SHOULD WOMEN WEAR PROTECTIVE CUPS? (2024)

Posted by Ben Thye ·

SHOULD WOMEN WEAR PROTECTIVE CUPS? (1)

Everyone has seen it. A guy takes a hard hit to the balls in sports and we all groan and think “Wow, I hope he had his athletic cup on”.

But what about women?

Certain sports present issues for both sexes. Consider martial arts. Kicking is not only encouraged, it’s required. Both sexes can (and do) get kicked in the groin area accidentally. Same with sports like hockey, softball/baseball, and anything with a fast moving puck or ball.

Research has shown that many female athletes do not use pelvicprotection, know the options for it, or even if they need it. Women may feel “less exposed” than men, and therefore not at serious risk. In some sports, this is simply flat out wrong.

Pelvic Protection For Women

Just like a man, a fast moving puck, ball, foot or hand, can land in a woman's genital area. The vagin* is very sensitive to impact, but there is one part of the female sexual anatomy that can cause as much or more pain than a man’s testicl*s.

Similar to the testicl*s on a male, the female cl*tor*s is packed with nerves, roughly the same sensitivity as a man’s testicl*s, yet compacted into a very small surface area. The size of this area may be one reason women don’t think about the risk as much as men.

The female version of the “athletic cup” is often called a “pelvic protector”, and some call them a “jill” (as opposed to a man’s “jock”).

A Woman's cup is normally smaller in overall size, less deep and sometimes much more narrow since it’s protecting a smaller body area.

They might be less well known but equally important.

Watch and learn how you can change your game

lobloo Genital ProtectionGuide| Size | Age | Genders | Sports

Ben Thulen
Sports Injury Researcher, United States
SportsResearcher@pm.me

SHOULD WOMEN WEAR PROTECTIVE CUPS? (2024)

FAQs

Do women wear protective cups? ›

If you've ever wondered “Do fighters wear cups?” with regards to female fighters, the answer is yes. But why do fighters wear cups? Sports cups available for women help prevent abdominal pain, bleeding, bruising, and other pain that can occur in both men and women after a groin strike.

Should I wear a protective cup? ›

A: It is very important for boys to wear an athletic cup to protect their groin area from blunt trauma injuries when playing sports.

Why do girls wear cups? ›

Pelvic Protection For Women

The size of this area may be one reason women don't think about the risk as much as men. The female version of the “athletic cup” is often called a “pelvic protector”, and some call them a “jill” (as opposed to a man's “jock”).

Do females wear cups in sports? ›

Women are also required to wear a shirt and chest protection but only men are required to wear a cup. Current UFC rules and guidelines actually discourage women from wearing groin protection during a fight.

Do female boxers wear cups? ›

3) The weight classes shall be the same as use by male boxers. 4) Female boxers shall wear breast protectors and groin protectors that are both properly fitted and a mouthpiece is also required.

What is the meaning of protective cup? ›

A protective cup is a hard shell that is inserted into a jock strap or compression shorts to protect the male reproductive system while playing physical sports.

Can you wear a cup all day? ›

Most menstrual cups can stay in for up to 12 hours before being emptied and rinsed. This means you can wear one when you're sleeping, or all day long.

What age are protective cups for? ›

Athletic cups are available for most age groups, starting from age 4 up to adults.

How do you properly wear a cup? ›

Insert the cup into the pocket in the front of the jock strap, narrow end down. Move it around and adjust it so that it encases your genitals snugly but comfortably. Secure the elastic, Velcro or snap closure to hold the cup in place and keep it from slipping around and pinching you.

What is the importance of a cup? ›

A cup is an open-top used to hold hot or cold liquids for pouring or drinking; while mainly used for drinking, it also can be used to store solids for pouring (e.g., sugar, flour, grains, salt).

Do girls wear cups when catching? ›

Baseball: Do female catchers wear a cup? No. They have nothing to protect.

Do girl football players wear cups? ›

The common question among football players is whether or not they wear cups. Football is an impact sport with helmets, shoulder pads, hands, and feet flying all around the field. Football players don't wear cups. The cup can interfere with running strides, and many players believe it slows them down.

Do girls wear cups in wrestling? ›

What to wear? Some wrestlers choose to wear tampons with pantiliners, pads, menstrual cups, and period-proof underwear. Compression shorts can increase security and comfort.

Do you wear a cup in karate? ›

What about boxing, karate, and UFC fighters? We have all seen the punch on television that went a bit too low. Most boxers and martial arts participants do not wear cups, as they are restricting in their movement from side to side and fast moving leg movements.

Do athletic cups hurt? ›

Even professional athletes, with the high priced athletic cups, still get hit in the groin, and it is often very painful. And sometimes it's worse. Some sports, MMA in particular, have a history of occasional, but serious groin injuries.

How do female boxers protect their breasts? ›

Boxers wear protective headgear and larger gloves. Women can wear protective chest plates – although it is an unwritten rule that female fighters don't punch in the chest.

