Menstrual cup: everything you need to know about it

Despite being invented in the 1930s, many people are still not familiar with the menstrual cup. It is a small cup made of hypoallergenic silicone and used in place of a tampon to collect menstrual blood. The fear of using the cup may be because it has to be introduced into the vaginal canal and this is still a taboo for some people.

The menstrual cup is an economical alternative because it lasts for a few years, thus eliminating the monthly purchase of sanitary pads. Another big advantage is being eco-friendly. Instead of the waste generated by disposable pads, you only use one cup, meaning less waste in the long run. Keep reading to clear all your doubts about the menstrual cup.

But what exactly is a menstrual cup?

Also called a menstrual cup, a cup is a feminine hygiene item that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation to collect blood. Unlike tampons, it does not absorb menstrual fluid.

It is usually made of flexible medical silicone, in the shape of a bell and has a rod that serves to insert and remove. Most menstrual cup brands sell one size smaller and one size larger. They are usually colorless and translucent, but several brands also offer colored cups, accompanied by a fabric pouch to carry or store.

Over a period of 4 to 10 hours, depending on the amount of flow, the cup must be removed, emptied, rinsed and reinserted. After each period, the menstrual cup should be boiled for at least 5 minutes and stored for use within the next month.

Why use the menstrual cup?

After gaining the trust of Europeans and Americans, the menstrual cup has gained popularity among Brazilian women. This is because it has several advantages. Check out:

Advantages of menstrual cup

It’s economical: a single collector can last up to 10 years. It’s cheaper than the money spent per month on traditional tampons.

It’s eco-friendly: sanitary napkins take a long time to degrade and with the collection cup it lasts a long time before having to be discarded.

Odor: There is no odor because the fluid is not exposed to air.

Practicality: collectors have a capacity for a much higher flow volume than external or internal absorbents, which allows use for longer periods. You can keep the cup for up to 10 hours, while tampons would have to be changed 3-4 times a day.

Disadvantages of the menstrual cup

Learning to use: getting used to putting on and taking off the cup can take some time. You will need practice!

Hygiene: removal and insertion in public places may be compromised depending on the hygiene of the place.

Size: To decide which size is best you will need to experiment. There’s no other way!

Accessibility: the sale of collectors is still mostly done over the internet, making access difficult for people who are not used to this purchase process.

Are you already convinced that the menstrual cup is a good alternative for you? Generally speaking, there are more advantages than disadvantages! Even so, respect your body and think about your comfort first.

Frequently asked questions about the menstrual cup

To solve the most frequent doubts about the menstrual cup, we interviewed the resident of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Hospital das Clínicas of UFMG, Maysa Teotonio Josafá Simão (CRM MG 65082). Check it out below:

1. What care is taken with the menstrual cup? Menstrual collectors are very economical and practical to use, but some care is necessary. It is important to pay attention to the frequency of exchange, proper hygiene of the device, the fact that its use must be individual and non-transferable, and the choice of the appropriate size.

2. Is there a risk of infection or irritation? Frames of infection and local irritation can occur mainly due to improper use of the device. Unlike tampons, there are no reported cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome (severe condition associated with tampon use for more than 8 hours). Patients allergic to latex should also be aware. Although the composition of most collectors is hypoallergenic silicone and non-latex, it is important to check with the manufacturer before making the purchase.

3. How long can I keep a menstrual cup? The frequency of exchange must be adjusted to each woman and the characteristics of her menstrual flow. Changing every 4-6 hours is advisable, but it is safe to keep using it for up to 8-10 hours on days with reduced flow. It is important to always observe the manufacturer’s recommendations, as there may be variations.

4. Can you sleep with the collector? Yes, you can sleep with it without risk of any damage or infection. In the lying position, the flow accumulates in the vaginal cul-de-sac and when you get up it returns to the collection cup. It is advisable to only respect the exchange time. Thus, there will only be leakage if the device is not well positioned.

5. How do I know my menstrual cup size? In general, 2 different sizes are manufactured (A and B), the choice being based not on the size or weight of the patient, but on the obstetric history and age of the patient – which usually reflects the tone/flaccidity of the vaginal muscles. Women with children of vaginal delivery or age over 35 years old are indicated for model A, while for women without children and under 35 years of age, model B would be more indicated.

6. Can any woman use the menstrual cup? Yes, any woman, but in some situations it is contraindicated, such as during the puerperium (period that lasts up to 42 days after delivery), in the presence of treatments for vaginal infections. There are no contraindications for use for virgin women, but it is important to note that there may be rupture of the hymen during insertion. Women using IUDs can also use the collector, just being careful not to pull the thread during extraction (it’s difficult, but it can happen).

7. Can the menstrual cup cause colic? Not. There are no studies that associate the use of menstrual cups with increased cramps. The patient may experience abdominal/vaginal pain or even cramping if the device is placed or removed incorrectly.

8. Can you play sports or go to the gym using it? You can and should! There are reports from several high-performance athletes who mention improved comfort and even physical performance with the use of collectors. There are also no contraindications to use on the beach or pool. However, it is important to make sure that the vacuum has been properly established.

9. Does the cup adapt to any menstrual cycle? Yes, it adapts. Perhaps, it is necessary to make adjustments to the frequency of exchange of the collector.

10. How to clean the menstrual cup? After emptying your cup, you should clean it with running water and mild soap, rinse well to avoid any menstrual residue and dry it to use again. Before using your collection cup for the first time and at the beginning and end of each cycle, it must also be boiled. This process can be done in the microwave or on the stove. Just separate a specific container for this and always handle the collector with clean hands.

If you still have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult your gynecologist.

8 menstrual cups to buy

There are several brands of menstrual cups. National and international brands, different colors and even sizes. But to find out what’s best for you, just try it out! Thinking about helping you in this choice, we list the most beloved brands of bloggers. Come and see!

1. korui
2. Fleurity

“I have a very strong flow and before I had to change the pads very often, which made me neurotic about possible leaks. With the collector, I change three times a day at most.” – Café das Minervas

3. me moon

“I put it on well and I adapted well, it was more difficult to remove it. It opens inside and makes a kind of vacuum that keeps it in place, so you can imagine the “force” that the glass does not to come out.” – Be woman

4. Holy Cup

“As predicted, the researches were successful and he served perfectly. It took me a couple of cycles to fully adapt and these days it’s so normal for me that I even forget I’m using it.” – Another Camilla

5. Lumma

“The first time I spent hours (I even forgot I had a new collector!) and it didn’t leak or give any problem.” – The window girl

6. Soft Cup Prudence

“Another great advantage of the Prudence Softcup is that it is one size fits all, as it adapts to each anatomy without you having to bend over backwards to understand and eventually buy the wrong size.” – Fashionism

7. incycle

“They are flexible and don’t bother you, but if it bothers you, the placement may not be correct. The truth is that over time you adapt and get the hang of it, but I found it much more practical, safe and sustainable to help me in those days!” – Juliana Goes

It is always good to remember that the menstrual cup is not and does not serve as a contraceptive. It also does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. If you have doubts and feel insecure about using it, look for your gynecologist to guide you and help you decide what is best for your well-being.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.