by A period cup is a flexible cup made of medical-grade silicon or rubber that a woman inserts into her vagina during her period to catch menstrual fluid instead of using pads or tampons. Period cup collect and hold up to 2-3 times more menstrual fluid than pads or tampons. Unlike pads or tampons, period cup do not need to be changed as frequently, often only needing to be emptied every 6-12 hours.
How Does it Work?
To use a period cup, a woman folds or rolls the cup up small enough to insert into her vagina. Once inside, the cup pops open and creates a seal around the vaginal walls to catch Menstrual Cup fluid. The cup sits low in the vaginal canal, well below the cervix, to collect and hold the flow rather than absorb it like pads or tampons. When full, the woman simply reaches inside, breaks the seal and empties the contents into the toilet before reinserting the now empty cup. Cups come in different sizes so women can choose one that fits their body best.
Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup
Cost Effective: A period cup can last up to 10 years if properly cared for, making it far more affordable than buying pads or tampons every month. On average, a period cup pays for itself after a year or two compared to recurring pad and tampon costs.
Environmentally Friendly: Pads and tampons are not recyclable as they are contaminated after use. This creates hundreds of thousands of tons of waste ending up in landfills each year globally. By choosing a period cup instead, no waste is produced at all.
Comfortable: Once inserted properly, most women report not even feeling the cup is there. It sits lower in the vagina than a tampon and does not cause the drying or irritation sometimes experienced with tampon use. There is no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome from a cup.
Free from Chemicals: Pads and tampons often contain bleach, dyes, fragrances and other chemicals which some women report causing discomfort. Period cup are made from natural, unbleached silicone or rubber free of any additives.
Can Be Worn During Physical Activity: Unlike pads that can slip or tampons that can be uncomfortable during exercise, period cup form a stable seal to stay in place even during rigorous activity like running or swimming. Many athletes choose cups for this reason.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup
Before Period: Carefully read and follow all instructions that come with your cup. Wash your hands before handling. Gently fold or roll the cup into as small a shape as possible for easy insertion.
During Period: To insert, fold or roll the cup and place it into your vaginal opening. Push it up and behind your pubic bone allowing it to pop open inside. You may need to rotate or adjust until the seal is formed.
To remove, break the seal by pinching the base and gently pull out. Empty contents into the toilet. Rinse cup in warm water before reinserting.
Caring for Your Period Cup
Wash your cup with mild, unscented soap each time you empty it. Once your period ends, boil to sterilize before storing. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and keeps your cup clean and fresh each cycle. Store in a dry, dust-free place ready to use next month.
Are There Any Health Risks?
When properly cared for, period cup are very safe for routine use. Some potential risks include irritation or minor cuts from improper insertion and removal. The silicone or rubber material is inert and hypoallergenic for most women, but allergic reactions are possible. Using a cup does not prevent STI transmission or leave any residue that could be felt during intimacy. Overall, period cup present very low health risks compared to pads and tampons for routine period use.
Period cup offer women an affordable, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons. With proper insertion and emptying, cups can be conveniently worn for up to 12 hours at a time. With care and sterilization between cycles, a period cup provides years of sustainable period protection. For women seeking a natural period solution, menstrual cups may be worth considering.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
