How to Have an Eco-Friendly Period, Part 2 : Menstrual Cups

The first time I heard about reusable period products, I was really quite confused. I couldn’t get my head around why people would willingly make their periods harder than they already are! A few years on, and wonderfully I am a complete convert to sustainable periods. Of course, they are so much better for the environment than their disposable cousins. But beyond that, I find my periods more comfortable, more natural and even more beautiful.

So, on my way to convincing the world that eco-friendly periods really are better, this is the second in a series helping you get started with some of the most common reusable period products. You can read the others in the series here. Today we’re talking about my personal favourite - the menstrual cup.

What is a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups are little cups, usually made of silicone, that are designed to sit inside your vagina.

There is another similar style of period protection called a menstrual disc, which is (currently) less common so I won’t cover it in detail here. Discs differ in that they sit at a different point in your vagina.

How do menstrual cups work?

Menstrual cups sit just below your cervix and work by catching period blood at the source. Putting them in and taking them out requires a little practice. To get it in, you’ll usually need to fold the cup (there are several different ways), and then encourage it to unfold inside. Once it’s unfolded it will form a seal with very gentle suction, and prevent leaks.

Most cups will have a short stem on the bottom to help with removal. When it comes to emptying the cup, you’ll just remove it by gently squeezing it and pulling down, empty it into the toilet or sink, rinse it out and pop it back in. It’s a good idea to empty your cup every 10 to 12 hours.

Between periods, it’s usually a good idea to sanitise your cup - more on that later.

Who can use menstrual cups?

Just about anyone can use a menstrual cup, though there are some circumstances that may need a bit more thought. If you have a particularly heavy flow it may also be difficult to find a cup that lasts a fair amount of time before emptying, though there is always the option of doubling up with both a cup and a period pad. If you’ve had any babies (even via Caesarean section), you’re likely to need a larger and/or firmer cup, and you may find you need to switch cups after having babies.

And while we’re on the topic of babies, it’s worth saying that you can’t use a cup for post-partum bleeding since you need to keep everything extra gentle as your vagina recovers. (And even if that weren’t the case, it’s very unlikely that a cup will be appealing when you’ve just had a baby!). If you’re looking for post-partum options, I’d recommend this post.

How can I find the right menstrual cup for me?

Menstrual cups come in all different shapes and sizes, just as we ourselves do, so without a little help it could take some trial and error to find the right cup for you. Thankfully, the wonderful folks at Put a Cup In It have the most wonderful quiz that suggests the best menstrual cup for you based on your answers to a series of questions. Trying out their recommendation(s) is usually a good place to start.

Can my menstrual cup get stuck?!

Most people will have no trouble removing their cup, especially after a few goes at getting it in and out. However, it is possible to have a little trouble removing it. This is most likely if you have a high cervix, and is more likely to happen towards the end of your period when your cervix naturally moves higher.

To help with this, it’s a good idea to choose a cup based on the height of your cervix. This sounds complicated, but the folks at Put a Cup In It walk you through it as part of their questionnaire. Most cups will also have a small stem on the bottom so that even if it drifts higher, you’ll still be able to reach it.

Do menstrual cups hurt?

For most people, menstrual cups shouldn’t hurt at all. That being said, if you have certain medical conditions or you’ve found tampons uncomfortable, it may be worth sticking to other period products. It’s best to check with your doctor if you’re unsure.

How many do I need?

You’ll probably only need one cup, since you can use and reuse the same one for many years, though it can be wise to have a spare in case of emergencies! The fact that you only need to buy one cup makes this one of the most affordable reusable period products. With both period pads and period pants you could end up spending upwards of £100 on a full stash, while cups are often in the region of £20-30.

Are menstrual cups safe? Do they cause toxic shock syndrome? Prolapse? Thrush? UTIs?

When used and cleaned properly, menstrual cups are very safe. There is no firm evidence that they cause toxic shock syndrome (which makes them safer than tampons), prolapse, thrush or UTIs. With any menstrual product it’s impossible to completely remove any risks, so it’s important to make sure your cup is high quality (look for medical grade silicone) and is cleaned properly.

How to clean and sterilise your menstrual cup

When you’re on your period, day-to-day, you’ll only need to rinse your cup with warm water, though make sure you do it thoroughly. Avoid using soap - it can upset the delicate balance of your vagina! Some companies sell special cup-cleaning wipes. They’re not necessary but might be helpful if you’re in a scenario where getting to a clean toilet will be difficult.

When you’ve come to the end of your period (yay!), it’s time to sterilise your cup. The easiest way is to boil it in a pan of water for at least 20 minutes. Leave it to fully air dry, then pop it in a dry place until next month.

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