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Searching for the right menstrual hygiene product for your period can be overwhelming. There are so many products available, and there’s a lot of information about them. But if you’re looking for a product that works better for your budget, your body, or the planet, a menstrual cup could be the way to go.
A menstrual cup — or period cup — is a small, flexible cup that you put inside your vagina during your period. It’s easy to use, affordable, and reusable. A menstrual cup also produces less waste than tampons and pads.
This guide covers what you need to know about menstrual cups — from different types of menstrual cups and how to use them to how much they cost and why they might be right for you.
Are all menstrual cups the same?
Menstrual cups come in a few sizes. If you have a heavier flow, a larger cup might be the way to go. They’re also made in different shapes, including V-shaped cups, bell-shaped cups, and round cups. You may need to try more than one size or shape to find the cup that works for your body and your menstrual cycle.
What is a menstrual cup made of?
Many menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone. Silicone is biocompatible, so it’s safe to use on the skin and in the body. Other menstrual cups might be made of rubber, like latex. If you’re allergic to latex, choose a menstrual cup made of silicone.
Stemmed vs. unstemmed
Some menstrual cups have a thin bottom part called a stem. Both the cup and the stem should be inside your vagina. The stem can make it easier to take out the cup. Some people find the stem irritating and instead choose an unstemmed cup. You can also trim the stem to make it more comfortable for you.
How does a menstrual cup work?
Menstrual cups catch and collect your menstrual fluid, unlike tampons and pads, which absorb it. When the cup is full, you take it out. After you empty and clean the cup, you can put it back in.
How do you use a menstrual cup?
Before you use your cup for the first time, take it out of the packaging and wash it with soap and water.
Inserting a menstrual cup
Before putting in your menstrual cup, wash your hands. Once your hands and cup are clean, here’s what you do:
- If you want to make the cup easier to insert, you can put water-based lubricant on the rim or use water to wet the cup.
- With the rim side up, fold the menstrual cup tightly.
- Insert the cup in your vagina in the same way you would a tampon without an applicator. Some people with periods find it easier to insert the cup while squatting, raising one leg, or sitting on the toilet.
- Slide the folded cup in toward your tailbone at a diagonal angle.
After the cup is inside, it should open and rest against the walls of your vagina. If it feels uncomfortable or doesn’t open, try rotating it. When the cup is inserted correctly, you shouldn’t feel it.
Removing a menstrual cup
Removing a menstrual cup can be messy. It also may seem difficult at first and take you a few attempts you get the hang of removing it. The more you practice, the better you’ll be at removing a menstrual cup. You can simply and safely remove it by following these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Sit on the toilet or squat in a comfortable position.
- Put your index finger and thumb into your vagina and find the bottom of the cup. If you’re using a stemmed cup, don’t pull the stem. The bottom will be just above the stem.
- Gently pinch the bottom of the cup to break the seal and remove it.
- If it’s not coming out, tighten your pelvic muscles to push the cup down, and then reach up and pinch the base.
- After the cup is out, hold it upright to avoid spills.
- Empty the cup in the toilet.
- Wash it out with soap and water.
How often do you have to empty a menstrual cup?
You can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours. That means you can wear it up to 3 times longer than tampons and pads, which you need to remove every 4 to 6 hours. When you think about it that way, menstrual cups may make your life easier.
Can you pee while wearing a menstrual cup?
Yes, you can pee when wearing a menstrual cup. The cup doesn’t block your urethra. That’s the tube that carries urine out of your bladder.
How long does a menstrual cup last?
Many tampons and pads are disposable, but menstrual cups last anywhere from 6 months to 10 years.1 A single person who menstruates will use somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 pads and tampons in their lifetime — so using a menstrual cup can help reduce period waste.2
How expensive are menstrual cups?
The average price of a menstrual cup is between $20 and $40, while the average pack of tampons costs $7.21.3 If you can afford a menstrual cup, it could save you about $50 to $65 a year on tampons. And the longer your menstrual cup lasts, the more money you save.
Is a menstrual cup safer than tampons or pads?[
Unfortunately, some menstrual products may come with health risks. A recent study found arsenic and lead in organic and nonorganic tampons from over a dozen popular brands.4 Researchers haven’t studied the effects these chemicals have on your vagina or body — but lead exposure isn’t safe and can cause reproductive health issues in women. Many menstrual cups are made from biocompatible materials like silicone, so choosing a cup may be safer. If you decide you don’t want a menstrual cup, you may want to look for tampons or pads that are nontoxic.
What are the disadvantages of using menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups are affordable and good for the environment, but no menstrual product is perfect. If you decide to use a menstrual cup, here are some challenges you might face:
- Trouble finding the right fit
- Difficulty inserting or removing the cup
- Cleaning the cup in public restrooms
- Being allergic to the cup
- Dealing with vaginal irritation
Other natural or eco-friendly period products
If a menstrual cup doesn’t sound like the right fit for you, there are other eco-friendly menstrual products you can explore. Here’s a short list:
- Period underwear
- Menstrual discs
- Reusable pads
Your comfort matters most
It’s important to find the menstrual cup — or the right combination of menstrual hygiene products — that makes you feel comfortable. That may take time and a little trial and error. Fortunately, more companies are creating menstrual hygiene products that are better for the wallets and wellness of people with periods.
You can find more information on topics ranging from breast health to birth control at kp.org/womenshealth.