Welcome to the world of menstrual cups! They are the way to go if you’re looking for an eco-friendly, comfortable, and cost-saving alternative to pads and tampons. Menstrual cups provide a whole host of benefits and are becoming increasingly popular. Let’s talk about the many benefits of menstrual cups so you can make an informed decision about your choice of period care protection. Grab a cup of tea and get ready to dive in!

What Are Menstrual Cups?

Menstrual cups are small, flexible period care devices made from medical-grade silicone, latex rubber, or TPE. They are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid instead of absorbing the blood like pads or tampons. The cup forms a leak-free seal with the vaginal wall. They can be safely worn for up to 12 hours (this may be less, depending on how heavy your periods are) and will collect menstrual fluid until you empty it.

Benefits Of Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups come with a variety of benefits — in no particular order, here are some of them!

Period Cups Are Comfortable

Many people find cups to be much more comfortable than pads or tampons. They form a seal with the vaginal wall and warm with your body, allowing you to move around freely without irritating pads or tampon strings. They come in a wide range of sizes and firmness, which means you can find a product that best fits your unique anatomy. Generally speaking, a cup best suited to your body and period care needs should be entirely undetectable when worn.

No Worrying About Odor

Because period cups are worn internally, they are able to contain the menstrual fluid, preventing it from coming into contact with air and causing an odor in the first place. Unlike tampons, there is no string to wick moisture to that could lead to odors.

Less Leakage

Menstrual cups are held in place by the vaginal walls, creating a seal with the rim of the cup and helping to prevent any leakage. Of course, experiences vary, but many people feel safe using their cups without any backup. Again, unlike a tampon, where there is a string to potentially get wet, cups are entirely internal protection.

Environmentally Friendly

With around 19 billion pads and tampons disposed of in the US each year, menstrual cups are a clear eco-friendly alternative to traditional period products. Most cups can be safely reused for up to 10 years, significantly reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Of course, proper washing and care are important. Changes in the silicone (cracks, becoming filmy, sticky, etc.) are signs that your cup is ready to be replaced.

Beneficial For A Heavy Flow

Cups are an ideal option for those with a heavy menstrual flow. I often hear worries that a cup can’t contain a heavy period, but that’s not the case. Menstrual cups, on average, can hold 5x or more fluid than a pad or tampon, helping to provide longer wear times for even the heaviest periods. Because of their large capacity, they can also help to catch clots. There are also menstrual cups with very high capacities for those that experience this — our menstrual cup comparison chart is sortable by capacity, so please do reference that if this is something you need.

Allergy Friendly

Menstrual cups are an excellent option for those with allergies or sensitivities because they are made from hypoallergenic materials (like silicone and TPE) that don’t typically cause allergic reactions. Most people find that they have a much better experience in this regard than they did with tampons and pads.

If you ever notice any irritation, I would look at what you’re washing your cup with, as that is the most likely culprit.

Using Menstrual Cups For The First Time

Menstrual cups can seem intimidating at first, but they are typically quite easy to use once you get past what we lovingly call the learning curve.

Find The Right Fit

Menstrual cups come in different sizes, so be sure to find the right fit for your body. We recommend taking The Cup Quiz to get started, but a few that work well for most people are the Saalt Cup, Lena Cup, or Kind Cup. It was designed to help you find a cup best suited to meet your needs based on questions about your body, lifestyle, and period. If you need additional help with information bout your cervix, IUDs (intrauterine devices), or pelvic floor muscles, you can also discuss that with your ob-gyn.

Get Comfortable With Insertion and Removal

Once you’ve found the right fit, it’s time to learn how to insert and remove the cup. Take your time and practice a few times before using it during your period. A little bit of water-based lubricant can be a big help —  I used this tip before trying my first cup, and it made all the difference. I was way less stressed knowing that I wouldn’t make a mess, and not having to battle cramps was also helpful.

Make Sure It’s Sealed

Making sure the cup is appropriately sealed is essential for a leak-free and stress-free experience. Once the cup is inserted, insert your index finger to feel around the rim of the cup — if you feel any indents, you’ll want to adjust the cup.

Try one of these tips to get your cup to open:

• • Pinch the base of the cup and give it a full spin and wiggle.
  • Pinch the base, pull the cup down just a little, and then nudge it back up if needed.
  • Using your fingers, gently press away from the cup into the vaginal wall to create a little space to allow the cup more room to pop open. Better yet, give the cup a little turn while you do that.

Empty and Clean As Directed

It’s safe to wear your cup with a light flow, but regardless of how heavy or light your period is, be sure to remove, empty, and clean your menstrual cup at least once every 12 hours. Once washed, you can reinsert and wear it for (up to) another 12 hours. As with all types of internal period care, proper hygiene is important to prevent any type of infection, including TSS (though it is very rare).

Other Helpful Resources

Cups are a great option for those looking for a more comfortable and eco-friendly menstrual product. With a little practice and the right fit, menstrual cups can be easy to use and provide peace of mind during your menstrual cycle.

• Beginners Guide to Period Cups
• An “Inside” Look At Cups
• The Cup Quiz
• How to Find Your Cervix & Check Its Position for a Menstrual Cup
• Menstrual Cup Folds (How-To!)

These are a few resources to get you started if you’re interested in trying a cup for the first time!