Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons and pads, but although most women have heard of them, they haven’t personally tried one or known someone who has.  This makes these rubbery cups somewhat of a mystery in the female world.  We are here to break things down for you.

What Is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is a reusable, insertable cup for menstruation that is meant to be an alternative to tampons and pads.  This cup sits inside the vagina and collects the menstrual blood that flows out during the natural process of menstruation. This tulip shaped, silicone collection cup is removed and reinserted several times a day, and its content can be poured down the toilet.  Menstrual cups are washable, and considered safe to use by doctors and OBGYNs.  Furthermore, they are an attractive option for the environmentally conscious as one cup can replace at least a year’s worth of disposable products like pads or tampons.

Are Menstrual Cups Safe?

Although there has been at one documented case of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) with the menstrual cup (study published in the Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology), the vast majority of people who use cups do not experience any problems.  TSS has been associated with super absorbent tampons in the past, and some of the toxins used in their manufacturing.  In general, both cups and tampons are deemed safe for use.

How Do You Use One?

Although seemingly larger than a tampon, once the cup is inserted, it should barely feel like it’s there. To makes things easier, here’s a quick how to for inserting the cup.  With clean hands, you can fold the cup multiple different ways to make it narrower and make it easier to push up into place.  If this seems like a difficult task, you can use a water based lubricant to help.  When removing the cup, you should again be doing so with clean hands.  Pinch the base of the cup and carefully slide it out, folding the cup as you go.

Are Cups More Convenient?

This is a matter of opinion.  On one hand, you don’t need to change cups as often as you would pads or tampons.  The general rule is changing the cup to drain and wash every 12 hours.  But even so, the danger of leaking is much less than it would be with other modes of menstrual care.  This means not having to carry back up supplies everywhere you go during that time of the month.

What may be inconvenient is emptying the cup, especially if you are in public or not in the safety of your own private bathroom. Bringing wipes and a wash bottle around for changing sessions is not something desirable for many.