Our menstrual cup FAQ is designed to help answer some of the most common… and obscure (but important and valid!) questions that we hear. Learning to use a menstrual cup can be exciting but also overwhelming; we hope that you find this resource helpful in your journey.
Stated simply, a menstrual cup is a reusable tampon alternative worn inside the vagina that collects flow rather than absorbing it. Cups come in all sizes and shapes to fit the wearer best and are most often made from medical grade silicone (but not always.) They are a safer, healthier, and more comfortable way to manage your period.
Yes! Click here and you’ll head to a free two-page PDF that covers all of the basics (double-sided printing is suggested 💛)
If you are with a non-profit please feel free to reach out to me. I have a version that I can edit to include your organization logo and contact info.
YES! Luckily there are all sizes, shapes, and styles of cup. We believe everyone can succeed with a cup as long as they find the right one (with VERY few exceptions).
Not at all! Even when removing the cup you should have little to no blood on your hands- remove while over the toilet or in the shower.
When you have a cup that fits your needs (that’s where our quiz comes in) it should be entirely undetectable (or at least very close!) If you do notice the cup, it is most commonly that the cup is not inserted properly (remove and try again) or the stem that you are feeling (which can be easily trimmed or removed). If neither of these things helps, you may have a cup that will work (catch your flow) but isn’t the best for your shape. If it doesn’t bother you, you can keep on using it. If it does, we recommend trying another cup that is softer than your current cup (we also have a firmness chart).
No. At the end of your vaginal canal is the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and it won’t allow anything past it… except sperm.
If your cup is “lost” and you can’t reach it, again, remember it’s not going anywhere. Use your muscles to work the cup down low enough to reach by bearing down, the same strain you use to poop. Once you can reach it pinch the base to break the seal and remove.
No. The cup has no where to go but “out” and can’t possibly remain inside you or travel farther than the cervix. If you go to remove your cup and it feels stuck the first thing is to remain calm. Panic only worsens removal due to tense vaginal muscles. Be sure you are pinching the base of the cup to break the suction the cup likely has then pull out.
No. As mentioned before, the cervix is an exit only. Your flow cannot go back inside the uterus or other areas of the body.
Only if you tell them.
No. Blood typically only has an odor when it comes into contact with oxygen. That said, if you wear your cup for longer than 12 hours you may notice it has a scent once removed.
The general guideline is as follows: Size 1 (or A, Small, etc per brand) for those who are under 30 years old and who have not given birth. Size 2 (or B, Large, etc) for those over 30 years old or who have given birth either vaginally or by Cesarean.
These guidelines are helpful but it’s important to note that you know your body best. Things such as your activity level may mean a smaller diameter size 1 cup fits you better, even if you land in the “Size 2” area. For this reason we suggest taking our quiz for further guidance.
We do believe that knowing your cervical height is the most important aspect of picking a cup (one based on length) since the vagina can stretch but cannot create more length.
Yes. Cups come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Be sure to check out our menstrual comparison chart (which is sortable by both diameter and length) for help choosing a cup that will work for you.
YES! If it weren’t possible we would not be cup users. Both of us actually chop all stems – no questions. For us, and for many, the stem can be annoying and isn’t required for removal.
That said, be sure that you can reach the cup before the big chop. If you have a high cervix (if when placing a finger fully in, you cannot feel anything but the walls of your vagina) removing the stem will make the cup difficult to reach if the body of the cup is not long enough on its own. Also consider grip rings — if you have a higher cervix and no grip rings, that can also be an issue.
When inserted properly, you should be able to feel around the cup and notice no pronounced puckering. The cup can form to your shape a bit, so not being perfectly round is okay. The cup should be comfortable and not protruding from the vagina. If the stem protrudes, it can be trimmed. If the bottom of the cup protrudes, the cup needs to be placed higher, or is too long for you.
No. Most users wear no back up at all (that’s part of what makes them so amazing and convenient) however, we do recommend wearing backup when you first start wearing a cup for peace of mind and extra protection while you are learning to use the cup.
