Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMenstrual Cup DesignUsing Menstrual CupsDaily ActivitiesHow Long to Wear It?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Menstrual Cup Design
Using Menstrual Cups
Daily Activities
How Long to Wear It?
Menstrual cups are reusable products that holdperiod blood. They are safe, effective, and affordable for most people who menstruate. They have several advantages and may leak less than pads andtampons.
Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups made of silicone or rubber. They are usually shaped like a bell or funnel and sit in thevaginato collect period blood and fluids. Menstrual cups hold more blood than tampons and pads and can lead to less waste.
This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of menstrual cups and how to choose the right one for you.
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A menstrual cup is a bell- or funnel-shaped menstrual hygiene product. The materials used to make a menstrual cup include medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex, and elastomer. A menstrual cup can last up to 10 years.
A menstrual cup can hold up to 10 to 38 milliliters (mL) of blood and fluids and must be emptied every four to 12 hours.There are also cervical cups that work like adiaphragm(birth control method) and are placed higher in the vagina near thecervix.
Popular menstrual cup brands include:
There is often a learning curve when using a menstrual cup. To insert a menstrual cup, follow the following steps:
All About Menstrual Cups: Why They Are Used Instead of Pads and Tampons
Using Menstrual Cups Instead of Pads or Tampons
You may be wondering if a menstrual cup is a better option for you than pads or tampons. The average person who menstruates has 65 active bleeding days each year. The right menstrual hygiene products can improve your health and quality of life.
Advantages
There are several possible advantages to using a menstrual cup, including:
Disadvantages
Menstrual cups are not the right choice for everyone. Possible disadvantages include:
A Word From VerywellMenstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons or pads for people who want a hygienic, earth-friendly alternative. However, the learning curve can be quite steep. Once my patients figure out how to choose the correct size and clean the cup, they are satisfied with the results.—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons or pads for people who want a hygienic, earth-friendly alternative. However, the learning curve can be quite steep. Once my patients figure out how to choose the correct size and clean the cup, they are satisfied with the results.—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons or pads for people who want a hygienic, earth-friendly alternative. However, the learning curve can be quite steep. Once my patients figure out how to choose the correct size and clean the cup, they are satisfied with the results.
—ANDREA BRADEN, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Cups vs. Discs
Safety Comparison
Most studies have found that people who use menstrual products are at a lower risk of vaginal infections than those who use pads or tampons. It is possible to experiencetoxic shock syndromefrom a menstrual cup, but it is very rare. This inflammatory syndrome occurs when the vagina is exposed to certain bacteria and becomes swollen.
Menstrual Cup and Daily Activities
Many people prefer to use a menstrual cup during their periods because it is less likely to leak and affect their daily activities as pads or tampons.
To find your most comfortable fit, choose the right menstrual cup size. Small cups are recommended for people younger than 30 who have not given birth vaginally. Large cups are recommended for people over 30 who have given birth vaginally or who have heavy period flows.
When a menstrual cup is in place, it should not leak or cause discomfort. Studies show that menstrual cups cause the same amount or less leaking than pads and tampons.Menstrual cups are held in place with suction, so you can expect to move, jump, sit, and stand easily without having them come loose or falling out.
Sleep
A menstrual cup can be safely worn for eight to 12 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow.If you find that you’re able to wear a menstrual cup overnight without leaking, feel free to sleep with it in.
Once you get up in the morning, do the following:
Sex
Healthcare providers do not recommend havingsexual intercoursewith a menstrual cup in place. However, it is safe to have sex while wearing a menstrual disc because the product is flexible and sits higher in the vagina. You and your partner should not feel a menstrual disc during sex.
How Long to Wear a Menstrual Cup
Most people empty their menstrual cups once or twice daily. The length of time depends on the heaviness of your flow.
Once you have been wearing your menstrual cup for up to 12 hours, empty it to prevent leaks and lower the risk of infection. To empty the cup, wash your hands, then place your index finger and thumb into your vagina to pull the stem of the cup down. Once you feel the base of the cup, pinch it to break the seal. Gently slide the cup out and empty it into the toilet. Rinse the cup with clean water, then insert it again.
Summary
Menstrual cups are often made of medical-grade silicone or rubber and shaped like a funnel. They stay in place with suction and usually leak less than pads or tampons. They also result in less waste and a reduced risk of infection.
Do not use a menstrual cup if you are allergic to its ingredients. If you prefer not to touch your vagina or period blood, this menstrual product may not be right for you. Talk with your healthcare provider about menstrual product options.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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