The 13 Best Menstrual Cups That Will Convince You to Make the Switch
While there are a number of menstrual products to choose from these days, from menstrual discs to classic tampons and pads, the best menstrual cups can outdo the competition. For starters, the cost-efficiency and positive impact of period cups on the environment are pretty compelling, not to mention the convenience factor. Plus, there’s currently a tampon shortage happening as we speak, which makes the case for cups even more compelling.
Anyone who’s ever experienced menstruation knows it can be a real pain in the neck (and back…and abdomen…and the myriad of other pain points associated with that time of the month). However, switching to the little rubber funnel-shaped cup (and investing in a pair of period panties) might finally make your cycle a little bit easier. If you’ve been wondering whether a menstrual cup is right for you, read on for key things to know about them, according to gynecologists—and then shop the 13 best menstrual cups, as told by some very enthusiastic reviews.
How does a menstrual cup work?
Menstrual cups are similar to tampons in that they require insertion, but rather than absorbing blood, they collect it in a little rubber or silicone cup. “Menstrual cups are nonabsorbent, reusable feminine hygiene products,” explains Mansfield, Texas, ob-gyn Ruth Arumala, DO. “They are small, flexible rubber or silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood, which is surprisingly only a couple of teaspoons per day. Consequently, the small funnel-shaped menstrual cups collect this blood before it leaves the body, similar to a tampon.”
You can leave yours in for up to 12 hours, remove it, and then wash it and use it again; it will last for up to a year, according to Dr. Arumala. The cup is incredibly convenient, and many women point to this, as well as the leak-free factor, as a key reason for making the switch.
What are the benefits of using a menstrual cup?
It’s no surprise that period cups are seeing a major gain in popularity, considering the long list of upsides, including their positive social and environmental impacts. “In low-income settings, many girls and women experience period poverty, or inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products,” explains Arumala. “Menstrual cups may serve as an affordable option to facilitate normal activity during periods.”
Along with cutting costs, decreasing single-use waste, and combatting leakage and cramping, cup users can also avoid the unwanted odors that may come with pads and tampons. “This can occur as a result of the blood disrupting the normal, acidic environment of the vagina,” says Deeannah Seymour, CEO and founder of pH-D Feminine Health, a women’s health and wellness brand. “This can worsen the situation because, in addition to absorbing blood, pads and tampons also absorb the vaginal fluid that contains the beneficial bacteria which help to maintain and promote your healthy vaginal balance.” Because menstrual cups keep the fluid contained, there’s a lower chance that anyone—or your neighbor’s dog—will detect your vaginal odor.
That said, you can still experience toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, with a menstrual cup—so you still need to change and clean yours regularly.
Who should use menstrual cups?
Anyone who gets a period is a great candidate for a menstrual cup, according to Dr. Arumala. Whether you’re looking to save money, be more environmentally friendly, or simply ditch pads and tampons for your own personal reasons, a period cup is a great alternative to consider.
Which menstrual cup is best for beginners?
If you’re just starting out, there may be a learning curve when inserting and removing the cup. Opt for a smaller size on your first try, and then size up if you find your menstrual flow or body requires a bit more coverage.
Most brands offer more than one size, and you can shop smaller options in our roundup below. “Prior to trying a cup for the first time, I recommend a woman consider the following: age, current flow, parity, the integrity of your vagina, and the material the cup is made of,” Dr. Arumala says. (Parity means whether you’ve had a baby vaginally, and integrity of your vagina refers to vaginal prolapse.)
What is the best menstrual cup for a heavy flow?
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to menstrual cups, but luckily there are several options on the market specifically designed for low cervixes, heavy flows, and wide-set vaginas (Mean Girls was onto something). Note how much fluid each cup can hold, and consider purchasing a variety pack that will cover the ebbs and flows of your cycle.
What should people look for when shopping for a menstrual cup?
“Women using a menstrual cup should ensure the fit is comfortable so they feel confident in their decision,” says Seymour. “Also, when there are options to support other female-owned businesses, I choose to do so. Some brands I admire include the DivaCup, Saalt, and Lunette.” You can find a ton of options out there, from a variety of sizes to types of silicone.
If you’re trying to narrow down options to figure out which cup is right for you, check out the 13 best menstrual cups to shop on Amazon, according to the people who swear by them.
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