Every 10-12 hours your cup must be removed and washed. This reflects the experience of someone with an average menstrual cycle (30-60ml total per cycle). If you have a heavier period you will want to remove the cup and empty the contents more frequently. Cups do hold 4-6x more than a single tampon or pad so you will still get to wear it for longer stretches.
It will make a sloshing noise. JUST kidding. Cups can be worn safely for up to 12 hours but we recommend checking it after 4 or so when you first start using a cup. Within a few cycles you’ll have a better understanding of your flow and how often you need to empty it.
Not usually. In some cases removing the cup causes discomfort or even some pain since it’s not folded the way it is on insertion. If this happens try removing the cup (while over a toilet or in the shower) at an angle. The opening of the cup should be diagonal as you remove versus straight up and down. This reduces the overall width at removal.
Fuck yes! Because the cup doesn’t absorb fluids, it is perfectly safe to put in if you think your period could show up. We might argue that this is one of the best things about a cup.
There is no right age to begin using a menstrual cup- it’s completely up to the user’s comfort.
“Breaking your hymen” or “popping your cherry” is a bit of a myth. The hymen is just a piece of skin that can stretch and also heal… so to speak. The hymen can be altered by regular activities and the usage of a cup is no different. See video below for more about the hymen myth.
Yes. As we answered in the question above about hymens you can wear a cup even if you haven’t yet had penetrative sex or even tried penetrative forms of masturbation.
Uhhh… not really but also some people do. Helpful, right? The short answer is no. The cup is not designed to be worn during penetrative sex… however, the vagina is magical and can accommodate quite a lot when aroused.
Oh yes! In fact, we highly encourage it. External clitoral stimulation of all kinds work great (and orgasms relieve cramps we hear). You may find that some internal methods work as well but cups do occupy most of your real estate and were not designed to be worn during penetrative intercourse or toy play.
Play safely friends.
Yes! Cups do not inhibit any normal functions — with exception to sex (as seen above). If you find that your cup moves down from having a bowel movement, it can be nudged up to be back in place. Cups with a firmer base are great for this.
Yes! One of our founders is the proud owner of a retroverted (or tipped/tilted) uterus. So long as the cup can sit below the cervical opening to catch flow, you are all good.
Yes. Depending on how low your cervix is, you will want to choose a cup with a shorter length and possibly a wider diameter to accommodate a cervix that likes to dip into the cup. Our menstrual cup comparison chart is a great tool for this.
Yes. Not sure how this weird rumor got started, but we have heard that cups cannot be work with endometriosis because of menstrual backflow. That is a myth and we’re sad to know it exists because there is anecdotal evidence that cups may actually help relieve some symptoms (perhaps simply by not further irritating the area like other products do).
Most likely, yes, but it may require some patience (and well worth it). We have heard from users that a softer cup in small to medium size works best. Firmer cups may be painful and the muscles may cause them to pucker and leak. When inserting, a silicone safe lubricant will help. For removal, bearing down (like a bowel movement), pinch the base of the cup, and then gently pull down while rocking it back and forth.
It’s worth noting that users who were unable to wear tampons, due to discomfort, have reported being able to successfully use a cup.
Yes, however it is very important that you remain aware of your strings and pinch the base of the cup when removing to break the suction/seal. This should be done for all cup users but it’s especially important for those with an IUD.
Yes. When looking for your cup you may want to consider a cup with a higher capacity to accommodate larger clots.
We don’t know of any studies to support this, but we have heard from lots of happy cup users that their periods have either lightened or shortened in length.
We have heard from cup users that say they experience less painful or no cramps. This would make sense because cups don’t introduce anything that would further irritate the area but we don’t know of any studies to prove this as fact.
Most likely, yes. Cups and tampons are both internal devices, but that’s where the similarities end. Tampons are rough, drying, and irritating – which can be painful when worn and removed. Cups are smooth, do not absorb vaginal moisture, and do not have irritants to leave behind. Many people have told us that they were unable to use tampons but comfortably wear a cup.
