Menstrual cups

A menstrual cup is a type of feminine hygiene product which is made of flexible medical grade silicone, worn inside the vagina during menstruation to catch menstrual fluid (blood containing uterine lining). Menstrual cups are shaped like a bell with a stem. Every 4–12 hours (depending on the design and the amount of flow), a cup needs to be removed and emptied, then washed and reinserted. Once a month menstrual cups should be sterilized, usually by boiling in water.

Manufacturers have different recommendations for when to replace menstrual cups, but in general they can be reused for five years or more. Menstrual cups are promoted as more practical, cheaper, and eco-friendly than pads and tampons. Unlike tampons and pads, cups collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.

The majority of menstrual cup brands on the market are selling reuasable cups, rather than disposable cups, which is therefore the focus of this article.

Menstrual cups are bell-shaped. Most brands use medical grade silicone as the material for the menstrual cup, although latex is also an option. Menstrual cups made from silicone are generally designed to last for 1-5 years. Some brands recommend replacement each year.

Most menstrual cup brands sell a smaller and a larger size. The smaller size is recommended for women under 30 who have not given birth vaginally. The larger size is recommended for women who are over 30, have given birth vaginally, or have an unusually heavy flow. Cups with an even smaller size are recommended for teenagers, as well as menstruating women and girls who are more physically fit, as those with stronger pelvic floor muscles may find a larger cup uncomfortable. Length also needs to be considered: if a female's cervix sits particularly low, she may want to use a shorter cup. For example, the Meluna Shorty, FemmyCycle Low Cervix, or the LilyCup Compact. Capacity is important to women who have a heavier flow. The average menstrual cup holds around 30 ml. Some cups are designed to be larger and hold 37-42 ml. However, all cups currently available have a larger capacity than a regular tampon, which is 10-12 ml.

A final consideration in selecting a menstrual cup is firmness or flexibility. Some companies offer a range of firmness levels in their cups. A firmer cup pops open more easily after insertion and may hold a more consistent seal against the vaginal wall (preventing leaks), but many women find softer cups more comfortable.

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