Buzz
When it comes to managing your period, pads and tampons aren’t your only choices. Menstrual cups provide an excellent alternative. However, unless you’ve used one yourself or know someone who has, these flexible devices might seem like a mystery. Let’s clear up the confusion.
Understanding Menstrual Cups
A menstrual cup is a reusable option that replaces tampons and pads. It’s designed to be inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. A few times daily, you remove it (be cautious to avoid spills) and empty the contents into the toilet. Since it’s washable, it can be reused for multiple cycles. One cup can eliminate the need for years of disposable menstrual products.
If you’ve never encountered a menstrual cup, think of it as resembling a silicone shot glass in size and texture. However, it typically has a curved base and a small stem for easier handling, making its shape more akin to a truncated wine glass.
Are Menstrual Cups Safer Than Tampons?
Both options are relatively low-risk. However, tampons are better understood in terms of potential risks due to their widespread use, while menstrual cups, though growing in popularity, remain less mainstream. DivaCup, a leading manufacturer, has reportedly sold a million cups. This number is relatively small compared to the vast population of menstruating individuals in the country.
Most users of menstrual cups experience no issues, suggesting they are safe. However, there’s a misconception that cup users are immune to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), the condition highlighted on tampon packaging. This is untrue.
TSS, a severe and uncommon infection, can result in organ failure and even death. In the 1980s, it was linked to a highly absorbent tampon brand. These were removed from the market, and other companies adjusted their products. The FDA mandated warnings about frequent tampon changes. Cases dropped significantly, and TSS has become exceedingly rare once more.
A study in the Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology last year reported the first TSS case tied to a menstrual cup. Dr. Jen Gunter, an obstetrician/gynecologist, notes, “We can no longer assume cups are safer than tampons.” However, both remain very low-risk options.
Another safety concern is whether cups help avoid chemicals found in tampons. Critics highlight dioxins, chemicals from a former tampon bleaching process. However, the FDA’s recent patient alert states that manufacturers must test for dioxins, and no detectable levels have been found.
Menstrual cup enthusiasts often criticize “toxins” in pads and tampons, but there’s no credible evidence to fear disposables. These so-called toxins are either outdated (like dioxins), fictional (like the asbestos urban legend), or exaggerated claims (similar to juice cleanse rhetoric). In short, neither cups nor tampons pose significant known health risks.
Are Menstrual Cups More Eco-Friendly?
Using a menstrual cup significantly reduces waste compared to going through numerous pads or tampons each month. On the surface, this makes cups an environmentally friendly choice.
However, let’s put things into perspective: menstrual products account for only 0.5% of the waste you generate in your lifetime. While switching to a cup helps reduce your environmental footprint, focusing on the remaining 99.5% of your waste can have a far greater impact. There’s no need to feel guilty about your period products when there are bigger areas to address.
Are Menstrual Cups Cost-Effective?
Menstrual cups typically cost between $20 and $40, depending on the brand. While the initial investment may seem high, the long-term savings are substantial if it eliminates the need for pads or tampons. (For example, a $7 box of tampons purchased monthly adds up to $84 annually—though costs and usage vary.)
In reality, expenses might be higher. If your first cup isn’t a perfect fit, you might use comparison tools like this one to find a better option. Some users prefer having a backup cup, doubling the cost. Additionally, while leaks are rare, they can happen, so you might still need a thin pad or pantiliner for added security.
Eventually, you’ll need to replace your menstrual cup. DivaCup recommends purchasing a new one every year, while Mooncup claims their product can last “for years and years.” Over time, the material may degrade, and your body might change as well. While the total cost of using cups exceeds the initial $30, it remains significantly lower than the expense of disposable products over the same period.
Are Menstrual Cups More Convenient?
Convenience is subjective and depends on various factors.
Cups typically require fewer changes. Fans of menstrual cups often praise them for being low-maintenance, as they can hold a substantial amount of blood before leaking becomes a concern. Unlike tampons, which the FDA advises changing every eight hours, cup manufacturers often suggest a 12-hour window. However, whether this is ideal remains uncertain.
You likely won’t need to carry extra supplies constantly. If you need to empty the cup, you can do so on the spot. However, if you prefer using backup pads, you’ll still need those. Additionally, carrying wipes or a water bottle for cleaning the cup might be necessary.
