Do you use tampons, but prefer the idea of reusable period protection? Then menstrual cups could be right for you.
Do you use tampons, but prefer the idea of reusable period protection? Then menstrual cups could be right for you.
Menstrual cups can be a safe, reliable and sustainable choice for your periods. So read on to get the answers to all your menstrual cup questions – including what they are, how they work, and how you use and clean them.
While tampons are made of absorbent cotton to soak up your
blood, reusable menstrual cups are made of flexible rubber or silicone. Like a tampon, you push them into your vagina, but they collect your menstrual blood rather than absorbing it.Here are the key things you need to know:
If you’re comfortable using tampons, you’ll probably be more at ease with menstrual cups. But it can still take a bit of time and trial and error to get used to inserting, positioning and removing a cup correctly.
A menstrual cup doesn’t come with an applicator, so you need to use your fingers. As it’s made from flexible material, it shouldn’t hurt or feel uncomfortable to insert.
While you get used to using a cup, you may also want to wear a back-up pad at first, in case of leaks.
You should take note of the instructions that come with your particular cup, but you can generally follow these steps.
How often you need to remove your menstrual cup to empty it will depend partly on your flow, which varies from person to person – as well as varying from day to day during your period. You’ll need to empty it more frequently on heavier flow days, for example.
Some manufacturers say a cup can be worn for up to 12 hours. But many recommend emptying it at least every 4 to 8 hours, in line with the official safety recommendations for tampons.
When you first start using a cup, you’ll probably want to remove it more often, to check how full it is. Over time, you’ll get to know how long you can leave it before you need to empty it. But never go for more than 12 hours without removing and cleaning your cup.
Again, you should check the instructions about how to remove your particular cup, but in general you can follow these steps.
It’s essential to keep your menstrual cup clean to avoid bacteria, which can lead to infections. You should:
Check the instructions that come with your cup, as the best way to care for it can vary depending on the material.
You don’t need to sterilise your cup while you’re using it during your period, but you should wash it between uses before reinserting it – either just with water or with a mild, unscented, water-based soap.
Before you pack away your cup until your next period, sterilise it by following these steps.
Research shows that menstrual cups are a safe and effective option for period protection. Here are some other reasons to try them:
There can also be downsides to using a menstrual cup – though if you’re aware of them, they’re less likely to cause problems:
Menstrual cups are generally safe to use, but they’re not suitable for everyone. See your doctor for advice if:
You should also see a doctor if you think you have
. Although these symptoms can be caused by something else – such as the flu – it’s important to get them checked. You should go to the emergency department or call an ambulance if:Find more useful information on periods with our .
Menstrual cups are generally safe and complications are rare. However, as with tampons, using a menstrual cup may carry a very small risk of
. This is a rare but life-threatening condition, which can happen if bacteria get into your body and release toxins.You can reduce your risk by following good hygiene when using and cleaning your menstrual cup. But as TSS needs immediate medical attention, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms, which include:
A scientific review of studies into general menstrual cup safety found that:
Most cups can hold more blood than a ‘super’ tampon – but the capacity depends on the brand and size of cup you choose.
They usually come in 2 sizes. In general, a small/medium cup can hold 10 to 30ml, while a large cup can hold 30 to 50ml of blood. You may need to try a few options, so you can get to know what works for you.
Due to their large capacity, menstrual cups may be a good option for
.Once it’s inserted into your vagina, your menstrual cup will create an airtight seal. This means it shouldn’t leak, as long as you empty it regularly. How often you need to empty it will depend on your flow.
No. If it’s inserted correctly, your menstrual cup will be secure, yet easy to remove by following the steps outlined above.
Menstrual cups generally come in 2 sizes (or sometimes 3), which can be referred to as small and medium, 1 and 2, or A and B.
Different brands offer different sizes, so you may need to try a few before you find your ideal fit. Some brands even offer free exchanges if you want to try a different size.
Your menstrual flow (light or heavy) can help you decide what size of cup you need. Other things to consider include your age, whether you’ve had a baby, and the height of the top of your vagina (cervix).
Some manufacturers recommend a smaller cup if you’re under 30 and you haven’t given birth vaginally, and a larger cup if you’re over 30 or you’ve had a vaginal birth.
Other brands recommend checking if you have a high or low cervix – which is at the top of your vagina. To do this, you can put your longest finger into your vagina. If your finger touches your cervix when only about half of it is in your vagina, you have a low cervix – and a smaller cup may be better for you. If your finger goes almost all the way in before reaching your cervix, you have a high cervix – and you should try a larger cup.
Reusable menstrual cups can last between 5 and 10 years if you look after them properly. It’s time to get a new cup if you notice signs of wear and tear, such as deep stains or an odour, flaking, tears or cracks, or if you start to get leaks.
As mentioned above, some manufacturers say their cups can be worn for up to 12 hours. So if this is the case, you should be able to safely use your cup overnight.
However, you should always follow the instructions for when to empty and rinse your particular cup – some brands recommend emptying them every 4 to 8 hours. Obviously, this also depends on your flow – if your cup gets full sooner, you’ll need to empty it to avoid leaks.
No. The cup sits in your vagina to catch your period blood. You pee out of a seperate hole, called your urethra. A third hole – your anus – is used for pooing. So going to the toilet shouldn’t affect your menstrual cup.
If you’re using a public toilet, you may need to wash your cup in a communal sink. Some people prefer to carry a bottle of water or wipes, so they can clean their cup in the toilet cubicle.
Once you’ve inserted your menstrual cup correctly, it will be totally out of sight (including the stem) and will provide full waterproof coverage. This makes it ideal for exercise, especially swimming.
Reusable menstrual cups sit low down in your vagina, so can’t be worn during penetrative sex with a penis, fingers or sex toys – so remember to remove your cup before having sex.
Menstrual cups are not a form of birth control (
).If you’re using an
(IUD) or ‘coil’ as contraception, it should be fine to use a menstrual cup at the same time.You may have heard that wearing a cup can dislodge an IUD, but there’s no evidence that cup use leads to an increased risk of this. If you’re concerned, ask your doctor for advice.
Your periods can return within 4 to 8 weeks of giving birth, but you may still have tearing, swelling or discomfort in and around your vagina at this stage. So it’s best to avoid using an internal product such as a cup – it could cause further discomfort, or increase your risk of infection.
It’s a good idea to wait until you’re fully healed, or until you see your doctor at your 6-week postnatal check-up. Your pelvic floor muscles will also be weaker after the birth, so it can be a good idea to wait until they’re stronger before you restart using your menstrual cup.
If you have a miscarriage, you should only use pads – using a menstrual cup or tampons can increase your risk of infection.
Looking for more period protection options? Get the lowdown on other .
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.