Learn About Menstrual Cup Use and Care

What Is a Menstrual Cup and How Does It Work

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible container made from medical-grade silicone, latex, or rubber that collects menstrual fluid during your period. Unlike tampons and pads that absorb fluid, cups collect it inside the vagina. The cup is roughly bell-shaped and has a stem at the bottom that helps with removal. Most cups hold about 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of fluid, though some larger versions hold up to 1.2 ounces.

To use a menstrual cup, you fold it into a smaller shape, insert it into your vagina, and then release it so it opens and creates a light seal against the vaginal walls. The seal prevents leaks by keeping the cup in place. You can leave a cup in for up to 12 hours depending on your flow, though many people empty it more often. Once inserted, you should not feel the cup during normal activities like walking, sitting, or exercising.

Menstrual cups became commercially available in the 1930s, but they gained significant popularity starting in the 2000s. According to a 2019 systematic review published in the journal Lancet, approximately 1 to 2 percent of menstruating people worldwide use cups, though this number has been growing. In some countries, adoption rates are higher—up to 5 to 10 percent in certain communities.

The cup works through a combination of the vaginal walls holding it in place and a small amount of suction created by the seal. When you're ready to remove it, you simply pinch the base to break the seal and pull gently downward. You then empty the contents into a toilet, rinse the cup, and reinsert it.

Practical Takeaway: A menstrual cup is a reusable device that collects rather than absorbs menstrual fluid. Understanding the basic mechanics—folding, inserting, sealing, and removing—helps you decide if this option might work for your needs.

Different Types of Menstrual Cups and How to Choose One

Menstrual cups come in various shapes, sizes, and firmness levels. The main types include traditional bell-shaped cups, flat-disc shaped cups, and cups with different stem designs. Popular brands include Diva Cup, Lunette, Saalt, Lena, and others, each offering variations in size, material, and design features.

Cup sizes typically fall into two categories: small and large. The small size is usually recommended for people under 30 who have never been pregnant, while the large size is often suggested for those over 30 or who have given birth vaginally. However, these are general guidelines, not strict rules. Some people find a different size works better based on their individual anatomy or flow patterns. A small cup typically holds about 25 to 30 milliliters, while a large cup holds 30 to 38 milliliters.

The material affects how the cup feels and performs. Medical-grade silicone is the most common material and is hypoallergenic, durable, and long-lasting. Natural rubber latex is another option but may not be suitable for people with latex allergies. Some newer cups use TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), a hypoallergenic synthetic material. Each material has slightly different firmness levels, which affects how easily the cup opens once inserted.

Firmness matters because a firmer cup may be easier to insert and remove, while a softer cup may create a better seal. Some people with lower muscle tone prefer firmer cups, while others find soft cups more comfortable. The stem style also varies—some cups have a long stem for easy removal, others have a ball at the end, and some have a ring design. You can trim most stems if they feel uncomfortable.

Choosing a cup involves considering your age, pregnancy history, anatomical preferences, and any allergies. Reading reviews from other users and checking comparison websites can provide valuable perspective. Many people try one cup and find it works well, while others test multiple options before finding their best fit. Most cups cost between $25 and $40.

Practical Takeaway: Cup selection depends on size, material, and firmness. Start by considering the general guidelines based on age and pregnancy history, then refine your choice based on personal comfort and any special needs like allergies.

Inserting and Positioning a Menstrual Cup Correctly

Proper insertion is key to preventing leaks and ensuring comfort. Most people learn insertion through trial and error over a few cycles, and it typically becomes much easier with practice. The first step is choosing a folding method. Common folds include the C-fold, where you fold the cup in half so it looks like the letter C; the punchdown fold, where you push the top center of the cup down into the body of the cup; and the origami fold, where you fold one corner down. Each fold reduces the cup's width for easier insertion.

Before inserting, wash your hands with soap and water. You can wet the rim of the folded cup slightly to help it slide in, though this is optional. Find a comfortable position—some people squat, some sit on the toilet, and others stand with one leg elevated. Relax your pelvic floor muscles as much as possible. Hold the folded cup and gently push it into your vagina at a slight angle, similar to how you would insert a tampon but aimed slightly toward your back.

Once the cup is mostly inside, it will pop open as it unfolds. You should feel it open with a slight sensation. Some people get a small pop or feel a sudden release. Once open, the cup should sit lower in the vagina than a tampon would. The rim should be completely inside your body, and the stem may stick out slightly or be completely internal depending on your anatomy. To check if it's properly positioned, insert a clean finger around the cup's perimeter to ensure it has fully opened and the seal is intact.

If you feel leaking, the cup likely isn't fully open or positioned correctly. This is common when starting out. You can remove it, reposition it, or try a different fold. Some people find that bearing down slightly with their pelvic floor muscles helps the cup open fully. After insertion, most people can go about their normal activities without noticing the cup at all.

Practical Takeaway: Successful insertion involves choosing a fold method, relaxing your body, inserting gently, and ensuring the cup opens fully. Leaks during early attempts are normal, and most people find insertion becomes comfortable within a few cycles of practice.

Removing, Emptying, and Cleaning Your Menstrual Cup

Removing a menstrual cup requires breaking the seal that keeps it in place. To do this, insert a clean finger into your vagina and locate the cup's base. Pinch the base or sides firmly to break the seal—you'll usually feel or hear a small release. Once the seal is broken, you can gently pull the cup downward by the stem or base. Many people sit on the toilet when removing their cup to prevent spilling.

After removal, empty the contents into the toilet. The amount of fluid varies greatly by person and by day of the cycle. A full cup of menstrual fluid is usually not as much as it seems because the cup only holds 1 to 1.2 ounces. For reference, an average period releases about 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 milliliters) of fluid over the entire cycle, though some people bleed more or less. Once emptied, rinse the cup with cool or warm water. Some people do this over a sink at home, while others carry water to the bathroom or use toilet paper to wipe the cup before reinserting.

At the end of your cycle, clean your cup thoroughly before storing it. Wash it with mild unscented soap and warm water, scrubbing inside and outside to remove any residue. You can also boil the cup in water for 5 to 10 minutes to sterilize it, though regular washing with soap and water is typically sufficient. Some people use specialized cup washes designed for menstrual cups, but plain soap works fine. Do not use scented soaps, douches, or harsh chemicals, as these can affect the silicone and disrupt your vaginal pH balance.

Between cycles, store your cup in a clean, dry place. Some cups come with cloth storage bags