What a Menstrual Cup Is and How to Use It

A menstrual cup is a flexible rubber or silicone container that is used during menstruation. Unlike hygienic pads and tampons, cups collect secretions instead of absorbing them. The main advantage of this product is its eco-friendliness, because most cups are reusable.

5-Minute Crafts wants to share what advantages and disadvantages menstrual cups have, how to choose the right one, and how to store them correctly between your cycles.

What advantages do menstrual cups have?

• You won’t have to spend money on disposable hygiene products every month. One cup can be used for at least 1-2 years.

• If you place it correctly you won’t feel the cup and won’t be constrained in your movements.

• The cup is invisible under clothing.

• You can swim and do other athletic activities with the cup in.

• You can wear a cup for 12 hours non-stop.

• The cup collects more secretions than pads and tampons can absorb.

• Menstrual cups are more environmentally-friendly than disposable hygiene products because they don’t end up in landfills after the first use and can be reused over and over again.

What about disadvantages?

• The process of removing the cup and emptying it might bring discomfort.

• Those who are getting their periods for the first time might find it hard to choose the right size and to insert the cup properly.

• The cup should be washed thoroughly after each use.

• A menstrual cup can cause irritation due to wrong placement or movements that are too sharp while removing it.

• A menstrual cup can become the reason you get an infection if you don’t wash it and disinfect it properly.

• Some cups contain latex and are contraindicated for those who are allergic to this material.

• Doctors attribute the use of menstrual cups to risk factors for toxic shock syndrome. It’s a complication that appears due to an accumulation of toxins in the body produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or A-group streptococci.

How to choose a menstrual cup?

Normally, manufacturers produce menstrual cups in 2 sizes: big and small.

Small cups are recommended for women younger than 30, and big ones for women older than 30 or for those who have heavy periods.

Strictly follow the instructions on the cup’s packaging to insert it correctly.

How often should menstrual cups be changed?

Experts recommend emptying menstrual cups every 8-12 hours or more often if they get full. On no account should you leave the cup inside for more than 12 hours. This can cause toxic shock syndrome. You can insert the cup overnight, but make sure to do it right before going to bed and empty it as soon as you get up in the morning.

What to do with the cup in between periods?

After your period is over, wash the cup thoroughly and then boil it for several minutes. Afterward, dry it well.

Some brands sell special bowls for disinfection where you can place a menstrual cup in water and boil it in a microwave oven for 3-4 minutes.

Both methods will help remove bacteria and disinfect the cup before you use it next time.

Most cups are sold with a special case and a bag for storage. If you don’t have one, you can use any fabric bag. Store the cup in a cool and dry place like a chest of drawers.

5-Minute Crafts gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.