Menstrual Cups: The Sustainable Solution for Eco-Warrior Women
Is a period cup good or bad? Advantages and disadvantages of menstrual cups
5 Top menstrual cup brands for everyone from beginners to experts
Periods are not an easy task. Even if you aren't experiencing cramps, you are trying to protect yourself during your heavier days. The benefits are apparent for the many women who choose period cups over tampons and pads (even organic pads). Reusable menstruation cups are more cost-effective in the long run since they require less frequent replacement and less wasteful waste generation. If you take care of your menstrual cups properly, they can endure for months or even years. However, there is still heavy combat between menstrual cups and organic period underwear regarding the most sustainable menstrual choice!
A tampon or a maxi pad is all some of us need to wear. Others are forced to wear both at once and change them regularly. If this is something you have to deal with regularly, you're probably thinking if there's a better, more practical, and environmentally responsible way to go with the flow.
As an alternative to tampons and pads, menstrual cups have gained popularity. Some are durable and reusable, while others are one-time use only. But should you make the change merely because everyone else appears to be doing it at the moment? Stay with us to discuss all the aspects of menstrual cups and introduce the best menstrual cup brands you can buy and use.
What are menstrual cups?
Menstrual cups have been available in some form since the 1800s, even though it may feel like they just appeared suddenly. The first menstruation cup design patent was granted in 1867, and the prototype was just a rubber bag fastened to a ring. The purpose of this early design was to implant it into the vagina to collect blood. Then, using a string that was fastened to it, the menstrual cup could be removed.
An example of a reusable feminine hygiene item is a menstruation cup. To catch and gather period fluid, you put a tiny, flexible cup in the form of a funnel into your vagina.
Menstrual cups are being used by an increasing number of people nowadays. They have been demonstrated to be both extremely safe and effective. They are more environmentally friendly than pads and tampons, which is another advantage of using them.
Many women use cups as an eco-friendly substitute for tampons since they are more effective at containing blood than other techniques. You may also wear a cup for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
When you have your period, you can use a flexible cup called a menstruation cup to collect blood from inside your vagina. The cup does not absorb your menstrual flow the same way as tampons or pads do.
The menstrual cup market is projected to reach $1.89 billion globally by 2026, although sales did not immediately take off when they were initially made available for purchase.
How to use a menstrual cup?
When considering the appropriate size for your menstrual cup, it's important to have a discussion with your gynecologist, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual factors. Here are some key considerations to discuss with your doctor:
1. Age: Age can influence the tone and elasticity of the vaginal muscles, which may affect the fit of the menstrual cup.
2. Length of your cervix: The length of your cervix can vary among individuals, and knowing this information can help determine the ideal cup length for a comfortable fit.
3. Flow intensity: Understanding whether you have a heavier or lighter flow is crucial in selecting a cup with the right capacity to accommodate your needs without leaks or discomfort.
4. Cup firmness and flexibility: Menstrual cups come in different levels of firmness and flexibility. Factors such as pelvic muscle tone, sensitivity, and personal comfort preferences can impact the choice between a softer or firmer cup.
5. Cup capacity: Cup capacity refers to the amount of menstrual fluid the cup can hold. This consideration is especially important for those with heavy flows who may require a higher-capacity cup for longer wear without frequent emptying.
6. Pelvic floor muscle strength: The strength of your pelvic floor muscles affects how well the cup seals and stays in place. Your doctor can assess your pelvic floor strength and advise on the appropriate cup firmness and size.
7. Vaginal birth history: Women who have given birth vaginally may require larger cups due to potential changes in vaginal structure and muscle tone.
By discussing these factors with your gynecologist, you can make an informed decision and find the right menstrual cup size that ensures a comfortable fit, reliable protection, and a hassle-free period experience.
How to use and insert a menstrual cup
You might need some practice using a menstrual cup to insert it and remove it. You should read the directions, of course, but you also need to be aware of your vagina.
As with everything else, using a menstrual cup requires some getting used to, according to Jyothi Parapurath, MD, an ob-gyn at Caremount Medical Group in New York. The cups, she says, are folded and put into your vagina where they, ideally without any leakage, shut themselves against the vaginal walls and collect your blood.
