Guide Note

A Menstrual Cup is a cup worn inside the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. In the past few years it has grown in popularity because it is environmentally friendly. Although the menstrual cup is a minority in feminine hygiene products, it has environmental, economic, and health advantages over the more popular tampon. Menstrual cups are made of either latex or silicon and can be reusable or disposable.

Fast Facts

1. Patented: 1932
2. Price range: $28 to $45
3. Allergy warning: Some made from latex
4. Comes in two sizes
5. Stem can be trimmed for comfort
6. Should be emptied every 12 hours
7. Rinse before reinsertion
8. Not intended for use as a contraceptive
9. Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
10. Many can be sterilized in dishwasher

The Instead brand softcup is the only brand of disposable menstrual cups on the market in the United States. The disposable fits like a contraceptive diaphragm, tucked underneath the pubic bone. It is shallower than a reusable. Because of its high location, the disposable can be safely worn during sexual intercourse.

The two main reusable menstrual cups available in the United States are The Keeper and DivaCup. The Keeper is made of latex, but the company also produces a silicon version for those with latex allergies called the Moon Cup. The reusable cup is slightly different from the disposable; it is deeper and bell shaped and fits slightly lower in the vagina. The menstrual cup is folded flat and then in half prior to inserting. The fold can be varied to help with the fit, and the stem at the bottom of the cup can be used to twist the cup to help it pop open.

Over a period of 10 years a menstruating woman may spend over $600 on feminine hygiene products. Reusable cups, which average about $30 and last ten years or more, can significantly cut down on cost.

Using a reusable menstrual cup is also environmentally friendly. Tampons and menstrual pads make up a significant amount of garbage sent to landfills. The use of a reusable menstrual cup has no waste products.

Although the FDA states that tampons do not contain chlorine bleach and only minute traces of dioxin, some women are concerned about putting tampons with these chemicals in their bodies. Menstrual cups might be preferred because they do not contain these chemicals.

Reusable menstrual cups have not been associated with toxic shock syndrome, another concern with tampon use. Menstrual cups can be worn up to twelve hours without emptying.