Do Menstrual Cups Live Up To The Hype? Here's Everything You Need To Know

Apr 25, 2018

When we were little, we all thought that getting our periods was the best thing ever because that meant we were women. Now that we're older, we're wiser about the woes of womanhood. Periods are expensive, messy, and painful. Not only do tampons and pads cost and arm and a leg, they're terrible for the environment.

Women have been raving about the menstrual cup as an awesome solution, so I wanted to find out if the product lived up to its hype. Here's what I learned.
 

A menstrual cup is a flexible cup that you place inside your vagina to catch all of your blood on your period. Instead of using pads and tampons to absorb the blood, you can use a menstrual cup to collect the blood and rinse it out when you remove it.
 

Menstrual cups are made with rubber or silicone, which means they can be compacted easily to fit comfortably inside your vagina.

Usually women fold the cup before inserting, then, once it's inside, it'll unfold and prevent any leaking. The best part? Cups can stay in place safely for 12 hours.
 

Menstrual cups are the only reusable feminine hygiene product out there, and they last for a year. Instead of putting your single-use pads and tampons into our massive landfills, menstrual cups can lower your carbon footprint. Cups are also cleaner! They prevent any odors and discomfort.
 

Menstrual cups can be a little daunting. You do have to clean them yourself, so they're more high-maintenance than pads and tampons. Depending on your own unique shape of your vagina, menstrual cups may be more uncomfortable than a tampon.

If you use an IUD, the cup does have the potential to interfere with it.
 

When using a menstrual cup for the first time, wash it with mineral water unless you have the cleaning fluid meant for the cup. If you don't want to spend more money buying their special wash, the box should come with regular cleaning instructions.

Fold the cup in half and insert it with the cup opening facing up towards your body. Twist the bottom of the cup a little until it unfolds. You should be leak-free for the rest of the day!
 

Going to the bathroom might feel a little weird the first couple of times, but it's a similar sensation to using tampons. It's just something new to get used to.

When it's time to empty your menstrual cup, it's advised that you do it while on the toilet or in the shower. Carefully remove it by gripping the tip and dumping the contents into the toilet or drain. 

Wash your cup with a mild soap and warm water and either reinsert it or dry and save it for later use. 

Using a menstrual cup seems pretty daunting and a little bit gross, but they save you from getting toxic shock syndrome or an infection from other hygiene products, and they're better for the environment and your wallet! 

Would you give this new method a try or are you a little too squeamish and unsure? We would love to know your thoughts! Show this article to your female friends to see what they think too.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!