Menstrual cups are an alternative to tampons and sanitary pads, but do you know the benefits and risks involved?
How do they compare to those other forms of menstrual hygiene? To help answer these questions, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list that will help you decide if menstrual cups are right for you!
Menstrual Cups vs. Other Menstrual Hygiene Options
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Safety. Menstrual cups are relatively safe if inserted with a clean pair of hands, removed carefully, and cleaned appropriately. If maintaining the cleanliness of your cup is an issue, you might prefer using sanitary pads or tampons.
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Price. A reusable cup has a one-time price, usually between $15-$30. It can be used for years with proper care. Disposable cups, tampons, and pads must be continuously bought and can cost up to $5 or $10 a pack!
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Sustainability. Reusable menstrual cups can reduce the number of pads and tampons left cluttering landfills and require fewer resources to produce when considering their long life span.
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Ease of Use. Menstrual cups may not be as easy to use as sanitary pads, but they are similar in nature to tampons, at least in terms of insertion. Removing a menstrual cup properly can take time and practice, but this will get easier as you use the cup more often.
Are There People That Shouldn’t Use Menstrual Cups?
There aren’t any official guidelines around this and most manufacturers recommend cups for all ages and sizes, but menstrual cups may not be the best option for everybody.
You should talk to your OBGYN before using a menstrual cup if you have any of the following:
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Vaginismus: Can make vaginal insertion painful
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Uterine Fibroids: Can cause heavy periods and pelvic pain
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Endometriosis: Can cause painful menstruation
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Variations in uterine position: Can affect cup placement and effectiveness
Having one or more of these conditions doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t use a menstrual cup, but instead means you may go through some discomfort during use. Your health care provider can discuss your individual benefits and risks and guide you on your product selection.