The Underdog: Menstrual Cups!

Written by Reva Sus

You may be familiar with the most common menstrual products: Pads and tampons. You will be shocked to find that there is much more to explore in the world of menstrual products. Let’s talk menstrual cups.  

Menstrual cups are small, bell-shaped cups designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid, such as blood. Some menstrual cups are reusable, while others are disposable. The flexible cup is made of silicone, natural rubber, latex, or thermoplastic elastomers. 

Menstrual cups are also similar to menstrual discs, which are flexible cup-shaped discs that are inserted similarly to menstrual cups, although they must be inserted farther into the vaginal canal, making removal messier. Unlike a cup, with a disc, you can have penetrative sex due to it sitting higher in the vaginal canal and being non-suction. Discs are flatter and slightly smaller than cups, though they can still hold more fluid than tampons. 

So, why choose a menstrual cup over conventional pads and tampons? According to the Mayo Clinic, women have reported a preference for menstrual cups over other menstrual products because of increased comfort, less interference with activities, less irritation, decreased odor, and the longevity of the cup. Menstrual cups also cost significantly less money than other menstrual products, as the average reusable menstrual cup will cost between $20-$40, and can last from 6 months to 10 years. On the other hand, the average woman spends between $50-$150 per year on tampons or pads. A menstrual cup can also be worn for up to 12 hours, while tampons must be changed every 8 hours (and many women choose to change them more often due to their flow), and pads should be changed every 3-4 hours due to the bacteria that can build up if kept on for longer. Menstrual cups are also more eco-friendly than their counterparts. 

Clearly, menstrual cups have their perks. However, there are also some downsides to menstrual cups. For one, many women find it difficult and messy to remove and empty the cup, especially in a public restroom. If you choose to use a reusable cup, you may find it harder to maintain than disposable products, because the menstrual cup should be sterilized by placing the cup in boiling water in between your periods. However, the most challenging part of the menstrual cup is finding the right one for you. Some women find it difficult to manipulate the menstrual cup in and out of the vagina. Menstrual cups come in different sizes, and finding the right size is crucial for the proper use of the menstrual cup, as having the wrong size may lead to discomfort or leakage. 

These are some factors that might help you to determine your menstrual cup size: 

1. Cervix height 

2. Age 

3. Heaviness of menstrual flow 

4. Whether or not you have experienced childbirth 

5. Whether or not you have experienced sex with vaginal penetration

There are many great quizzes online to help determine your menstrual cup size, but sizing will vary from brand to brand. Some popular brands for menstrual cups include Meluna, Diva, Ruby, and Lunette. These brands have different size charts and quizzes that will help you to determine your menstrual cup size.

There are pros and cons to every menstrual product, but menstrual cups are a valid option to consider that is often overlooked. I wish you luck and peace in your journey to finding your menstrual product!