When it comes to period care, the choices available today offer more flexibility and sustainability than ever before. One option gaining popularity is the menstrual cup, a reusable option that many women are choosing for its convenience and eco-friendliness. But how do you know if a menstrual cup is right for you? Let's explore what a menstrual cup is, how it works, its pros and cons, and how to care for it to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped, flexible device typically made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex. Unlike tampons or pads that absorb menstrual fluid, a menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina where it collects the fluid. Because it's reusable, a single cup can last for years with proper care, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products.

How Does It Work?

Using a menstrual cup might seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of practice, it can become just as routine as using tampons or pads. To use a menstrual cup, you fold it and insert it into your vagina, where it will unfold and create a seal against the vaginal walls, effectively collecting menstrual fluid. Depending on your flow, you can leave the cup in place for up to 12 hours before removing, emptying, and rinsing it. After your period ends, you’ll need to sterilise the cup before storing it for next time. 

Pros and Cons of Menstrual Cups

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: A menstrual cup is a one-time purchase that can last for years, saving you money in the long run.

• Environmentally Friendly: Since it’s reusable, using a menstrual cup drastically reduces the waste generated by disposable menstrual products.

• Longer Wear Time: Menstrual cups hold more fluid than tampons or pads, meaning fewer changes throughout the day.

• No embarrassing odour. With menstrual cups, you won’t have to worry about embarrassing odour wafting out at the most inopportune times, as the fluid doesn’t get exposed to air as it does with pads and tampons.

• Easy to use. Dr. Higgins  says that anyone who has used tampons, especially the kind without applicators, should find it relatively easy to learn how to insert a menstrual cup.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Inserting and removing the cup can take some practice. It might take a few cycles to get comfortable with the process.

• Cleaning: Menstrual cups require proper cleaning and sterilization, which may not be convenient in all situations. 

• Fit and Comfort: Not all cups fit every body the same way. It might take some trial and error to find the right size and brand for you. At Inoya, we understand that this process can be daunting, so we offer a 60-day risk-free trial to make it as easy as possible for everyone. This way, you can try our menstrual cup with confidence, knowing that if it’s not the perfect fit, you have the flexibility to find what works best for you.

• Inconvenience in Public Restrooms: If you need to empty your cup in a public restroom, it can be tricky since you’ll need to rinse it out before reinserting it. To make this easier, consider carrying a water bottle to rinse the cup, or use our Inoya Sterilising Cup to store and clean your cup on the go.

How to Care for a Menstrual Cup

Caring for your menstrual cup is simple but essential to ensure it remains safe and effective. During your period, you should empty and rinse your cup with mild, fragrance-free soap every 8-12 hours. Once your period is over, sterilise your cup by boiling it in water for a few minutes or use the Inoya Sterilising Cup to clean it before storing it away for the next cycle. 

Empowering Your Choice

Deciding whether a menstrual cup is right for you ultimately depends on your lifestyle, comfort, and personal preferences. Menstrual cups offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and safe alternative to traditional period products, but they do require a bit of patience and practice. The most important thing is choosing a menstrual care option that makes you feel empowered and confident in your choices. If a menstrual cup sounds like it might be a good fit for you, give it a try and see how it works with your body and routine. You might find that it’s the perfect addition to your menstrual care toolkit! 

Further Reading: 

1. Cleveland Clinic: Tired of Tampons? Here Are Pros and Cons of Menstrual Cups

2. Healthline: How to Use a Menstrual Cup

3. Biome: How to Choose the Right Menstrual Cup