When you think of your period, two options typically come to mind: tampons or pads. But a third option exists: menstrual cups. If you ever wondered "What is a menstrual cup?" or how the heck to use it, we're here to fill you in.
We're answering all your questions about menstrual cups with the help of Dr. Vanessa Cullins, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist and vice president of external medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Let's dive in.
1. What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is exactly what it sounds like: a flexible cup that women can insert into their vagin*s in order to collect their menstrual flow. They're made of latex rubber or silicone, and they come in reusable or disposable varieties.
2. How do you use a menstrual cup?
Wash your hands and get into the position that’s most comfortable for you. "Many women squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with their knees apart," Dr. Cullins says. "To insert a cup, you usually fold or squeeze it so it’s easier to put in your vagin*. Follow the directions that came with your cup and practice when you are not bleeding to find the best way to put the cup in.”
You'll know you're inserting it correctly and using the right sized cup "if you don’t feel it in your vagin* and when there is no leakage and the cup is only partially full when you remove it," Dr. Cullins says. "If the cup is very full and you have leakage, you probably just need to remove and empty the cup more often."
"It may take a couple of periods to get it right. You can wear a pad as a backup while you’re learning to correctly place the cup," she suggests. (Note that you cannot wear a tampon and menstrual cup at the same time.)
3. Where do I buy a menstrual cup? And which menstrual cup do I choose?
All menstrual cups are not created equally. "In general, younger women (usually aged 30 or younger) and women who have never given birth vagin*lly are recommended a smaller cup," Dr. Cullins says.
If you're 18-30, try using DivaCup Model 1.
Want options? Try the Dutchess Cup.
This reusable cup comes in red, pink, purple, white, and blue (pictured). duch*ess Cup offers two sizes: pre-childbirth and post-childbirth.
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Dutchess Cup
If you're under 18, try using DivaCup Model 0.
Size matters. These menstrual cups are specially designed for smaller vagin*s.
Have a heavy period? Try DivaCup Model 2.
Age, of course, is just one part of the equation when it comes to finding the best menstrual cup for your body. Regardless of age, if you're using a small cup and have heavy a menstrual flow or experience leakage, you may want to consider a larger cup (as long as it's comfortable during insertion, and you don't feel it once it's inside your body).
DivaCup Model 2
Don't want to mess with cleaning a reusable menstrual cup? Try a disposable Softdisc.
Softdisc
4. Why use a menstrual cup (instead of tampons or pads)?
There are a few reasons someone might want to switch to a menstrual cup. One obvious reason is that it’s better for the environment, since a single menstrual cup is reusable for many years and therefore drastically reduces waste. Some women find menstrual cups more comfortable than pad or tampons. And, from an economic standpoint, reusable menstrual cups save you money in the long-term since they last for years.
5. Do menstrual cups hurt or feel uncomfortable?
Many people can't feel their cups at all once they’re inserted, Dr. Cullins says, and it shouldn't be painful when you insert it, either (though it might take more practice to use than a tampon or pad). In fact, most people are able to forget they have it in, thanks to the flexible silicone that warms up to match your body heat.
6. How do you remove a menstrual cup?
"Some menstrual cups have a 'stem' that can be pulled for removal; others are removed by hooking a finger around the rim," Dr. Cullins explains. "Sometimes the menstrual cup causes a suction seal that makes it more difficult to remove. Try not to get nervous if this happens."
