Written by Caledonia Buckheit, M.D.
Thinking About Switching to a Menstrual Cup?
Menstrual cups are becoming an increasingly popular option for period care and menstrual hygiene. If you’ve been considering making the switch, you may be wondering: Are menstrual cups safe? Do they work? Are they worth it?
Menstrual cups and discs are reusable devices inserted vaginally to collect menstrual blood. Many people are drawn to them because they reduce waste and eliminate the need to regularly purchase tampons or pads. But it’s normal to have questions about safety, effectiveness, and the learning curve.
Let’s dive into what medical research actually tells us about menstrual cups.
Are Menstrual Cups Safe?
The short answer is: yes, menstrual cups are safe.
A large review of 43 studies involving more than 3,000 people found that menstrual cups are safe to use. They don’t negatively affect the natural bacteria in the vagina, and serious problems are rare. That being said, it’s important to know about a few uncommon issues that have been reported:
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS):
This rare but serious condition has also been associated with tampon use. Only a five cases have been reported with menstrual cup use. To reduce risk:
- Wash hands before insertion and removal
- Empty your cup at least every 12 hours
- Clean your cup thoroughly between uses
Minor discomfort:
Some people experience vaginal irritation, allergic reactions, or urinary tract symptoms. These are uncommon and often improve with proper sizing and technique.
IUD considerations:
In rare cases, menstrual cups may dislodge an IUD during removal. Breaking the suction seal before removal can help prevent this. Contact your OBGYN right away if you are concerned about your IUD shifting or coming out with a cup or disc removal.
Do Menstrual Cups Work Better Than Tampons or Pads?
Research shows that menstrual cups are just as effective, if not more effective, than tampons and pads at preventing leaks.
In studies that directly compared them, cups had similar or lower leakage rates. In fact:
- About 91% of menstrual cup users said they would continue using their cup and recommend it to others
- Around 73% of people who tried cups in research studies wanted to keep using them afterward
The Learning Curve Is Real
It’s important to know that learning how to use a menstrual cup takes practice.
Don’t expect to be able to place it and remove it easily the very first time. You might experience leakage during your first cycle or two, or struggle a bit putting it in and taking it out. In studies, about one in four users felt some pain or discomfort at first.
The good news is that these types of challenges typically decrease after the first few cycles, as you learn what works for your body. Talking to friends who use menstrual cups or discs, and reading about their use can make a big difference while you are getting used to these products.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner at Kamm McKenzie would also be happy to see you if you run into issues familiarizing yourself with a cup or disc; just make a problem visit or bring it to your annual exam!
Choosing the Right Menstrual Cup or Disc
There are multiple brands that offer cups in different sizes and variations on discs. Some of the most popular ones are the DivaCup and the Flexdisc. Finding the cup or disc that is best for you and your body might take some trial and error, and this is okay.
Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits of Menstrual Cups
Depending on the types of menstrual products you use, you probably spend $30-100 per year on period hygiene. Menstrual cups and discs range in price, but most are around $20-40. Since cups and discs are reusable and can last for years, they offer significant cost savings over time.
The environmental impact is also substantial. People typically use nearly 200 menstrual products per year. Switching to a reusable cup or disc will dramatically reduce the waste that your period creates.
Do Menstrual Cups Increase Infection Risk?
Current research suggests that menstrual cups do not increase the risk of infection when used properly.
Some studies have even shown potential benefits. For example, one study in Kenya found lower rates of bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections among menstrual cup users compared to pad users.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between menstrual products and infection risk. The bottom line is that menstrual cups do not appear to increase infection risk when used with proper hygiene.
Is a Menstrual Cup Right for You?
A menstrual cup or disc may be a good option if you want::
- A reusable, environmentally friendly alternative
- Long-term cost savings
- A product you can wear for up to 12 hours
- An option that works well for active lifestyles
They might not be the best choice if:
- You’re not comfortable with the insertion and removal process
- You have certain anatomical considerations (like hymenal variants or prolapse)
Tips for Using a Menstrual Cup Successfully
To improve your experience:
- Give it at least 2-3 cycles to get comfortable with insertion and removal
- Research different brands and sizes—one size doesn’t fit all!
- Watch tutorials and read instructions carefully
- Practice proper hygiene: wash hands, empty regularly, and clean your cup between use
- Break the suction seal before removing to make it easier and safer
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with questions!
How do you clean a menstrual cup or disc?
Read and follow the cleaning instructions unique to the product that you buy, but in general:
- During your period, you can simply rinse and/or clean with a gentle, unscented soap between uses
- After your cycle, clean as usual then sanitize by soaking in boiling water for 5-10 minutes
Final Thoughts: Are Menstrual Cups Worth It?
Menstrual cups and discs are a safe, effective, and sustainable option for period management. While they may require an initial investment of time and patience to learn, most women like them once they get the hang of it. Like any menstrual product, they come with a small risk of complications, but these are rare when cups are used correctly. Whether a menstrual cup is right for you is a personal decision. If you’re curious, it may be worth giving it a try.
Key Reference
van Eijk AM, Zulaika G, Lenchner M, et al. Menstrual Cup Use, Leakage, Acceptability, Safety, and Availability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Lancet. Public Health. 2019;4(8):e376-e393. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30111-2.
