Everything You Need To Know About Menstrual Cups

The average woman uses a mind-boggling 11,000 pads and tampons in her life. As a result, approximately 20 billion disposable menstrual products—most of which contain plastic that won’t biodegrade for hundreds of years—get dumped into landfills annually. If the idea of your period products outliving you makes you queasy, we have good news: menstrual cups are environmentally friendly, just as safe and effective as pads and tampons, and less expensive in the long run.

What is a menstrual cup, and how the heck do I get it in there?

“The bell-shaped cup is folded and inserted into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual blood,” says Yolanda Kirkham, an ob-gyn at Women’s College Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. “It can be changed less often than pads or tampons and can be reused during each cycle and over many years.” While today’s versions are typically made of medical-grade silicone, the very first menstrual cup—invented by American actor Leona Chalmers in 1937—was latex rubber.

How do I know which size to use?

“Every vagina and cervix is different,” says Kirkham. “But in general, try a smaller size if you’re under the age of 30, have never had a baby, have a low cervix or are just intimidated. If your flow is heavy, you’re taller or heavy-set, and have frequent leakage issues, you may want to consider a bigger size or a different brand.”

Any advice for my first time?

Tampon users tend to have an easier time transitioning to cups, says Kirkham, who suggests doing a trial run using non-silicone lubricant on a day that you’re not bleeding. Once inserted, the cup will create a seal with the vaginal wall; to remove it, pinch the cup to break the seal. While most cups come with a straight stem, this is intended to guide your hand to the cup—not for removal. Some cups come with ball or loop stems, which may make removal easier.

Will I feel it?

Once it’s inserted, a cup shouldn’t be uncomfortable or get in the way of your daily activities, but that doesn’t mean it’s imperceptible. “Some users feel bladder pressure, while others may feel like they have a slower stream or they can't urinate completely while the cup is in,” says Kirkham. “Choosing a softer cup or one without a ridge may help; removing the cup to urinate is also an option.” Many manufacturers also recommend trimming the stem of the cup to reduce irritation to the labia, but make sure to read the instructions carefully to ensure you don’t damage the cup while doing so.

How long can I leave it in for?

Up to 12 hours, although women with heavier flows may need to empty and wash theirs more frequently. Consider removing it in the shower at first in order to avoid a bloody mess.

Do I need to worry about toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?

This potentially fatal condition is caused by the release of toxins produced from an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Menstrual cups, like tampons, pose a small risk of TSS if they are worn too long or not properly cleaned.

Are cups a good option for improving access to menstrual products?

“I’m a big fan of using reusable products whenever possible,” says Nicole White, founder of the Saskatoon-based organization Moon Time Sisters, which provides feminine hygiene products to more than 25 remote northern communities in the province. However, she notes, there are some barriers—including access to the clean water that’s needed to wash out a cup. “We just want to provide the full spectrum of options for young women, so they can choose what works best for them,” she says. You can help by donating eco-friendly products to the organization or by designating your online donation to be used to purchase reusable menstrual products, says White. “Zero waste is an end goal I would like to see."

Ready to try your hand at using a menstrual cup? Here are a few options:

Nixit Inspired by the founder's quest to reduce her household waste, Canadian-produced Nixit promises easy insertion thanks to a one-size-fits-all disc-style design. $54, Nixit.ca.

DivaCup The made-in-Canada DivaCup comes in three sizes—including one for teens; the company is run by a mother and daughter. $35, Walmart.

Mooncup Launched by two friends in 2002, the Mooncup comes in two sizes and the company is now a certified ethical biz. $27, Amazon.ca.

Lily Cup Available in two sizes, the Lily Cup's angled design allows it to be rolled as thin as a tampon during insertion. $40, Intimina.com.

Tampax Cup The Tampax Cup comes in two sizes; its patented design purportedly reduces pressure on the bladder. $40, Walmart.

Lunette Cup This cup comes in two sizes and six colours— choose pink, and an identical one will be donated to women in need. US$40, Lunette.com.

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