made of rubber, so if you're allergic to latex, buy one that's made of silicone.
Menstrual cups also come in different shapes:
- V shape: The cup is longer than it is wide, tapering gradually from the rim. This is the most popular design.
- Bell shape: The cup is rounder than the V-shape, flaring out from the rim. It is longer than it is wide.
- Round: The cup is wider than it is long, with the widest point of the vessel being below the rim.
- Asymmetrical: The cup has a slanted edge to sit at a certain rotation and angle under the cervix. It is longer than it is wide.
Like any other product for your period, you can buy cups online or over the counter at grocery stores and drugstores.
When Were Menstrual Cups Invented?
Although they may seem like a recent invention, menstrual cups have been around since the 1800s. The first menstrual cup, patented in 1867, was basically a rubber sack attached to a rubber ring.
In 1937, an American actor named Leona Chalmers patented the first commercially available menstrual cup, designing something that would fit in with her on-the-move lifestyle. Her design was very similar to some of the bell-shaped menstrual cups we have today. However, manufacturing it was hard, as it was made of rubber, a scarce material during World War II.
In the 1960s, Chalmers tried again, partnering with a bigger menstrual products company to produce the cup. But women found it too rigid and embarrassing to insert, so it was not a success. In the early 2000s, menstrual cups were reintroduced, this time in a softer silicone form, which helped them find a bigger consumer market.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup
If you're new at this, or trying it just before your period begins, you might want to start with the small size. Read the instructions that come with your cup. If you're taking the cup out of its packaging, wash it with soap and water and dry it before using it for the first time.
How to insert a menstrual cup
- Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- Apply a thin layer of a water-based lubricant to the rim of the cup or just wet it. This will make it easier to put in. So, some people prefer to insert the cup in the shower.
- Tightly fold the menstrual cup (using one of the methods below), keeping the rim side up.
- Insert it inside your vagina, just like you would a tampon without an applicator. You might find it easier to insert the cup squatting, sitting on the toilet, or with one leg up. Slide the folded cup in toward your tailbone at roughly a 45-degree angle.
- Once inside, your cup should spring open and rest against the walls of your vagina. It forms a seal to prevent leaks. The blood then simply drips into the cup.
- If the cup doesn't open or feels uncomfortable, try to rotate it a little. Used correctly, you shouldn’t feel it.
Menstrual cup folds
Some people find it helpful to experiment with different ways of folding the cup for insertion. For example, you might try:
The C fold. Flatten the cup and then fold it in half, so the rim looks like a C. You might find the cup pops into place most easily from this position.
The 7 fold. Bend one corner of the rim to form the shape of the number 7, creating a narrower entry point.
The punch-down fold. Use your index finger to hold down one side of the cup. This also creates a smaller entry point and lets you keep the fold in place as you guide the cup inside.
It may take a bit of practice to get the cup to fit comfortably, but it can't get lost inside your vagina.
How to remove a menstrual cup
- Wash your hands clean with soap and water.
- Sit (or squat) in a comfortable position.
- Insert your index finger and thumb into your vagina and locate the cup's stem or bottom. Don't pull the stem. Just above it, you'll feel the cup base. Gently pinch it to break the seal and remove it. If it's not coming out, use your pelvic floor muscles to push the cup down, then reach up and grab the stem and pinch the base.
- Keep the cup upright to avoid spills. Once it's out, empty the contents into the toilet.
- Unless your cup is disposable, wash it out with soap and water.
Note: Although you can keep your period cup inserted for up to 12 hours, you may need to change it more often if you're having a heavy period day.
Benefits of Menstrual Cups
They're budget-friendly. A reusable cup costs more upfront but often costs less over time than tampons and pads.
They're eco-friendly. Unless you use disposable brands, you can use the same cup for a long time, an average of 2-10 years, meaning less waste in landfills.
You can leave them in for up to 12 hours. Tampons may need to be changed every four to eight hours, depending on your flow. But cups can stay in longer, so they’re good for overnight protection. And once you get the hang of inserting one, there’s no need to wear a backup pad or liner.
You don't have to wait until your period starts to put one in. You can insert it into your vagina around the time you expect your period to start. This lessens the chance of a leak.
They hold more.A menstrual cup can hold 1 ounce of liquid, roughly twice the amount of a super-absorbent tampon or pad. That difference can be a comfort on your heavy flow days.
They're easy to use. Some people may have trouble with them at first, but if you've used tampons (particularly the kind without the applicator) or a vaginal ring or diaphragm for birth control, you'll probably find them easy to insert.
There’s less odor.Menstrual blood can start to smell when it’s exposed to air. But your cup forms an airtight seal.
You don't have to worry about vaginal dryness. Menstrual cups don't cause vaginal dryness, unlike tampons.
Disadvantages of Menstrual Cups
It can be tough to find the right fit. Cups come in different sizes depending on your age, flow, and whether you’ve had a child. Still, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge, more so if you have a tilted uterus or low cervix. It can take some trial and error to find the right fit, and you could have leaks in the meantime.
