How Do Menstrual Cups Work?

Menstrual cups are among the most budget and environment-friendly menstrual products available on the market right now. Many of them can last even up to 10 years without losing their quality and functionality, so it’s definitely a good investment that offers many benefits, both for you and the planet. But as replacing your typical menstrual management methods such as pads and tampons with a menstrual cup is a big step and can often be accompanied by worries and fear, it’s important to get as much information as possible about how a menstrual cup works first.

4 Things to Know Before Using a Menstrual Cup

How Does a Menstrual Cup Work?

Unlike tampons, menstrual cups collect menstrual blood instead of absorbing it. Thanks to this subtle difference, they offer more protection against leakages because the fluid is securely sealed off inside the cup. Not all cups are the same, and you can find menstrual cups that vary in their:

• placement (a cervical or a vaginal cup),
• size (sizes can vary between brands, so it’s important to check manufacturer’s recommendations),
• material (e.g., latex and silicone cups),
• durability (reusable cups can serve you well even for 10 years, but disposable cups are also available).

How to Use a Menstrual Cup

Inserting a menstrual cup correctly should not be a problem if you have used tampons before. Before putting the cup into your vagina, you need to fold it, and it may also be a good idea to use water or a water-based lubricant to lubricate the rim of your cup. There are different folding methods you can use, so it’s best to try out different ones to find the one you’re most comfortable with.

How to Remove a Menstrual Cup

Removing a menstrual cup can be tricky and messy until you get the hang of it. The best way is to gently pull down the cup by the stem, and once you can reach the base, squeeze it lightly and pull it to remove your cup. If this doesn’t work, you can try a different position or use your finger to break the seal, however, due to possible health complications, using your pelvic floor muscles to lower the cup is not advisable. It may take you a few cycles to work out the method that works best for you.

How Often Do You Need to Empty and Clean Your Menstrual Cup?

To maintain proper menstrual hygiene, menstrual cups should be emptied at least once every 12 hours. However, the best moment for emptying a cup can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as menstrual flow and the cup’s capacity.

Keeping your cup clean and hygienic is essential for your health, so regular cleaning is a must. It’s best to rinse the cup every time you empty it and sterilise it after every cycle. You can do this by using traditional methods such as washing the device in the sink or putting it in boiling water to sterilise. But now, there’s a more convenient solution available – our portable cleaner and steriliser Emanui that works well with most menstrual cups.

We hope that menstrual cups and the way they work are no longer a mystery to you. We understand that using a cup for the first time can be difficult for more than one reason, but we can definitely recommend at least trying out this method. It's a simple step that can make a huge impact on your comfort, your financial situation and the planet – all at the same time!

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