Read the information provided by different manufacturers so you have a good understanding of the materials used in manufacturing and the features offered by their brand. [2] X Research source Variables include the size of the cup, color choices, disposable vs reusable, amount of fluid they will hold, stiffness of the rim, stiffness of the lower part that holds the fluid, overall length of the cup, width measured at the rim, and the materials used in manufacturing.
Cups generally come in either a small or large. General guidelines provided are a starting place, then you may need to tweak your choice of brand and size to find the cup that completely meets your needs. If you are a teenager, have never had sexual intercourse, are under the age of 30, have never delivered a baby vaginally, or exercise often, then you may want to start with a small. [3] X Research source The smaller size has more to do with how it fits inside your vagina, and less to do with how much fluid it will contain. [4] X Research source A large size is suggested for women that are over age 30, have had a vaginal delivery, or have a heavy menstrual flow. [5] X Research source
It may take two to three menstrual cycles to decide if your first choice is the perfect fit. [7] X Research source The companies that make menstrual cups understand it takes some adjustment. Many companies offer money-back guarantees for new users. [8] X Research source
All menstrual cups are advertised to hold more menstrual flow than that of a normal tampon. [10] X Research source The average time recommended for use between emptying is 10 to 12 hours. [11] X Research source If you have an exceptionally heavy flow, schedule your wear time for six to eight hours to prevent leakage. [12] X Research source Take steps to have backup supplies available until you are comfortable with the length of time you can wear your menstrual cup without leakage.
When you have found the right cup you should not feel it all. If it feels uncomfortable, then try a different size or a different brand. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Choose a cup that has a smaller rim width, or is more flexible in the part of the cup that collects the fluid. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
One is intended to be thrown away after every use, and one is to be discarded at the end of that menstrual cycle. [17] X Research source Disposable cups are made of very flexible material. The part that collects the fluid is very light-weight and flimsy. [18] X Research source
Length is often the biggest problem that causes discomfort with a reusable menstrual cup. [20] X Research source If you are uncertain, then start with a product that has a medium length. [21] X Research source Most cups have a part that protrudes at the bottom, like a stem, that can be trimmed to help adjust the length to improve the fit. [22] X Research source If you have a heavy flow or are having trouble finding a cup that fits you properly, consider comparing cups made by the same company as well as comparisons between some of the major companies. Additional information is available online that may help you in comparing the details of cups made by different manufacturers. [23] X Research source
Cups that have a more solid or firmer structure in the bell shaped part that collects the fluid can be more comfortable for some women. Plus, firmer cups tend to leak less often since their structure is more rigid. [25] X Research source The firmness helps the cup to open easier once inserted, maintain its shape against the vaginal wall, and avoid problems with sagging or sinking in of the sides. [26] X Research source Firmer cups are often easier to remove since the walls of the cup fold in with pressure at the base, making it easier to break the suction. [27] X Research source However, because of the stiffer or firmer structure, you may feel the cup once it is inserted, causing some pressure and possibly some discomfort. [28] X Research source Softer or more pliable cups put less pressure on the bladder, are generally more comfortable to wear, and conform to women that may have a unique shape to their uterus. [29] X Research source The softer cups may be more difficult to remove since the entire cup does not respond to the pressure from your finger when you are trying to break the suction to remove it. In general, softer cups may leak more since they can cave in or give way to changes in movement caused by the muscles of your vaginal wall. [30] X Research source
The disposable cups are clear. If you prefer a clear cup, most brands of reusable cups are also available as a clear option. The colors are helpful in hiding any stains that result from repeated use. The clear cups can also be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in hydrogen peroxide to remove any stains from repeated use.
The disposable menstrual cup is not a form of birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. [32] X Research source The reusable cups are made of a more solid material and are not to be inserted or in place during sexual intercourse. [33] X Research source Menstrual cups can be worn during physical exercise such as swimming, playing sports, or bicycling. [34] X Research source
In addition, menstrual pads can cause an odor since your flow is exposed to air. [37] X Research source The menstrual cup collects the flow inside your vagina and prevents any problems with an odor. [38] X Research source
There is no change in the pH of your vaginal area with the use of a menstrual cup and there are no problems with tiny tears in the surrounding vaginal tissue, as can happen with the use of tampons. [40] X Research source Changes in the pH and “micro-tears” can lead to bacterial infection. This is avoided with the use of a menstrual cup. [41] X Research source
Some menstrual cups can be used safely by women with latex allergies. Check the product literature to be sure. [44] X Research source
Toxic shock syndrome is a bacterial infection linked to problems with the use of tampons. [46] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source There have been no reports of toxic shock syndrome reported due to the use of menstrual cups. [47] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
The purchase of a menstrual cup is more costly than purchasing a package of tampons or pads, but your menstrual cup purchase will last for years. The disposable cups are less costly than the reusable cups and are comparable in price to other feminine hygiene products, depending on where you shop. [49] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The reusable cups prevent the accumulation of feminine hygiene products that end up in landfills. [50] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Every manufacturer offers step-by-step instructions on both insertion and removal contained within their product literature, available online at their product websites, and many offer YouTube videos to help with understanding the procedures. [52] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The cup is folded, then gently slid into the vagina aimed toward the back, then given a little push to secure it in place. [53] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Remove the cup by pinching the base, then pulling it out. Do not pull directly on the stem, since the cup is secured by suction. By pulling on the stem, you can cause injury to the surrounding tissues. [54] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
It takes some practice to develop a system that works for you. Many women remove it while “hovering” over the toilet to avoid any spills on their clothing or the floor. [57] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If possible, you may also want to practice removing the cup while in the shower. The cup can be cleaned with fresh water then reinserted for the next 8 to 12 hours. [58] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You may want to wear a pad or panty liner until you have mastered the removal and insertion of your menstrual cup. When you need to perform this removal and reinsertion in a public restroom, you may need to strategize to come up with the best way to rinse your cup, since sinks are not usually part of the individual stalls. [59] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Teenagers and younger women sometimes have trouble with inserting a menstrual cup. [61] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some women that have never had sexual intercourse have trouble with insertion. [62] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
It is important not to pull down on the stem. Since the cup is being help in place by suction, pulling down on the stem can cause irritations or even tears to the surrounding vaginal tissue. [64] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The proper way to remove the menstrual cup is to pinch the base to break the suction, then pull down and out. [65] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Empty the collected fluid into the toilet, clean the cup with fresh water, and reinsert. [66] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You can sterilize the cup by placing it in a shallow pan of boiling water for five minutes. [68] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Other methods used for baby bottles and pacifiers using sterilizing solutions can also work for menstrual cups. [69] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Follow the guidelines for cleaning provided in the product literature.
Read the product literature to be sure. Select a cup made of medical-grade silicone if you have a latex allergy. [71] X Research source
There have been reports of IUD’s being dislodged during insertion or removal of a menstrual cup. Check with your doctor to be sure it is safe for you to try a menstrual cup before you purchase one.
Do not use a menstrual cup if you have recently delivered a baby or recently had a miscarriage or abortion. [73] X Research source Do not use a menstrual cup if you have been told you have a tilted uterus. [74] X Research source Avoid using a menstrual cup if you were told to avoid using tampons due to a surgical procedure or other medical condition. [75] X Research source Do not use a menstrual cup if you have a condition called pelvic organ prolapse.
One case report of endometriosis was linked to the use of a menstrual cup. The FDA considers the use of menstrual cups to be safe, but discuss this with your doctor if you have any concerns. [77] X Research source