Emptying the cup can be a hassle. In a restroom with stalls, the process involves dumping the cup, pulling up your pants, washing it in the sink, and then returning to the stall to reinsert it. In a porta-potty, the situation is similar but without access to a sink. In such cases, most manufacturers suggest emptying the cup, wiping it with toilet paper, and reinserting it. Proper cleaning is recommended as soon as possible, but in situations like camping, this might not be feasible. This is where wipes or a water bottle become handy for cleaning the cup when a sink isn’t available.
Keeping track of the cup when not in use can also be challenging. If you’re accustomed to having tampons and pads stashed in your purse, bathroom, car, gym bag, and other places, relying on a single menstrual cup can feel stressful. (Of course, you can still keep backup pads and tampons on hand for emergencies.)
Some users boil their cup between cycles for sterilization, though this may not be necessary. If you prefer not to use your cooking pot, a microwave sterilizer bag designed for baby bottles can work. Always refer to your cup’s instructions—for instance, the Keeper’s material may degrade faster with frequent boiling.
I’m Not Ashamed of My Period. Should I Use a Cup?
You’re not obligated to, but there’s a compelling feminist perspective worth considering. Jane Hu discusses this in Slate: it’s demeaning to women to treat periods (and period blood, or inserting fingers into the vagina for routine care) as something shameful. Traditional pad and tampon companies reinforce this stigma with euphemisms and an emphasis on discretion.
However, this has little to do with the cup itself. While you become more aware of the color and volume of your flow, ultimately, you’re simply selecting a method to manage the blood you already know is there. It might feel refreshing to support a company that embraces menstruation as natural and beautiful, rather than one that uses vague, confusing advertising. But remember, this is marketing. It’s fine to make informed choices with your purchases, but your vagina remains indifferent.
How Do I Use a Menstrual Cup?
At first glance, it might seem daunting, especially if you’re accustomed to slim tampons. Keep in mind that your vagina is designed to handle something as large as a baby, so a small, flexible cup is no challenge. Once inserted, a cup feels similar to a tampon—you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
Before diving into the details, a note: if you have a prolapsed uterus or an unusually shaped vagina, a cup (or even tampons) might not fit comfortably. There’s no shame in sticking with pads if they work better for you. You might also hear concerns about using a cup with an IUD, but it’s generally safe to use both. Consult your gynecologist for confirmation.
That said, if you experience difficulty or discomfort with the cup, it’s often a solvable issue. There’s a learning curve when starting with a cup. Here are the key skills to master:
Inserting the cup. Start with clean hands, fold the cup to narrow it, and gently push it into position. Here are some insertion tips, and the video above demonstrates folding techniques. A water-based lubricant can help if you need extra ease during insertion.
Ensuring it’s secure. Once released, the cup should unfold (you might hear a “pop!”) and stay in place. A slight twist or gentle tug can confirm it’s properly positioned.
Removing the cup. With clean hands, pinch the base to break the suction, then carefully slide it out while folding it slightly. The video below illustrates this method.
One of the biggest advantages of menstrual cups is the abundance of advice available. People absolutely adore discussing their experiences with cups. There’s even a dedicated community that began on livejournal in 2002 and remains active today. Cup manufacturers are also typically eager to assist with any questions.
How Do I Choose the Correct Size?
Most brands provide two sizes, suggesting the larger one for older individuals or those who have given birth. However, since everyone’s anatomy is unique, these recommendations may not always be accurate.
There’s no foolproof method to determine the perfect cup size, as no specific measurement guarantees a fit. However, if your current cup feels too long, wide, or narrow, you can use this comparison tool by Amanda at Eco Friendly Family, who also created the chart above. Her page includes detailed measurements for each brand and a visual slider to compare models, such as whether the FemmyCycle Low Cervix is smaller than the MeLuna Shorty.
As the chart illustrates, each brand offers multiple sizes, but switching shapes requires changing brands. The chart doesn’t highlight material differences, which can affect usability. Softer cups are easier to insert but may shift more easily. Some brands use different materials for various sizes. For complete customization, MeLuna stands out, allowing you to choose from a range of materials, sizes, heights, and handle types.
The handle is primarily for easier retrieval if the cup sits high in the vagina. If you can reach the cup comfortably, the handle isn’t essential. If your cup fits well but the stem is too long, simply trim it with scissors.
While menstrual cups may differ from traditional products, they’re an excellent choice for those seeking a reusable option and willing to navigate the learning curve. Now that you understand how they work, you can decide if they’re worth trying during your next cycle.
Illustration by Jim Cooke. Photo of cup in hand by menstruationstasse.net. Comprehensive chart by Amanda at The Eco Friendly Family.
