What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product to be used during period days. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid.
Cups can hold more blood than other methods, leading many women to use them as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. And depending on your flow, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours.
What are the advantages of using menstrual cups?
A menstrual cup
- is affordable
- is safer than tampons
- holds more blood than pads or tampons
- is better for the environment than pads or tampon
Many women choose to use menstrual cups because:
- They’re budget friendly. You pay a one-time price for a reusable menstrual cup, unlike tampons or pads, which have to be continually bought and can cost upward of $100 a year.
- Menstrual cups are safer. Because menstrual cups collect rather than absorb blood, you’re not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use.
- Menstrual cups hold more blood. A menstrual cup can hold about one to two ounces of menstrual flow. Tampons, on the other hand, can only hold up to a third of an ounce.
- They’re eco-friendly. Reusable menstrual cups can last a long time, which means you’re not contributing more waste to the environment.
What are the disadvantages of using menstrual cups?
A menstrual cup
- can be messy
- may be hard to insert or remove
- may be tough to find the right fit
- may cause an allergic reaction
- may cause vaginal irritation
Menstrual cups may be an affordable and environmentally friendly option, but you still need to keep a few things in mind:
- Cup removal can be messy. You may find yourself in a place or position that makes it difficult or awkward to remove your cup. That means you may not be able to avoid spills during the process.
- They can be tough to insert or remove. You may find that you’re not getting the right fold when you put in your menstrual cup. Or you may have a hard time pinching the base to pull the cup down and out.
- It can be hard to find the right fit. Menstrual cups aren’t one-size-fits-all, so you may find it difficult to find the right fit. That means you may have to try out a few brands before finding the perfect one for you and your vagina.
- You may be allergic to the material. Most menstrual cups are made from latex-free materials, making it a great option for people with latex allergies. But for some people, there’s a chance the silicone or rubber material can cause an allergic reaction.
- It may cause vaginal irritation. A menstrual cup may irritate your vagina if the cup isn’t cleaned and cared for properly. It may also cause discomfort if you insert the cup without any lubrication.
- There can be an increased chance for infection. Wash the menstrual cup very well. Rinse and let it dry. Don’t reuse a disposable menstrual cup. Wash your hands after.