When it's time to empty, you'll want to sit down on the toilet for the next step: reach into your vagina, pull on the cup's stem, grasp its base, and keep tugging downward to release the suction holding it in place. After it slides out, immediately flush the cup with the blood in it, wash it in the sink, and then replace it.
Additionally, if you have an IUD or a history of toxic shock syndrome, it's crucial to see your doctor.
How to clean a menstrual cup.
Read the cleaning instructions before using your cup. Certain cups can be boiled, whereas others cannot. A few firms that manufacture menstrual cups also sell specialized soaps and cleaning wipes, and they may even promote these accessories in their manuals. This is one exception to the rule of using your cup as directed. There is no need to spend more money on specialized cup-cleaning soaps because such goods will undoubtedly clean your cup. Hand soap of any kind will do.
Menstrual cup cleaning may be divided into two categories: the kind you perform between insertions while you're having a period, and the kind you do between periods.
During your period: You'll end up utilizing the cup on days when you use it and emptying it all day long. The frequency of that emptying should vary depending on how your flow is. However, any woman who uses a menstrual cup will eventually find themself flushing menstrual blood down the toilet in a public restroom cubicle. You can wash the cup in the sink with mild soap before re-inserting it in some restrooms (at home or bathrooms for one person, for instance). When they find themselves emptying the cup in a restroom stall, some folks take baby wipes with them to clean it down before re-inserting it.
Between periods: It's preferable to sanitize your cup between cycles with a somewhat deeper clean than you normally carry out between wears. There are several options available to you on how to accomplish this. Many people follow the cup maker's directions and boil their cups for the recommended number of minutes (again, check the instructions for your cup to see whether they caution against boiling). A menstrual cup may be cleaned without the need of a specialized tool, such as a steamer. Sterilization pills are used by other persons. While many websites dedicated to menstruation cups advocate its use, certain cup manufacturers advise against use.
If you choose a cup or disc that is a lighter color, such as clear white, pale pink, or light blue, you could notice that it starts to deteriorate with time. This may be avoided by periodically washing your cup or disc and avoiding leaving it unclean for too long. You can soak the cup in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for up to 24 hours to try to get the stains out (we don't suggest using anything stronger than 6%).
Is a period cup good or bad? Advantages and disadvantages of menstrual cups
Are menstruation cups suitable for you, then? Here are some advantages and disadvantages of utilizing them.
Advantages:
1. Enhanced affordability and reduced environmental impact: Menstrual cups designed for long-term use offer substantial cost savings compared to disposable tampons and pads. By reusing cups, not only do you save money, but you also contribute to reducing waste in landfills and minimizing the resources required for producing paper-based alternatives.
2. Odor-free confidence: One of the advantages of menstrual cups is the absence of embarrassing odors that can occur with pads and tampons. Unlike these traditional methods, the fluid in a menstrual cup remains enclosed, minimizing the chances of any unwanted odors escaping, providing you with added confidence throughout the day.
3. Conveniently reduced store visits: By choosing a menstrual cup, even with a once-a-year cup replacement, you'll significantly decrease the number of trips to the store. Compared to disposable options, which necessitate frequent purchases, you'll make eleven fewer trips, saving time and effort while ensuring a sustainable period care routine.
4. Extended time between changes: Unlike tampons that typically require changing every four to eight hours depending on flow, menstrual cups offer longer-lasting protection. With a menstrual cup, you can comfortably go up to 12 hours before needing to empty it, providing you with more freedom and flexibility in managing your period.
5. User-friendly and familiar: Inserting a menstrual cup is a straightforward process, especially for those already familiar with using tampons, particularly the type without applicators. Dr. Higgins affirms that individuals with prior tampon experience will have little trouble adapting to menstrual cup usage. Furthermore, if you have ever used a NuvaRing® for birth control, you'll find it even easier to transition to and utilize your new menstrual cup.
Disadvantages:
1. Adjusting to the learning curve and managing potential mess: One common concern expressed by users is the initial adjustment period and the perceived messiness associated with emptying the cup. However, with practice and finding a suitable technique, most individuals can overcome any initial discomfort or "ick factor" they may experience. It's important to note that public restroom cleaning may pose challenges for some users, requiring alternative cleaning methods or planning ahead.
