How Do Menstrual Cups Work? Benefits, Usage Tips and FAQs

Understanding Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are a reusable alternative to pads and tampons for menstrual protection. They are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it. Menstrual cups provide up to 12 hours of leak-free protection, can be worn overnight, and only need to be changed 2-3 times per day. They are made of soft, medical-grade silicone, latex rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and are shaped like a bell with a stem on the bottom.

How Do Menstrual Cups Work?

When inserted correctly, the menstrual cup forms a light seal against the vaginal walls. The seal prevents leaks or spills, while also collecting menstrual fluid in the cup rather than absorbing it like a tampon. The collected fluid remains in the cup until it is removed and emptied. Unlike tampons which absorb fluid, menstrual cups simply collect it. This allows you to see exactly how much menstrual fluid you are losing.

Menstrual cups collect, rather than absorb, your flow. The bell-shape and soft material allow the cup to pop open once inside the vaginal canal to form a light seal against the vaginal walls. As fluid fills the cup, it remains sealed and leak-free until you remove it to empty.

Types of Menstrual Cups

There are two main types of menstrual cups – vaginal cups and cervical cups.

Vaginal Cups: These are the most common. They are shaped like a bell and are designed to sit low in the vaginal canal to collect flow. Vaginal cups have a stem on the bottom to make removal easy.

Cervical Cups: These cups have a unique shape with a compartment designed to fit around the cervix. This allows it to collect flow directly as it leaves the cervix. Cervical cups typically do not have stems.

Selecting the Right Size

Menstrual cups come in different sizes based on age, flow, and whether you have given birth. Choosing the right size is important for comfort and leak prevention. Here are some general size guidelines:

• Small size: Teens/virgins or light flow
• Regular size: Average user ages 18-30
• Large size: Over age 30/heavy flow/given birth

Many menstrual cup brands offer a quiz or calculator to help determine your ideal size. You can also measure your cervix height to choose the correct length. Keep in mind, you may need a different size over time if circumstances change.

How to Insert a Menstrual Cup

Inserting and positioning your menstrual cup properly is key to comfort and preventing leaks. Here are some tips for inserting a menstrual cup:

1. Wash hands before handling the cup.
2. Fold the cup into a C-fold, punch-down fold, or other compact shape.
3. Relax your muscles and gently insert the cup into the vaginal opening.
4. Make sure the cup is fully opened and forming a seal.
5. Position the cup low in the vaginal canal.
6. Trim the stem if it is uncomfortable.

It may take a few cycles to perfect your insertion and positioning. Try different folds and angles until it feels comfortable. Lubricant can also help.

Removing and Emptying Your Menstrual Cup

It is important to remove and empty your menstrual cup regularly to prevent leaks or spills. Here are some tips for removal:

1. Wash hands before removal.
2. Relax muscles and gently pull the stem to break the seal.
3. Gently pinch the base to release suction as you remove.
4. Pour contents into toilet and reinsert, or empty and rinse cup.

Empty your menstrual cup every 4-12 hours based on your flow. Never leave your cup in for more than 12 hours to avoid leaks or bacteria buildup. Be sure to wash your cup with mild soap and water between uses.

How to Clean a Menstrual Cup

Proper care and cleaning between uses will keep your menstrual cup sanitary and durable. Follow these steps:

1. Rinse cup in cool water before reinsertion.
2. Wash with mild soap and water after emptying.
3. Sterilize in boiling water for 5-10 minutes monthly.
4. Allow cup to air dry completely before storing.
5. Store cup in breathable pouch between cycles.

Do not use harsh cleaners on your cup as they can damage the material. Avoid touching the inside of your cup with sharp fingernails that could cause tiny cuts allowing bacteria to grow.

Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups provide many benefits and advantages over disposable period products like pads and tampons:

Cost Savings

A menstrual cup costs around $20-$40 and can be reused for 5-10 years. Over time, that saves you thousands compared to buying pads or tampons every month. Menstrual cups are very economical.

Convenience

Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours before needing to be changed. This means fewer interruptions, especially overnight. You may only need to empty it 2-3 times per day depending on flow.

Comfort and Leak Prevention

Menstrual cups are comfortable once inserted properly. The soft silicone material adapts to your body. The seal prevents leaks so you can sleep, exercise, and do yoga with no worries.

Environmentally Friendly

Since menstrual cups are reused over many years, they produce significantly less waste than disposable tampons and pads. This makes them an eco-friendly option.

Monitor Fluid

With a menstrual cup, you can actually see how much menstrual fluid you are losing throughout your period. This can help you track an abnormal or heavy flow.

Safe Material

Menstrual cups are made from medical-grade, BPA-free silicone or latex that does not disrupt the vaginal pH balance. Many women find them more hygienic than pads or tampons.

Potential Drawbacks to Menstrual Cups

While menstrual cups have many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks as well:

Learning Curve

It takes some trial and error to learn how to insert and position a menstrual cup correctly. Be patient with yourself as you get the hang of it.

Messy to Empty

Since you pour out the contents of a menstrual cup, it can get messy. Make sure to empty over the toilet to contain any spills.

Risk of Skin Irritation

In rare cases, silicone menstrual cups can cause skin irritation in those with sensitivities. Try a cup made with latex or TPE if this occurs.

Can Get Stuck

Menstrual cups can sometimes get stuck or be difficult to remove. Relaxing your muscles and changing position can help. Trim the stem if it's tricky to grasp.

May Cause Cramps

Some women experience cramps when using a menstrual cup. Make sure it is the proper size and positioned low in the vaginal canal for comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Menstrual Cup Get Lost or Stuck?

It is very rare for a menstrual cup to get lost or stuck in the vaginal canal. The cup is designed to sit low near the vaginal opening for easy removal. As long as you can grasp the stem or base, you should be able to retrieve it. If you have trouble, reposition your body and relax the muscles before gently pulling again.

Can I Wear a Menstrual Cup Swimming or During Exercise?

Yes, menstrual cups are ideal for swimming and physical activity. The seal prevents leaks or spills so you can workout, swim, play sports, or go about your day with confidence.

Can Menstrual Cups Cause TSS?

Toxic Shock Syndrome is very rare in menstrual cup users. TSS is linked mostly to super absorbent tampons. Menstrual cups do not absorb flow, simply collect it. As long as you clean and replace your cup regularly, TSS risk is extremely low.

How Do You Know if Your Menstrual Cup is Full?

Unlike tampons which absorb, you can see how full your menstrual cup is when you remove it to empty. It may be 1/4, 1/2, or completely full based on your flow. When first getting used to a cup, check it more frequently until you understand your capacity.

Can a Menstrual Cup Break Your Hymen?

It is possible but unlikely a menstrual cup will break the hymen. Menstrual cups are smooth and soft. As long as you insert carefully and gently, there should not be enough pressure to break or tear the hymen. Lubricant can help insert more comfortably.

The Bottom Line

Menstrual cups provide a reusable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to disposable pads and tampons. They collect, rather than absorb, menstrual flow for up to 12 hours of leak-free protection. With some practice, most women find menstrual cups very comfortable and convenient for daily use.

Be sure to choose the proper size for your age and flow. Keep your cup clean between cycles and replace as needed. While there is a learning curve, menstrual cups offer reliability and freedom for an active lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.