To put it simply, menstrual cups are small cups made of silicone or medical-grade flexible plastic. This little cup is inserted into the vagina and collects menstrual blood, which can then be disposed of later. You might know the cup by another name: the famous “little cup.”
The cup used to be seen as strange, and talking about it was somewhat taboo. But today it’s much more accepted, and there’s a lot of curiosity about it. So let’s explain everything you need to know about the cup—and who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with it too?
How do you use the menstrual cup?
The idea of a menstrual cup might seem strange at first, but the truth is that it’s very practical and easy to use. You just need to fold it and insert it into the vaginal canal, where it collects menstrual blood.
You can use the cup for up to 12 consecutive hours. During your period, just empty your cup into the toilet and wash it with water and a mild soap. Since the blood doesn’t come into contact with air, it also doesn’t develop that strong smell we usually associate with menstrual blood. Between cycles, just boil it in an enamel pot for a few minutes and it will be ready for next time.
Cups come in a wide variety of models, sizes, and materials to ensure you can find one that fits you just right.
What are the advantages of the menstrual cup?
Comfort
The first big advantage of the cup is comfort. The cup is made of materials intended for medical use, which means they are hypoallergenic and don’t alter the vagina’s pH. They also cause less irritation than regular pads, as they contain no chemicals and don’t affect the vagina’s natural moisture.
The cup also has a lower risk of triggering what’s called Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare disease usually linked to the use of tampons, especially if used for more than 8 hours.
Practicality
The cup is also much more practical than regular pads. Being able to use the cup for 6 to 12 straight hours without much fuss is a huge advantage in a busy daily routine. And since it’s for internal and long-term use, you can wear it for swimming, exercise, and moving around without worry.
Economy
Many people compare the price of a cup to that of a pack of pads and think that the cup’s price is a big disadvantage. However, the cup can last from 5 up to 10 years if well cared for. A woman with a moderate cycle spends around 120 reais per year on regular pads, which means the cup brings huge savings over the long term.
Sustainability
This economy also has another important impact: the cup is kinder to the environment. Some research indicates that each Brazilian woman throws away, on average, 3 kilos of waste per year made up exclusively of pads. Most regular pads are made of several different kinds of plastic, which can take up to 400 years to decompose. In addition to being friendly to women, cups are nature-friendly too.
Cups have been around for a while: they were first patented in 1937. But only now are women moving past the taboo and accepting the benefits of the cup.
What are the disadvantages of the cup?
Before making a decision, we need to understand the advantages and disadvantages awaiting us. Some features of the cups can cause discomfort for some women, and it’s important to make everything clear.
- Adjusting is probably the most common complaint among women who decide to switch to the cup. Standard tampons are more straightforward to use, with some even having applicators to make things easier. With cups, there are tricks to insert them the right way.
- Some women take several cycles to get used to inserting the cup, and during those months it may be necessary to use panty liners to deal with any occasional leaks. It’s just a matter of getting used to it, but it can be frustrating at first.
- It can also be difficult for some women to get used to having more contact with menstrual blood. With regular pads, you can just remove them and throw them away. With the cup, you have to empty it regularly. The self-awareness that comes with using the cup can be a great experience for some, but it’s important to respect that for others it can be more difficult.
- While the cup wins for practicality in many ways, cleaning it can be more complicated for women who spend a lot of time away from home. While regular pads can be quickly discarded, you do need some basic cleaning when emptying the cup. Many women come up with their own tricks for doing this in public bathrooms, like bringing wet wipes or a water bottle. Still, it’s something to keep in mind.
Is the cup right for me?
That’s a personal decision. But it’s undeniable that the cup has arrived and quickly become the favorite of many. It’s not hard to find women who swear that switching to the cup was the best choice they could have made.
It’s possible there will be some adjustment difficulties along the way. But with so many advantages, it’s hard not to recommend at least giving the cup a try. You might be surprised—and fall in love!