NO WAY! Due to internal tearing during labor and delivery any internal device is a risk for infection. Besides…. OUCH.
Absolutely! And because menstrual cups have no strings you can feel confident knowing that nothing is hanging out. Some people do report that water gets into their cups (likely due to the muscles used during their watery exercises pushing the cup enough for some to get in) but this won’t harm anything and can obviously be emptied easily.
We can’t speak from experience, but we have heard from several people who have either taken scuba lessons with their cup in or gone diving (both cases under high pressure) with no issues.
Yes! Running (and any exercise) is great while wearing a cup. If you are very active you may prefer a firmer cup, as these stay in place better against any muscle contractions made while exercising.
A select number of brands are available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and health food stores. Online you will find a wider variety of cups but it can be harder to know which brands are legitimate. If shopping online your best bet is to use our Compare and Shop Tool which also includes discount coupons for some brands.
Compared to the price of a box of tampons, we understand that there can be some sticker shock. Menstrual cups range in price from $15 – $40, making it possible to try a couple of cups for under $50 (if your first one isn’t a winner). Keep in mind your cup lasts several years, which will pay for itself multiple times over. Be sure to take our menstrual cup quiz to reduce your chances of having to buy more than one cup.
You only need one cup at a time. Simply remove, dump contents, wash, and replace.
Generally speaking one cup will work for an entire cycle. In some cases a person will opt to have two cups either because their cervical height changes drastically or their flow is extremely heavy at one point of their cycle.
Absolutely not! If so we wouldn’t exist. Every person’s needs are different and luckily the menstrual cup market has something that will work for just about everyone, which is where our resources come in!
Yes. Be sure that you are aware of the brand and ask the seller to boil the cup before sending (if they haven’t already stated it). Once you receive it, boil again and it’s good to go.
No. Both devices are worn internally and catch flow, but the shape and fit are entirely different. We suggest taking our quiz before purchasing a cup. This will help you narrow down your choices and minimize your financial investment.
No. Softcups and FLEX are menstrual discs. They fit very differently.
Very cheap menstrual cups do exist (Rebel Kate “free for shipping” or cups less than $5 on eBay) but these prices are too good to be true. Those cups are not using FDA cleared silicone and/or are often so flimsy and thin they don’t work as well as better quality brands. We know budgets are real but trust us, stick to reputable cups. Try our Shop and Compare tool.
We do not recommend this as most of these cups are not made with FDA cleared materials and may not be safe (even for short term use). These cups are often thinner and flimsy and therefore do not work as well as better made cups.
Most brands boast that their cups last 10+ years (which is true!) and others suggest you replace yearly. We suggest replacing your cup only when it shows signs of deterioration, like becoming chalky, cracked, or sticky. A stained cup does not need to be replaced simply due to discoloration.
We suggest replacing your cup only when it shows signs of deterioration, like becoming chalky, cracked, or sticky. A stained cup does not need to be replaced simply due to discoloration.
No. You may be familiar with the risk of TSS associated with tampons, which is due to their materials and the environment for bacteria that they can foster. These conditions are not created with cups. TSS is a risk if the bacteria (most commonly Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph)) can enter the bloodstream. There have been just two reported cases of TSS alongside (not caused by) the use of a cup when a woman scratched the inside of her vagina and the cup was not worn as directed. You can read a lot more about TSS and menstrual cups here.
No, and they may even help alleviate the risk. These conditions can be response to an upset in the vaginal environment. If you do get an infection, be sure to boil your cup to prevent reintroducing the infection.
Yes. Silicone is not a form of rubber or latex and is safe to use for those with a latex allergy. Avoid rubber and latex cups, like The Keeper.
Yes! Because the cup does not absorb or disrupt the vaginal environment it is safe to wear before your period starts — or when you’re having particularly heavy fluid days.
Cups can be safely worn for up to 12 hours. If you do forget and wear it longer, change it as soon as you remember. Cups do not create the toxic environment that tampons can but they still need to be changed as directed.
