A menstrual cup is a small reusable cup usually made of medical grade silicone that is inserted into the vagina to collect period fluid during menstruation.

Menstrual cups are one of the many feminine hygiene products used by women to manage their periods. Menstrual cups collect period fluid as opposed to absorbing it, like tampons. They are conventionally transparent and foldable. They also come in a range of sizes and colours to suit different women and their needs.

The smaller sizes are often recommended for first time users or women with small to average body build, who have not given birth vaginally or have a light menstrual flow. Particularly, these would include teens and women below 30. Women with average or above average body build who may not or may have given birth vaginally, or have moderate to heavy flow are most likely to get recommended the larger menstrual cup sizes.

Menstrual cups are conventionally produced as colourless but may also come in various colours. This is because, over time, blood stains become obvious on the translucent cups and can gradually lose their appearance. The coloured menstrual cups are produced using safe and vegan approved additives for coloration and may not have apparent stains even after an extended time of use.

Menstrual cup use has recently gained popularity due to its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. They hold more blood than other menstrual hygiene products and can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on the kind of flow. They are easy to use and maintain and can be used repeatedly for up to 10 years. 

Image description: A hand holding a menstrual cup upright with blood in it.

How to use a menstrual cup

Menstrual cups, similar to tampons, go to the top of the vagina and sit around the cervix. If placed properly, they are unnoticeably comfortable, entertain no leakage, and can be worn while performing sports, sleeping and traveling.

Sometimes, it would be needed that you apply some form of lubrication to use the menstrual cup. You can do this by applying some water on the vagina. Alternatively, water or water-based lubricants can be applied on the cup's rim to ease insertion into the vagina.

Since the cup will be in contact with the vagina wall and fluids, it is highly recommended to keep it clean and free from germs. This means your hands should be washed thoroughly before and after menstrual cup use. The cups should also be sterilised in boiling water and stored properly to avoid contamination.

How to insert menstrual cups

Inserting a menstrual cup may be an overwhelming task, particularly for first time users as they may dread just the thought of putting objects through the vagina. While for other women, it is a quick and easy process.

Whatever the case may be, the process is safe and can be done without complications.

Here is how to insert a menstrual cup in six easy steps:

1. First start by washing your hands thoroughly to avoid contamination.
2. Ensure the menstrual cup is sterile and ready to be inserted.
3. Apply water or if necessary a water based lubricant to the rim of the cup or the area around the vagina. This step is optional. 
4. Fold or pinch the cup making sure the rim is facing up - the rim is the top of cup with the widest circle. See image below for the rim and different parts of a menstrual cup.
5. Insert the cup into the vagina in this position. It will automatically unfold and settle against the vagina.
6. If the cup doesn’t settle or you notice leaks, gently twist it around or flex and then extend your vaginal muscles till the cup opens and snuggly hugs the vaginal wall and stops the leak.

Removing menstrual cups

Depending on your flow, you can wear your menstrual cup for 4-12 hours. Once you are ready to remove your menstrual cup, it is important to be in a comfortable position to allow easy removal. This is because your vaginal muscles are less tense and make removal easier when you are more relaxed.

Removing the cup while in the shower can help you ease stress and reduce the mess. After removal, empty the period fluid into the toilet and flush it.

Here are three techniques for removing your period cup easily:

1. Squat on the floor or rest one of your feet on the toilet seat or the edge of your bath.
2. Insert one finger through the side of the cup and push it slowly until the seal is broken. Once this is done, press down the cup's rim and wiggle it out. This can be done in one smooth process, so do not wiggle harshly or too often.
3. Using your thumb and finger to maintain a fresh grip, touch the lips of the cup and push in slow but regular motions - one side up and the other down.

Sterilising menstrual cups

At the end of your period or during removal and re-insertion, it is necessary that your cups are kept clean to avoid contamination. Do not use scented, oil-based soaps or antibacterial soaps to wash your menstrual cup.

To sterilise your menstrual cup after your period, make sure to rinse it properly in running water, then boil it in a covered pot or kettle for a few minutes.

After the cup is boiled, set it aside and allow it to cool. Do not pat with a towel to dry. Instead, allow it to air dry. Store in a breathable pouch and keep in a cool, dry place, away from heat, dirt, and germs.

Different parts of a menstrual cup and what they do

• The rim

• The air hole

Located at the upper part of the cup and very close to the rim, they are small holes that introduce air into the cup so that it can open fully. This is the air hole. Despite having holes, the menstrual cup doesn’t leak.

• The bell-shaped cup

This acts as a seal against the vagina wall. It collects the menstrual fluid

• The stem

This is the pointed part of the cup that helps locate the cup for easier removal. It can be used to wiggle the cup until you are able to reach the bottom during removal.

Menstrual cups are a more safer, sustainable and cost -efficient alternative to conventional period care products such as pads and tampons and sanitary pads. Research shows some concern has been expressed that rayon tampons contain dioxins as a result of chlorine bleaching and, further, that the dioxins in tampons may increase the risk of endometriosis.  

Menstrual cups are reusable therefore, makes them a better fit for the environment than pads or tampons that are single use product causing harm to the landfills and the earth.

Menstrual hygiene tools may vary from brand to brand. They are however created to fit a person’s unique needs. These needs may vary from size, color, firmness, and daily activities to perform.

Sources

IPPF: Period products: what are the options? | IPPF

Science Direct Journal: Tampons, dioxins, and endometriosis - ScienceDirect

Mayo Clinic News Network: Mayo Clinic Q and A: Menstrual cups - why the recent increase in popularity? - Mayo Clinic News Network