What age do female boxers peak? ›

Generally speaking, a boxer hits his or her physical prime between the ages of 28 and 35. At 35 years of age, Father Time starts to slowly introduce himself. From that point and beyond, there is evident physical decline.

Do female boxers have periods? ›

However, with a larger breed such as the Boxer, symptoms and care are much different. The heat cycle is the phase that female canines enter when their bodies are ready to reproduce. Menstruation will occur (a discharge of blood due to the lining of the uterus shredding off).

What is the best protective cup? ›

Table of Contents
  • #1. Shock Doctor Ultra Pro Carbon Flex Athletic Cup.
  • #2. Meister Carbon Flex Groin Protector Cup.
  • #3. Venum Challenger Groinguard and Support.
  • #4. Shock Doctor BioFlex Athletic Cup.
  • #5. Youper Boys Youth Soft Foam Protective Athletic Cup.
  • Baseball Cup Buying Guide.
  • Our Top Pick.
  • The Bottom Line.

Do protective cups come in different sizes? ›

It comes in a variety of different sizes to fit different heights and weights. You can wear this with three different types of supporters that can be compression shorts, jock straps, or there are certain specialized impact shorts as well. Typically, they'll include a pocket that is designed to hold the cup in place.

At what age should a boy wear a cup? ›

But once a boy hits age seven, or engages in more vigorous competition, he should wear one. “There are two types -- one providing support for comfort, and one adding a cup for more protection.

Can menstrual cups cause UTI? ›

Can menstrual cups cause a UTI? No, menstrual cups themselves do not cause UTIs. However, it is possible for bacteria that causes UTIs to be present on your fingers when inserting your menstrual cup, which may result in a UTI. Always make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before inserting your cup!

How do you pee with a menstrual cup? ›

can you pee with a menstrual cup inserted? Your menstrual cup sits in the vagin*l canal, while your pee comes from your urethra. This means that you can absolutely leave your menstrual cup in while peeing. The diagram below shows where your menstrual cup sits in relation to the urethra, where your pee comes from.

When should you start using a cup? ›

Experts advise transitioning to cups by age 1. Between 6-9 months is an ideal time to let babies experiment with cup drinking so they're able to use sippy cups by their first birthday. A simple rule of thumb is to choose sippy cups with relatively short straws or valves.

Can you wash a protective cup? ›

We recommend washing your Comfy Cup™ after each wear, unless you are trying to scare your opponents away with your awful sweaty stench. To prolong the lifetime of your Comfy Cup, we recommend hand washing and air drying.

Do NBA players wear cups? ›

“Granted, such injuries could likely be prevented by wearing a cup, but NBA players don't wear them. Even Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, doesn't recommend them.

How tight should a cup be? ›

The cup should feel like it's being held firmly in place by the compression shorts; not so tight that it's causing pain, and not so loose that your genitals and the cup are shifting around a lot. If the cup feels too tight or too loose, get a different size cup or a different size pair of compression shorts.

How do you size a protective cup? ›

Select the size of athletic cup that you want. Size is determined by age and body mass. Boys aged five and up, reaching 4 feet 6 inches and 80 pounds should wear a cup 1 3/4 inches in depth. Youths age 11 and up, reaching 5 feet 6 inches and 110 pounds should wear a cup 2 inches in depth.

How do you hold a cup in place? ›

Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette says the correct way to hold your coffee mug is like this. “Loop your index finger into the handle and keep your thumb on top of the handle. Your remaining three fingers — middle, index and pinkie — are tucked into the palm of your hand.”

What does cup stand for? ›

Conditional Use Permit (CUP) FAQ.

Which type of cup is best? ›

Materials
  1. Ceramic. Ceramic mugs are great because they usually last long and evenly distribute heat. ...
  2. Glass. Like ceramic, glass cups/mugs are stylish and there are plenty of options to choose from. ...
  3. Stoneware. ...
  4. Stainless Steel. ...
  5. China. ...
  6. Melamine.

Who invented the protective cup? ›

One of the first recorded US patents of a modern-type athletic cup is believed to be in 1931 by Forrest M Record. A note of interest, the year prior, a patent for a 'Blow distributing athletic protector” was issued to James P Taylor.

What do girl softball players wear on their wrist? ›

The wristband holds a rectangle grid of coded signals which tell the pitcher which pitch she is intended to throw. The catcher also wears a wristband with the same signals attached, so she is on the same page as to which pitch will be thrown.

Do female umpires wear cups? ›

As baseball season heats up, it's a good time to talk about what umpires wear under their uniforms. In addition to a chest protector and shin guards, umpires have a special cup that protects their most sensitive assets.

What sports should you wear a cup? ›

Who Should Wear Them. Protective cups should be the norm for hard-hitting sports with speedy objects, such as hockey pucks. Cups are also necessary in hockey, football, baseball, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, mixed martial arts and other contact sports.

