A menstrual cup is a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that is inserted into the vagina to catch and collect period fluid. It is a reusable feminine hygiene product that can hold more blood than other methods, leading many women to use them as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Menstrual cups come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they are made of different materials such as natural rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Most menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, which is comfortable to use, dimensionally stable, and resilient to rebound.
Positive aspects of menstrual cups include:
- They are budget-friendly. You pay a one-time price for a reusable menstrual cup, unlike tampons or pads, which have to be continually bought and can cost upward of $100 a year.
- They are safer. Because menstrual cups collect rather than absorb blood, you’re not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use.
- They generate less trash and require fewer purchases, making them an environmentally friendly option.
- They can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
Negative aspects of menstrual cups include:
- They may be hard to insert or remove.
- They may be tough to find the right fit.
- They may cause an allergic reaction or vaginal irritation.
- Cup removal can be messy, and you may find yourself in a place or position that makes it difficult or awkward to remove your cup.
- Women using intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception should take caution as there have been scientific reports of menstrual cups having contributed to dislodging of the IUD.
In summary, menstrual cups are a reusable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pads and tampons. They are made of different materials, but most are made from medical-grade silicone. While they offer several benefits, such as being budget-friendly and safer than tampons, they may also have some negative aspects, such as being hard to insert or remove and causing vaginal irritation. It is important to find the right fit and to be cautious if using an IUD.