You may be interested to know that medical grade silicone refers to silicone and dye that has been tested to be safe for implantation in the human body for several weeks. Basically this means that they are thoroughly tested for safety at extreme lengths that you would never intentionally replicate.
This is up to you, but we would like to point out that cadmium levels can vary widely in the foods and beverages we consume daily. According to cadmium.org, “Leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach, and certain staples such as potatoes and grain foods, exhibit relatively high values from 30 to 150 ppb. Peanuts, soybeans and sunflower seeds also exhibit naturally high values of cadmium with seemingly no adverse health effects. Meat and fish normally contain lower cadmium contents, from 5 to 40 ppb.”
The levels reported by one helpful, but sometimes alarmist, website are between 11 ppm and 22 ppm, which are considered low and trace. Silicone is made from stones, where cadmium occurs naturally. If you’re interested in how silicone is made, this video https://youtu.be/YxiNp7oQtuA?t=34s goes into great depth on the subject.
No! The myth that we’ve most often heard is that there is some form of menstrual fluid back-flow caused my menstrual cups that leads to Endometriosis. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known and ‘retrograde menstruation’ is one theory, however it’s not possible for menstrual blood to flow back into the uterus from the menstrual cup. It’s perfectly safe to use a cup and avoiding the toxins in traditional products may actually help and be less aggravating for your whole pelvic region. All of this said, if you have any concerns at all, you should talk to your physician.
Soap and water, that’s it! You should be washing your cup at least once every 10-12 hours (if you empty the cup more often than this you can opt to simply replace the cup without washing but it’s up to you). Use hot water and a vagina friendly soap or look for washes specifically formulated for cups.
No. Boiling cups is not necessary for normal use as long you are properly washing your cup. If you’ve had any sort of infection then you would want to sanitize the cup before using it again.
To boil your cup we suggest placing it inside of a metal whisk and resting that in a boiling pot of water for 1-2 minutes. There is no reason you can’t use the same kitchen utensils you use for food.
Yes, if you would like to sanitize the cup without boiling you can looks for collapsible silicone menstrual cup sanitizers or use the microwavable breast pump part bags. Milton Sterilizing Tablets are also safe to use and affordable. Do not place your menstrual cup in the dishwasher.
Stains may be unsightly but are part of using a menstrual cup. If they bother you, a hydrogen peroxide soak (3% solution as sold in most pharmacies and grocery stores) overnight should remove all traces of any stains. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub any stubborn spots around suction holes and raised grips. Please note many brands recommend against this, but we feel it’s ok to do infrequently.
Not likely. Unless you have a forceful and very heavy flow it’s very unlikely that any blood will be dripping down in the small amount of time it takes to wash your cup. If you do find this is the case you can wear liners as backup and pull your underwear back up during your washing. Other ideas in this video below.
If you find yourself in a public stall without access to your own personal sink you can remove your cup, dump contents, and wipe the cup rim with toilet paper. Wash as usual when you are back home. There are also portable single use cup wipes available to keep in your purse if you choose. If you do have access to a sink in the public bathroom use only water and not the public soap since you won’t know what ingredients are in it that could potentially be too harsh.
No. Standard body scanners only scan through clothing and do not penetrate the body — so no cup or other internal device can be seen.
The consensus is that you should only wash your cup with potable (drinkable) water. If you have enough to spare use bottled water or if you have a way to boil the water, do this first. See this discussion for other ideas and advice.
If the cup is still usable but it’s just not working for you there are swap/for sale groups (PACII Cup Swap) where someone else may want it. If you’re disposing of your cup because it’s old and in need of replacing you can either burn the cup until it’s ashes (totally safe) or look for a place that will recycle it for you (Ruby Cup accepts cups for this purpose).
Most brands include a small cotton pouch to store the cup in. If you are choosing your own bag be sure it’s breathable for long term storage (PUL waterproof bags are ok for short stints in your purse).
No. You can buy and wear a cup at any age. Your body is your own and you get to decide what period protection you want. Hopefully your parents are supportive but if they aren’t just know we are here to help.
