5 Things You Need To Know About Menstrual Cups

What Are Menstrual Cups?

Menstrual cups are composed of silicone or rubber and are inserted inside the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They are often reusable feminine products that can last for 1-2 years or longer. Unlike tampons and pads, menstrual cups hold more blood and can be worn for up to 12 hours a day. The 12-hour timeframe may differ significantly based on heavy flow. Here are five things you need to know about menstrual cups.

5 Period Cup Benefits That Make Them Worth Using

1. Budget-friendly - After sterilization with a pH-balanced feminine wash such as the Kushae Gentle 2-in-1 Foaming Wash, menstrual cups are reusable. Because they last for so long, you will save a lot of money from not needing to repurchase.
2. Holds More Blood - Cups can collect one to two ounces of blood within the 12-hour maximum wear. Whereas regular pads can hold 0.16 ounces and overnight pads hold about 0.51 ounces of blood. Meanwhile, tampons absorb a little less than both the cups and menstrual pads. Light-absorbent tampons absorb 0.10 ounces, and super-absorbent tampons absorb 0.40 ounces of period fluid.
3. Safer Than Tampons- Cups are less likely to result in Toxic Shock Syndrome - a rare but deadly bacterial infection usually attributed to tampons usage. Toxic Syndrome may result from using super-absorbent tampons and wearing tampons for more than the recommended time.
4. Eco-friendly - Menstrual cups’ reusability allows women to buy fewer products yearly, leading to fewer landfills and paper-based packaging. Also, a cup user creates less carbon footprint and helping the environment.
5. Can Be Worn With an IUD - Menstrual cups dislodging one’s intrauterine device (IUD) used to be a concern. A Retrospective chart survey by Ellen R Wiebe and Konia J Trouton showed evidence that IUD expulsion rates are not affected by menstrual cups. Not sure how to insert it? Read our article about different period cup folds! Dr. Barb recommends checking with your gynecologist before deciding on the best choice for your health and safety.