A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of latex or silicone that can be inserted into the vagina to contain bleeding during menstruation. The cup snugly rests along the vaginal walls to contain blood. It is not uncomfortable when in place and can be left in for up to 12 hours. When full, the cup is dumped in the toilet, rinsed, and reinserted.

Why should I use a menstrual cup instead of tampons or pads?

  • Economical – buying one menstrual cup and reusing it monthly is cheaper than buying a box of tampons or pads once a month.
  • Safer for the environment
  • Holds more blood than a typical tampon or pad and prevents leakage
  • Great for traveling – with a menstrual cup, there is only one thing to pack instead of a large box of tampons or pads
  • Does not dry out the vagina as tampons can
  • There is no need to worry about running out of supplies while away from home because you can reuse the cup.

How do you use a menstrual cup?

  • Sanitize the menstrual cup before the first use by placing the menstrual cup in boiling water for 5 minutes.
  • Prior to inserting, wash hands
  • Collapse the menstrual cup in half and gently push it into the vagina. Once inserted, gently rotate the cup to allow the cup to unfold and snugly rest along the vaginal walls.
  • Leave the menstrual cup in for up to 12 hours. Most women report emptying their menstrual cup 2-3 times per day depending on flow.
  • Prior to removing, wash hands
  • Gently pull down on the bottom knob of the menstrual cup to take out the menstrual cup.
  • Dump the contents of the menstrual cup in the toilet.
  • Rinse the menstrual cup with mild soap and water (if in private) or wipe it down with toilet paper (if in public).
  • Reinsert the menstrual cup
Other Tips:
  • It is not necessary to fully sanitize the menstrual cup in between uses, but it is necessary to sanitize the menstrual cup in between cycles. To sanitize, place the menstrual cup in boiling water for 5 minutes.
  • The first insertion may be uncomfortable and difficult, but with practice, it will become easier and more natural. It can help to relax the pelvic floor muscles and insert the menstrual cup at the right angle.
  • When removing the cup, it can help to flex the pelvic floor muscles to help lower the menstrual cup.
  • Pay attention to sizing options on each brand’s website. Sizing can depend on age, blood flow, length of the cervix, and pregnancy history.
  • Not all women can use menstrual cups. Speak to your provider if you have an IUD, are experiencing postnatal bleeding, or have had toxic shock syndrome or uterine prolapse.
Popular Brands:
  • June Cup
  • The Diva Cup
  • Lunette
  • Lena
  • Nixit
  • The Honey Pot
  • Pixie
  • Femly
  • Athena