Yes. Even though we are not are medical professionals we know more than most OB/GYN’s when it comes to menstrual cups. Together we decades of cup/disc/period experience. We have also collected information from others through years of in person and online classes, appearances, and discussion.
Take all of this advice under consideration but do weigh it against your own good sense. You can also look at other reputable websites (most brands have their own FAQ pages but these reflect their own biases and restrictions) and join menstrual cup groups.
We hear this from time to time, and the answer is simply, no. Your vagina and all of the tissues in and around it are quite elastic. It’s been a long-held myth that sexual activity (among other things) will stretch you out and make your vagina “loose” — we are assuming that is at least part of where this question comes from. The reality is that all vaginas and vulvas are different. Some are more roomy and have more folds than others because it’s how they were made – not because of your choice of menstrual device.
111 Responses
I have been using a XO flo for a few years now pretty successfully. I almost never have cramps or pain during my period. But today (3rd day of my cycle), I put my cup in (felt like it always does) and went to do yard work. All of a sudden I started to feel really uncomfortable in my pelvic area. I thought maybe I was passing a big blood clot, and went back to yard work. It just kept getting worse and was starting to feel like my cervix was dilating like I was in labor (but there’s 0 chance I’m pregnant). The pain was getting pretty bad, so I decided I needed take my cup out. I go to take the cup out and my cervix is absolutely throbbing and the more I try to take it out, the more it hurts. It feels like the cup won’t stop suction and the more I try the more it hurts. I have a very, very high pain tolerance and this was pretty significant pain, felt similar to labor or stabbing feeling. I finally summon all the resolve I can give it and get the cup out. I thought I would find a big blood clot and the usual thick dark blood at this point in my period. But this blood was bright red and very thin. My cervix still feels a bit tender even though this happened about 10 hours ago. But I haven’t had the severe pain again. Now, I’m afraid to use my cup again because I have no idea what was wrong.
I do not use social media, and I don’t know anyone who might have an answer to this question. Could you share any insight you might have about this? What happened?
Hi, I just got my first cup (a small Saalt cup) and while I did a lot of research beforehand and I didn’t feel at all scared, I felt very faint once I got it in. I frequently get that “oh I just stood up and now everything’s dark” feeling, but this was completely different, I removed it as quickly as I could but it still got worse, I was sweating, chilled, and retching a bit and I actually slid off of the toilet somehow and I’m not honestly sure I was conscious the whole time (I think it lasted about ten minutes after getting the cup out). It was very painful and difficult to insert, but so is anything for me (I’m 15 and a virgin, and I’ve only used a tampon twice) so that didn’t surprise me. Has anyone else experienced something like this? I really want to make cups work for me and I’m probably going to try again later, but if anyone knows the reason for this I’d love to know if I have a chance at making this work or not.
*By removing it quickly I mean i got it out as soon as I could, I did break the suction and all that
I really want menstrual cups to work out for me. I’ve only used pads before and they’re so uncomfortable and wasteful. I’m just having so much trouble inserting the cup, and I’m not sure what my problem is. I have diva cup size 1 and I don’t know if it’s too big or firm, if I might have a low cervix, I’m too tense when trying to insert it, or I’m just not doing it right. I took the quiz on here and it said I should use a Lunette cup, but I don’t want to invest in another cup if my cup may not even be the cause of my problems. I’m really confused and frustrated.
I’m in the same boat! Simply cannot get it to work
I bought a cup a couple years ago and only recently figured out how to successfully insert it. I had only ever used pads before and honestly was completely clueless when it came to my own anatomy (didn’t even understand where I would need to insert the cup!). I completely gave up because I couldn’t insert it (started wondering if I needed a smaller cup) until the past few days when my friend randomly reminded me about cups.