2. Insertion difficulties and considerations: Inserting menstrual cups may pose challenges, particularly for individuals who are younger or have not engaged in sexual intercourse. Additionally, using a menstrual cup while having an intrauterine device (IUD) in place can potentially disrupt the IUD strings. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about the insertion process to ensure proper guidance and advice.
3. Individual fit considerations: The unique anatomy of individuals can sometimes make it difficult to achieve a proper fit with the menstrual cup. For example, those with a dropped uterus or uterine prolapse may face challenges in ensuring the cup fits correctly. To address these concerns and enhance comfort during insertion, consulting with a healthcare provider and requesting guidance during an office visit can be beneficial.
4. Learning proper removal techniques: Removing menstrual cups requires a learning curve and understanding the correct method. It's important not to pull on the stem when removing the cup; instead, gently pinch the base to release the suction and allow the collected fluid to empty into the toilet. Afterward, rinse the cup with tap water before reinserting.
5. Regular sterilization for hygiene: Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial when using menstrual cups. Sterilization after each menstrual cycle is recommended. This can be done by boiling the cup in water or using sterilizing solutions typically used for baby bottles, ensuring the cup is thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next use.
5 Top menstrual cup brands for everyone from beginners to experts
Think about switching to menstruation cups if you're seeking for a more eco-friendly alternative. Dr. Christine Greves, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, advises potential users to be aware that learning to use it can need some trial and error. But if you use it enough, you'll definitely get the hang of it.
The top 5 period cups, as rated by users, are shown below.
Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup
Put A Cup In It, a menstrual cup product and information platform, collaborated on the creation of this cup. For novices or those with sensitive pelvic floors, they designed Saalt's form with a pleasant sensation.
79 percent of Amazon customers gave it a five-star review and praised how much softer it felt in comparison to competing products.
BThe Diva Cup
There are two variations of the Diva Cup: Model 1 and Model 2. Model 1 is advised for persons under the age of 30 who have never given birth, while Model 2 is advised for those who are over 30 or have already had children.
You will be protected by them for up to 12 hours because they are silicone. For the record, those who menstruate appear to like it.
The Honey Pot
You may be familiar with the Honey Pot from some of their washes and wipes, but they also provide a silicone menstruation cup free of latex that is suitable for overnight use. The cup is available in two sizes for people with various flows and at various phases of life (ages 19 to 30 and age 30 or post-baby).
Best Menstrual Cup For Beginners: Lily Cup
The Lily Cup comes in three different variations: the Lily Cup, Lily Cup Compact, and the Lily Cup One (designed for beginners). The original Lily Cup is designed to stop leaks and has a special form that resembles a conch shell. It also has a soft feel for simple insertion.
Ziggy Cup
The Ziggy cup combines the large capacity of a disc with the leak-proof properties and reusability of a menstrual cup, making it the perfect choice for those with higher cervixes. Because it has a huge capacity of 76 ml, it can handle various types of flows. It also comes with a covert travel case that you may carry with you at all times. Another benefit? Because the cup sits higher, you may have clean sexual encounters.
Last but not least...
Although menstrual cups offer many advantages, how can you know if they are the right choice for you? According to gynecologists, the only way to find out if a menstrual cup will work for you is to buy one and give it a try.
Keep in mind that they come in all sizes and forms, so if the first one doesn't fit you, the next one could.
But doing some research never hurts. So, weigh your selections and read customer reviews to learn what others have to say.
Frequently asked questions
Is using a menstrual cup more sustainable?
Menstrual cups are really a more environmentally friendly option, says Dr. Michael Brook, a silicone expert at McMaster University.
Silicone is a rather eco-friendly substance. The substance, which is made of silica, a form of sand, will gradually return to its natural state as it deteriorates. Silica is the second-most prevalent mineral in the Earth's crust and is also one that doesn't pose a threat to the environment.
Are menstrual cups FDA approved?
Like scented pads and tampons, menstrual cups are categorized as a Class II medical device. Although producers of cups must register their goods with the FDA in order to put them on the market, this does not imply that the FDA examines every cup design. However, menstruation cups are also "510(k) exempt," which implies that manufacturers don't need to get any further FDA approval. The fact that some of the cups we evaluated for this guide weren't legally FDA-cleared doesn't mean they weren't safe; it only means that they hadn't submitted the necessary paperwork to the FDA to be included on our list.
