What Is a Menstrual Cup? Experts Explain

When it comes to period protection, it’s good to have options. This is especially true given recent research about toxic metals in tampons. While the majority of people who have periods may have previously reached for pads or tampons to help the flow, there’s a growing group of people who swear by menstrual cups. But what is a menstrual cup, and is it actually safe to use? Here’s what to know if you’re thinking about making the switch.

Among their many benefits, menstrual cups are an environmentally-friendly choice (when compared to something like pads, which have disposable wrappers that wind up in the trash), says Jennifer Wider, MD. They also tend to be more cost-effective over time, given that you can typically reuse a period cup for years before having to buy a new one. Although you may have heard of menstrual cups in passing, it’s understandable if they seem intimidating at first.

To answer any questions you might have, we spoke with experts about how to use a menstrual cup, including instructions for insertion and removal. Read on to get expert-informed advice about the advantages and disadvantages to period cups, and walk away a menstrual cup pro.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Jennifer Wider, MD, is a nationally renowned women’s health expert, author, and radio host.

Gloria A. Bachmann, MD, is an ob-gyn and associate dean of women’s health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Mary Jane Minkin, MD, is a practicing gynecologist, and a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine.

What Is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is typically made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, latex, or elastomer, according to a 2019 study published in The Lancet. Some can last up to 10 years, but there are also disposable single-use menstrual cups on the market. Additionally, some menstrual cups are one-size-fits-all, but many brands sell menstrual cups in different sizes depending on your body’s specifications. If your cervix is low, for instance, you might need a shorter cup, whereas someone with a high cervix might need a longer cup to aid in insertion and removal.

A menstrual cup looks and operates similarly to a diaphragm, which is a form of contraception that blocks the cervix, says Gloria A. Bachmann, MD. It just has a different purpose. “With the menstrual cup, it is preventing menstrual blood from flowing out of the vagina, whereas the diaphragm is preventing sperm from reaching it,” Dr. Bachmann says. Menstrual cups are also small and flexible and “designed to catch and collect menstrual blood, as opposed to absorb it like with pads and tampons,” Dr. Wider says. Plus, unlike pads and tampons that have to be changed every four to six hours or four to eight hours (respectively), some menstrual cups can last up to 12 hours before having to be emptied, depending on the size.

How to Use a Menstrual Cup

It may take some practice to use a menstrual cup properly. Thankfully, most manufacturers have detailed instructions — and even videos — to walk you through the process. Here’s the basic rundown.

How to Insert a Menstrual Cup

Insertion can be a little tricky at first, but menstrual cup fans typically say it’s easy to figure out after a few tries. “You insert it very much like the old contraceptive diaphragms — pinching the edges and inserting it up to the top of the vagina,” says Mary Jane Minkin, MD. Every menstrual cup is slightly different (and you should follow your cup manufacturer’s instructions), but they generally follow the same insertion process, Dr. Wider says. This includes:

You can also add a water-based lubricant to the rim of the cup if it makes insertion easier, Dr. Wider says. Once the cup is inside you, it should spring open in your vaginal canal. “The most important aspect of insertion is to be sure that the rim is totally covering the cervix, such that menstrual blood cannot leak around it to undergarments,” Dr. Bachmann says.

How to Remove a Menstrual Cup

Many menstrual cups have a stem on the bottom, which can help with removal. To remove your cup, Dr. Bachmann recommends the following:

If your cup doesn’t have a stem, pinch the bottom to break the seal and gently pull the cup out, Dr. Wider says. Keep in mind that you should wash your menstrual cup after use (more on that in a moment).

Menstrual Cup Advantages

Former PS staff writer Jenny Sugar put menstrual cups to the test, noting that she decided to give them a try after her second pregnancy. Sugar liked that they were affordable and good for the planet — here’s a few more menstrual cup advantages she noticed.

Menstrual Cup Disadvantages

Everyone has different needs and preferences, so the menstrual cup might not be the right fit for you lifestyle or anatomy. If you experience any pain or discomfort with the menstrual cup, definitely speak with a doctor before proceeding. To that end, here’s a few of the disadvantages Sugar experienced with her period cup.

Menstrual Disc vs. Menstrual Cup

The main difference between menstrual discs and menstrual cups is the size, amount of blood they can hold, and potential for reuse. While “menstrual disc” and “menstrual cup” tend to be used interchangeably, they are technically different things. “The disc is shaped like a disc rather than a cup,” Dr. Wider says. “It gets inserted, too, but further back where the vaginal canal meets the cervical opening.” Some menstrual discs can hold more period blood before they need to be changed, Dr. Bachmann says, but it ultimately depends on the type and size you choose.

Another major difference: some menstrual discs aren’t reusable. “These get thrown out after each use and can be used up to 12 hours,” Dr. Wider says. In comparing cups to discs, Sugar reported that the menstrual disc was more comfortable and hardly felt once inserted. But the removal process was a bit messy, since the menstrual fluid pours out as you untuck it from behind your pubic bone.

How to Clean a Menstrual Cup

It’s important to clean your menstrual cup after every use. “Because it catches blood, if not cleaned properly it can be a source of bacteria buildup, leading to infection, odor, erosion from slight friction against the vagina, and of course, the cup itself getting stained,” Dr. Bachmann says. After you remove your cup, you can rinse it with water and soap and reinsert it, Dr. Wider says. Unscented soaps are best to avoid irritating your vagina. Between cycles, it’s a good idea to sterilize your cup by boiling it in water for two to three minutes, Dr. Bachmann says.

These are just general guidelines, though. Ultimately, you should follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for your cup.

How Much Do Menstrual Cups Cost?

Prices vary by brand, but the the Mayo Clinic estimates menstrual cups cost between $20 to $40. This can be huge pro for many people with periods, considering the annual cost of pads and tampons is around $50 to $150 per year.

Are Menstrual Cups Safe?

Yes. The Lancet’s study showed that — not only are menstrual cups safe — but they can be just as effective as other menstrual products. That said, Dr. Bachmann stresses the importance of practicing proper removal and remembering to remove your menstrual cup when your period wraps up in order to avoid infection. Overall, though, “they are safe,” Dr. Minkin says. Dr. Wider agrees, noting that they’re safe, “as long as you use as directed.”

Korin Miller is a writer specializing in general wellness, health, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Self, Health, Forbes, and more.

Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her passions and areas of expertise include women’s health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women’s Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.