I got mine in by:
(1) using the punch down fold (to get the smallest point of insertion)
(2) lubricating with water
(3) understanding anatomical curvature (inserting angled back towards your butt first, then straightening up once the cup is roughly halfway past your pelvic bone (and maybe even angling forward to get around the pelvic bone))
(4) being patient and relaxing as much as possible
(5) recognizing that your vaginal muscles can be quite adaptive and that you don’t have to fear anything–if you feel pain, try adjusting the angle before you keep pushing up!
(6) once you get it in and opened, simultaneously push the cup straight up while squeezing your vaginal muscles upward and the cup will get sucked up! (The first time it felt very strange and I honestly freaked out and immediately took my cup out; but every time after has been fine, haha. I guess I got used to it really quick?)
Hopefully that helps you with insertion? I’m no expert (I haven’t even gone through one cycle yet), but the above were steps and encouragement I wish someone had spelled out for me a couple years ago!
Don’t give up! I don’t think I have the right cup for my body, but I’m still quickly falling for menstrual cups!
Maybe buy it from Amazon (but sold by the cup company, of course). If it doesn’t work, you can return it. I have returned to Amazon the Tampax cup, which didn’t work for me. Now I am using the Saalt regular and liking it much better.
Is it possible *no* cup will open if vaginal walls are too strong? I’ve used the Pixie Cup, Lily Cup, and now the Merula. I’ve learned that I have a very high cervix (I cannot touch it), and I have a difficult time feeling the top of any cup to determine if the rim is open. The Merula says that it will catch fluid even if the body of the cup isn’t all the way open, but I’m experiencing leaks even when I hear and feel the cup pop open, I test the seal by tugging on the ladder stem, and I can feel the cup pushing (lightly) on my bladder (especially while peeing). Because the cup itself is so short, I can’t reach the bottom to pinch and/or twist to rotate it to ensure a good seal.
I could never quite tell if the Lily cup was open or not, so I just twisted, tugged, and hoped. After 12 mos, I had so many leaks that I was just not worth it.
The pixie cup was too short for my high cervix (and probably too soft).
Is there another cup or insertion technique I should try?
Also, I can feel the body of the cup once inserted, and it never feels round/bulbous/like it’s open. The Lily cup also always felt like it was in a flat position (meaning not open).
I am using a Diva Cup. I have found it incredibly helpful, especially at night. One thing is, I put it in where I can feel around the rim to make sure it opens. When I go to take it out, about half the time it seems like I have to dig to China to get it out. Is there a way to prevent the cup from riding up? Do I not have a good seal to begin with?
hello menscup team,
is it possible that if u cant reach the cup anymore and u reeaaaly tryed that u can get it out without going to a doctor ??
And how much does a yellow lunette cup stain over the time? i hope not much.
Hello! One way to get it out yourself is to try, and if it doesn’t work, wait 30 minutes, then try again. Also, I have heard that if you wash your cup in cold water first, then switch to warm, you reduce the chance of getting stains. I don’t know if that is true, but it might help!
Thank you for this very exhaustive FAQ!
Note that we recently had a case of TSS in France caused by a menstrual cup (maybe worn too long). It is therefore possible to have TSS because of the menstrual cup. Do not wear it more than 8 hours to be sure.
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Hello, I am having problem inserting cup. Should I push hard to put it inside? I did push it but couldn’t push it harder because it might hurt.
I tried a menstrual cup (the Mooncup) for the first time today and it was fine until I tried removing it. The suction was so intense I felt like I was plunging my uterus through my cervix and it was painful. (Hopefully that did not actually happen but I’m a little worried about it now). I pinched the bottom of the cup as instructed to “break the seal” but that just created more suction/plunging action. What am I doing wrong?
Is it safe to sell a cup that was used? Isnt boiling and peroxide useless against viruses such as hiv or hpv?
This month was my first using Lily Cup. I have uterine fibroids and normally bleed heavy each month. I unfortunately, had to change my Lily cup within 9 hours, is this normal. Did this happen because of fibroids or is the Lily Cup not designed for women with fibroids. The Lily Cup fit well and inserting was fairly easy. I tried the Lily cup to avoid using pads. I had to use pads throughout my cycle for this month.
I welcome recommendations.