Why do players wear bras? ›

With these athletes in the top shape of their lives, the reason for them sporting bras is not what you may have believed! Male footballers are wearing the item of clothing to hold a GPS tracker close to their chests, with Adama Traore of Wolves most notable for doing this.

Are cups uncomfortable? ›

In fact, most find they're more comfortable to wear than tampons once you get used to them. Yet some people do report pain when inserting, removing, or wearing their cup. You might not want to talk about it, thinking it's normal or just “a bit of discomfort”, but it's not the norm.

Why do footballers wear bra tops? ›

Why do footballers wear bras? The bras are not used for the same purposes as a woman may wear one for - to support her breasts and reduce pressure on her shoulders, back and neck. Instead, footballers wear the clothing to hold a GPS tracker which monitors several factors of the players physical performance and health.

What do girls wear under a singlet? ›

A t-shirt might be permitted, but only under special circ*mstances, such as certain dermatological conditions, that require extra protection for the skin. Women are allowed to wear a sports bra under their singlets. As for underwear, wrestlers have three options – nothing, a jockstrap or regular briefs.

How do female wrestlers cut weight? ›

When weight loss is done in a healthy way, the wrestler can become stronger and more competitive in a lower weight class. An estimated 25% to 67% of wrestlers use techniques such as over exercise, calorie restriction, fasting and different dehydration methods to lose weight.

Is female wrestling a thing? ›

Women's Wrestling Facts & Resources

In 2022 the NAIA adopted women's wrestling as the 28th championship sport. In 2020 The NJCAA Announced they would recognize Women's Wrestling as an emerging sport. In 2020 The NWCA Multi-Divisional National Duals hosted separate NAIA & NCAA Women's Divisions for the first time.

Can you wear a cup swimming? ›

Can you wear a menstrual cup while swimming? Like tampons, menstrual cups are worn internally and can be worn while swimming in any kind of water.

Can you wear a cup in water? ›

Since it's perfectly safe to go swimming when you have your period, you can swim with a menstrual cup to enjoy a leak-free period even when you're in the water. A menstrual cup works with suction, creating a seal with your vagin*l wall to collect your blood.

Is a cup more comfortable than a tampon? ›

Menstrual cups are more comfortable

While many people report tampons as feeling uncomfortable, adding to the discomfort of their period, many menstrual cup users report that they can't feel the cup at all once they get used to them.

Does it hurt to get hit in the cup? ›

Getting hit in the testicl*s can double you over in pain. It can make you feel sick, even vomit.

How does it feel to wear a menstrual cup? ›

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).

Do female hockey players wear cups? ›

Women and girls in hockey don't wear cups as commonly as their male counterparts — and in fact, they're not referred to as cups but as Jills. However, they're an option and some opt to wear them before hitting the ice.

Do female hockey players wear jocks? ›

Yes—most girls wear a jock, known as a jill, in hockey. There are a number of women who don't use a jill, but it is highly recommended for every female hockey player to wear one for extra protection.

How do you wear a comfortable cup? ›

HOW DO I WEAR A COMFY CUP? ​The Comfy Cup® fits easily into the pocket of boys compression shorts or slider shorts worn underneath your athletic pants.

What is a Jill for girls? ›

Women's Protective Jocks (known as Jills) are offered by your favorite brands in both loose and compression fits. Loose mesh jills are loose fitting for a more traditional fit that breathe very well. Compression fit jills sit close to your body for more responsiveness.

Do hockey players shower between periods? ›

Some players will take a shower during the intermission to feel revitalized for the upcoming period. Other players choose to meditate, closing their eyes, staying silent and visualizing their success for the remainder of the game.

What are hockey girlfriends called? ›

A puck bunny is a term used to describe a female ice hockey fan whose interest in the sport is purported to be primarily motivated by sexual attraction to the players rather than enjoyment of the game itself.

Can you wear a cup daily? ›

Generally, if you follow the rules of safe menstrual cup wear, you should be able to safely wear one every day. If you have a significant amount of discharge, though, you may want to rule out an underlying medical condition, such as a yeast infection.

Can a girl play on a guys hockey team? ›

Playing with boys helps, but it is a personal decision

In conclusion, playing on a boy's team during key developmental minor hockey years appears to provide all the right ingredients for girls to reach their full potential as a hockey player.

Are girls hockey non contact? ›

Just because girls' and women's hockey is “no-check” doesn't mean there's no contact. However, because the rules don't allow for checking, often times the physical part of the sport is not taught at a young age. This mentality is bad for girls learning the game as they grow into teenage and young women hockey players.

What is the difference between a jock and a Jill? ›

Jills are relatively the same thing that a jock is to a male goaltender, except for…you guessed it, the ladies. They are slightly different in that they offer more padding in the pelvic area. Other than that, fit, design and materials are all relatively the same.

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