woman's health

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups: what are they?

An alternative to the classic internal pads are menstrual cups: these are small containers in latex or silicone to be inserted inside the vagina during menstruation, in order to collect the menstrual flow.

Unlike internal tampons, menstrual cups do not absorb uterine blood, rather they collect it inside them.

The menstrual cups cover the cervix just like a contraceptive diaphragm; however, unlike the latter, menstrual cups are not included in the list of contraceptive methods.

Menstrual cups offer no protection from unwanted pregnancies or from sexually transmitted diseases

The use of menstrual cups dates back to 1930, but in our country it does not seem to be a practice particularly appreciated by women. In Italy women prefer to use external absorbents or tampax during menstruation, probably because menstrual cups are still little known or advertised.

Types, shapes and sizes

The market offers two types of menstrual cups:

  1. Shaped menstrual cups (the most used): these are "bell-shaped" devices made of rubber, latex, silicone or hypoallergenic material. The most popular brands are Lunette, The Mooncup, Softcup and Fleurcup (colored menstrual cups). This type of menstrual cup is reusable and, if used correctly, can last up to 10 years: in fact, after removal from the vagina, the cup must be carefully washed with water and neutral soap, and dried. The cup can then be reinserted. Despite what has been said, some manufacturing companies still recommend replacing the cup once a year for hygienic reasons. Reusable cups must be removed before consuming a complete sexual relationship.
  2. Menstrual cups in polyethylene (produced exclusively by the firm Instead ): the shape of these containers resembles that of the contraceptive diaphragms. In this category two further variants can be distinguished:
    • Disposable menstrual cups, designed to be eliminated after a single use
    • Reusable menstrual cups (to be thrown away after a menstrual cycle)
    Menstrual cups in polyethylene can be worn during a relationship, although they do not guarantee any protection from unwanted pregnancies or venereal diseases.

The menstrual cups are not all the same: in addition to material and shape, they also differ in terms of size.

In fact, there are small, medium and large bowls: every woman can choose the size that best suits her body. For example, small are suitable for young women who have not yet given birth; the larger sizes are better suited to the cervix of women who have had a vaginal birth. However, large menstrual cups must also be considered by women who, despite not having yet given birth, suffer from hypermenorrhea (heavy menstruation).

The menstrual cups have a stem, designed to facilitate the removal of the collector. Some cups have too long a stem for the woman's genital anatomy: in this case, the rod can be shortened with a cut of scissors as needed. Some menstrual cups are built with rounded stems, rounded or "arched", such as to allow a perfect adaptation to the genital anatomy and facilitated removal.

Below are the approximate dimensions of the best-selling menstrual cups

Small menstrual cups Medium menstrual cups Large menstrual cups
DIMENSION 40 mm 45 mm > 45mm
VOLUME OF MESTRUAL BLOOD CONTENT 10-15 ml 15-25 ml 25-35 ml
APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF STEM 15 mm 17 mm 17-18 mm

Entry mode

Contrary to what one might believe, menstrual cups are quite simple to insert and guarantee absolute discretion. The correct insertion of the cup is essential to make the most of this "innovative" device.

The correct method of use is described below for points:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly
  2. Discard the menstrual cup from the package
  3. Fold it over itself, first once, then second, to make it easier to insert
  4. Insert the cup into the vagina at any time during the menstrual cycle. If necessary, apply a lubricant before inserting the menstrual container
  • The reusable menstrual cup tends to position itself correctly, without necessarily pushing it deep into contact with the cervix. The menstrual cup must be completely inserted into the vaginal canal, with the wider opening upwards and the stem downwards (which will later be used for removal)
  • The disposable menstrual cup must first be inserted in the middle of the vaginal trunk, then it must be pushed behind the pubic bone, near the cervix. At this point, the cup adapts to the genital anatomy.
  1. Remove the menstrual cup: to extract the cup, simply push it down with the help of the pelvic musculature. After that, remove the container by pulling the cup stem outwards.
  2. Empty the menstrual cup every 4-8 hours. For menses that are scarce / not very abundant, the menstrual cup can be emptied every 12 hours.
  3. Rinse with soap and water
  4. Dry the cup thoroughly
  5. Reintroduce it into the vagina

Between menstruation and the other, it is recommended to boil the menstrual cup in water for sterilization.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Although menstrual cups have many advantages, the other side of the coin shows negative aspects of their use.

Advantages of menstrual cupsDisadvantages of menstrual cups
  • Economic savings: a menstrual cup (about 12-20 €) can be ideally reused for 10 years, reducing the purchase costs
  • Respect for the environment: it is estimated that a woman uses approximately 10, 000 internal or external sanitary napkins, which are inevitably thrown into the garbage. A menstrual cup can last a long time without polluting the environment
  • The presence of the menstrual cup - if positioned correctly - is not perceived by the woman
  • The menstrual cups have a greater capacity than the internal pads: in this regard, the frequency of the "change" is reduced
  • Menstrual cups can be used in the pool or at sea
  • Ease of use
  • Does not absorb normal vaginal secretions (disadvantage of internal swabs)
  • The menstrual cups can be kept in position even during urination or defecation
  • Some menstrual cups can be held in place during a relationship
  • Women subjected to candidiasis or other vaginal infections should not use menstrual cups: pathogens could in fact nest in the collector
  • Latex menstrual cups can create allergic reactions (in women who are predisposed / allergic to latex)
  • Boil the menstrual cup in water between one menstruation and the other for greater hygiene
  • Initially, the woman may take longer to insert the menstrual cup than the vaginal swabs
  • It may be necessary to lubricate the vaginal canal with specific creams to facilitate the insertion of the menstrual cup
  • Women who use the IUD intrauterine device as a contraceptive method should pay particular attention to the insertion of menstrual cups
  • Do not insert menstrual cups in case of vaginitis, cervicitis, cervical malformations and vaginal erosions
  • During the first applications, many women go to the doctor because they are unable to correctly position the menstrual cups