Removal can get messy.Even if you find it easy to insert the cup, removing it can be tricky and feel icky, particularly if you have to do it in a public restroom. One option is to bring a bottle of water into the stall to rinse the cup, then wipe it clean with toilet paper. If that's not possible, simply wipe the cup with toilet paper, making sure that the tiny holes at the top of the cup are clear, since those create the suction seal. You can do a proper wash when you get home.
They could interfere with an IUD. Some manufacturers don’t recommend using a menstrual cup if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place, as there’s a chance suction from the cup could pull on the string or dislodge it. A 2012 study found no evidence of this. Still, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before combining the two.
They can be hard to insert or remove. This can happen if you're a new user, especially if you've never used a tampon or had sex. But you can learn to use them.
They could irritate your vagina. That's most likely if they are put in without lubricant or not properly cleaned.
They need to be washed after every use. Some people might find this a hassle, but it's the only way to avoid infection. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is very low for menstrual cup wearers. A 2019 review of clinical studies found only five cases of toxic shock syndrome after the use of a menstrual cup. The need for washing also means you need access to clean water. That might be a problem if you're camping, hiking, or experiencing homelessness.
How to Clean a Menstrual Cup
Each time you remove and empty the cup, rinse it with water and wash it with mild soap. Some manufacturers make special cleaning solutions for this purpose. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your cup to make sure you're cleaning it properly.
At the end of your cycle, sterilize your cup in boiling water and dry it for next month's use.
How to Store a Menstrual Cup
Your cup may come with a breathable cloth bag or case. Use it or a similar container to keep your cup clean and dry between uses.
How Much Do Menstrual Cups Cost?
On average, a reusable cup costs $20-$40 and lasts up to 10 years. That can make it quite a bit less expensive than tampons and pads, which can add up to as much as $150 a year.
One catch is that you might need to try more than one kind of cup to find the best one for you, making your costs higher. And, of course, you can't return this kind of personal care product to the store.
Why Is My Menstrual Cup Leaking?
When inserted correctly, menstrual cups have a lower chance of leaking than tampons. But leaks can still happen because the cup may:
- Not open properly after insertion
- Be inserted at a wrong angle
- Be inserted too high in the vagina
- Overflow because of heavy menstruation
- Be the wrong size
To reduce leaks, follow insertion instructions carefully, track how often to empty the cup on heavy flow days, and try different sizes or designs.
Menstrual Cup vs. Disc
A menstrual disc is a different period product. It's shaped like a disc and inserted higher in the vagina, at the base of your cervix. Like a cup, it can collect your flow for up to 12 hours. Unlike a cup, it doesn't rely on suction to stay put. It's made of the same materials as a menstrual cup. Some types can be reused, while others are designed to be thrown away after one use.
Unlike some kinds of menstrual cups, you can wear a disc with an IUD without any worries. You can also use it while having sex, which is not a good idea with a cup. Also, one size fits most, so you don't usually have to keep shopping to find the right fit. Some brands do offer different sizes.
On the downside, people often find them harder to insert than a menstrual cup and messier to remove. Some brands have extra features, such as a double loop tab on the end to make removal easier.
You clean and take care of menstrual discs the same way you'd take care of cups.
Takeaways
Menstrual cups can be cost-saving alternatives to tampons and pads. They also can cut down on waste. But, like other period products, they're not right for everyone. If you want to try one, choose the right size and then experiment with insertion techniques, to get the best fit and protection. And be sure to carefully follow cleaning instructions.
Menstrual Cup FAQs
Is a menstrual cup painful?
Some users report some discomfort when first inserting a menstrual cup, but most people have no pain once they learn how to use it. If you do have some pain when you insert it, it might be because you didn't lubricate the rim. If it hurts inside you, you might not have the best cup for you; for example, one that's too firm. And if the cup hurts when you remove it, it might be because you didn't break the suction first. To do that, you squeeze the base a bit before pulling it out. If you can't comfortably use a cup after some trial and error, or if you develop new discomfort after using one for a while, talk to your doctor.
Which is better, a menstrual cup or a pad?
It's usually a matter of preference. Some people, including those who prefer not to insert anything in their vaginas, are happy with pads. Others want to explore their options. Every period product — be it a pad, tampon, cup, disc, or period underwear — has pros and cons. And some people have health reasons that make certain methods unsuitable. For example, menstrual cups aren't recommended if you've just had a baby, a miscarriage, or an abortion.
Which is better, a menstrual disc or a cup?
This also depends on your preferences, including whether you want to have sex while wearing period protection, which you can do with a disc but not a cup.
Can we pee while using a menstrual cup?
Yes, you can pee, because a menstrual cup doesn't block your urethra, the opening for your pee. It's the same as using a tampon.
Do gynecologists recommend menstrual cups?
Yes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists includes menstrual cups on the list of period products that can work well.
Can a virgin use a menstrual cup?
Yes, you can use a menstrual cup if you've never had sex. Placing a menstrual cup or a tampon in your vagina is safe, starting with your first period. In some cases, it might stretch the hymen, the thin tissue at the opening of the vagina. But that can also happen if you ride a bike, dance, or do gymnastics.
