Guide 101: How to Use a Menstrual Cup

It's 2025. Periods and menstruation should be normalised across society. If we aren’t having conversations about menstrual hygiene, we should do so immediately for the betterment of mankind. In India, at least, talk about menstruation seems to be finally happening.

In a country where 77% of women between the ages of 15 and 24 use single-use period products, while only 0.3% use cups, it is important to raise awareness for reusable methods.

To talk about the benefits of menstrual cups, we need to understand the problems that single-use period products pose. Let’s dive in!

Discomfort

Many people find pads bulky and uncomfortable, especially in hot weather or while performing physical activities. This is primarily due to the material used to make the pads and user physiological differences.

Odour

Pads can develop an odour when they absorb menstrual blood, especially if left on for extended periods. Menstrual blood contains a heavier load of iron, which makes it smell metallic. It also interacts with bacteria and sweat, creating a distinctive smell.

Risk of Irritation

Pads, especially those with synthetic materials or fragrances, can cause skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions.

Frequent Changes

Pads must be changed every four to eight hours, which can be quite inconvenient and may result in leakage if they are not changed on time.

Chafing

Friction between the pad and skin, especially during movement, can result in major discomfort or chafing.

Cost Over Time

Because pads are single-use, buying them each month can add up, making them an expensive necessity in the long run.

Limited Activity

Wearing a pad while performing physical activities like swimming or running might feel uncomfortable or may cause the pad to shift, causing leaks.

Health Concerns

Using pads for a long time can foster a warm, damp environment, promoting bacterial growth and increasing the risk of infections.

Environmental Impact

Sanitary napkins aren’t environmentally friendly. Most disposable pads are manufactured from plastic and other materials, contributing to waste and environmental pollution.

Now with pads being so cumbersome, there should be an alternative right? Women shouldn’t have to feel uncomfortable while they are on their period. Well, enter the menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are an alternative to traditional pads and tampons for collecting period blood. They come in different sizes, and many are reusable.

You might have seen a menstrual cup lying around. It is a small, flexible, funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that is inserted into the vagina to catch and collect period fluid.

Cups can hold way more blood than other methods, leading to many people using them as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. And, according to your flow, you may wear a cup for up to 12 hours.

If you wish to use a menstrual cup, speak to a gynaecologist or other healthcare professional. You can procure a cup online or in most stores. However, you’ll have to find out what size you need. Most menstrual cup brands sell small and large versions. You have to consider the following if you want to find the right menstrual cup size.

• Your age

• Cervix length.

• Whether or not you have a heavy menstrual flow.

• Cup firmness and flexibility.

• Cup capacity.

• Strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

• If you have birthed vaginally.

• Smaller menstrual cups are generally recommended for people younger than 30 years old who have not delivered vaginally.

• Larger sizes are often recommended for people who are above 30 years old, who have given birth vaginally or have a heavy period flow.

Before Putting in the Menstrual Cup

If you are a first time user, you might find a menstrual cup uncomfortable. However, greasing the cup might make the process smooth. Prior to inserting the cup, wet the rim with water or a water-based personal lubricant. A wet menstrual cup is way easier to insert.

Inserting Your Menstrual Cup

If you are able to put in a tampon, you should find it quite easy to insert a menstrual cup. In any case, follow these steps :

• Wash hands thoroughly.

• Apply a little water or some water-based lube to the cup rim.

• Hold the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand and keeping the rim facing up.

• Insert the cup, rim up, into the vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. It must sit a couple of inches below the cervix.

• Once the cup is in the vagina, rotate it - it will spring open to create an airtight seal that prevents leaks.

• Once you have inserted the cup correctly, you shouldn’t feel your menstrual cup. You must be able to move, sit, jump, and perform everyday activities without the cup falling out.

• If you have issues putting in the cup, speak to a healthcare professional.

Taking Out the Menstrual Cup

If you want to remove the menstrual cup, follow the steps below :

• Clean your hands properly.

• Place the index finger and thumb into the vagina. Pull the cup stem gently till you can reach the base.

• Pinch the base to release the seal and pull down to remove the cup.

• Once it is out, empty it into the sink or toilet.

Reusable menstrual cups must be washed and wiped clean before being reinserted into the vagina. The cup must be emptied at least twice a day.

Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can stay for months to years, with good care. After removal, get rid of those disposable cups.

Cost-efficient

One single menstrual cup costs money one time, unlike tampons or pads, which must be continuously bought.

Safer

Because menstrual cups collect, instead of absorbing blood, you don’t run the risk of contracting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection that is associated with tampon use.

Higher Capacity to Hold Period Blood

A menstrual cup can hold around one to two ounces of menstrual flow. Conversely, tampons can hold up to a third of an ounce, and pads hold a quarter of an ounce.

Eco-friendly

Reusable menstrual cups can last a long lifetime, so you're not contributing to environmental waste.

You Can Have Intercourse

Most reusable cups have to be taken out before you can have penetrative sex, but the soft disposable ones can stay in while you do your thing. Your partner won’t feel the cup, and neither will you worry about leaks.

You Can Wear a Cup With an IUD

Some companies claim that a menstrual cup can dislodge an IUD, but a 2012 study from a trusted source debunked that belief.

In conclusion, menstrual cups are a sustainable, cost-effective and comfortable alternative to traditional menstrual products like pads and tampons. While they might need a little practice to get the hang of it, their benefits, like less waste, longer wear time, and reduced risk of irritation, make them a popular choice for most.

Whether you want to reduce your environmental footprint or find an easier option for managing your period, a menstrual cup might be the best solution. Proper care and use could become a reliable and hassle-free part of your monthly routine.

How do I know which size menstrual cup to choose?

Size usually depends on factors like your age, whether you’ve given birth vaginally, and the heaviness of your flow. Many brands provide sizing guides to help you select the best fit.

How long can I wear a menstrual cup?

Depending on your flow, a menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours. It's important not to exceed this time to avoid health risks like infections.

Is it difficult to insert and remove a menstrual cup?

It may take some practice to get the insertion and removal right, but most people get comfortable with it after a few tries. Watching tutorials and reading guides can help.

Can a menstrual cup leak?

If inserted properly and worn for the right amount of time, menstrual cups are generally leak-proof. If you experience leaks, it may be due to incorrect placement or using the wrong size.

How do I clean a menstrual cup?

After each use, rinse the cup with water and mild soap. At the end of your cycle, sterilise it by boiling it in water for a few minutes to ensure it’s fully cleaned before storing it until your next period.