What Are Menstrual Cups, and How Do You Use Them?

Tampons and sanitary pads ruled the menstrual hygiene aisle for decades. They’re disposable, so many people find them convenient and easy to use. However, more and more people are looking for different options to deal with their periods, and menstrual cups are reaching mainstream status.

Menstrual cups are small, bell-shaped devices that catch menstrual blood, as opposed to absorbing it. You can find disposable menstrual cups that you throw away after each use. There are also reusable cups that you can clean, sterilize, and rewear for up to several years. 

Menstrual cups come with a learning curve, but those who master how to use them tend to be long-term converts. Here’s what you need to know about menstrual cups.

How do you use a menstrual cup?

People who have been using tampons and pads for many years may find it challenging to switch to menstrual cups. It’s normal to struggle with using cups at first, so don’t give up if you find it cumbersome or inconvenient in the beginning.

Inserting a menstrual cup properly can take some practice. You will need to put your fingers into your vagina to insert and place a menstrual cup properly. This may seem uncomfortable at first, but this feeling usually lessens over time. 

Follow these steps to insert a cup properly:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Sit comfortably on the toilet, and try to relax your muscles. Another option is to stand up with one leg on the bathtub.

3. Rinse your menstrual cup with warm water. This can make it easier to insert. Do not use lubricant.

4. Fold the menstrual cup. The easiest option is to fold two sides together to create a “U” shape with the rim of the cup. You may have to experiment with different folds to find what works best for you.

5. Bring the cup toward the opening of your vagina. 

6. Gently apply pressure. It may seem like the cup is too big to go in, but both the cup and your vaginal opening are very flexible. 

7. Angle the menstrual cup so it enters diagonally. It should feel like you’re sliding it back toward your tailbone (as opposed to up toward your belly button). 

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The cup will unfold once it’s in place in your vagina. Using your fingers, rotate the menstrual cup to check that it’s fully unfolded and has sealed into place. You can also use your finger to feel around the sides of the menstrual cup rim. You shouldn’t feel any folds or dents in the cup.

Once the menstrual cup is in place, you can wear it until it’s full. For many people, this is typically 8 to 12 hours.

How to take out a menstrual cup

To remove your menstrual cup, wash your hands, and sit comfortably on the toilet. Use one hand to reach into your vagina and grab the stem of the cup. 

It may help to bear down gently like you would when having a bowel movement or peeing. This naturally nudges the cup downward so it’s easier to grab. 

Once your fingers can reach the base of the cup, press inward until you feel the seal break on the rim. Use this finger to keep the cup folded as you slowly pull it out. 

Dump the contents of the cup into the toilet, and rinse the cup in a sink. You can also wash the cup with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Then, wash your hands, re-insert the cup, and wash your hands again. You should fully sanitize the cup at the end of your period by boiling it in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.

What are the benefits and risks of using a menstrual cup? 

Both disposable cups and reusable cups have many benefits. First, both of them can generally hold a larger volume of menstrual fluid than tampons. This means they may be helpful for people with heavy menstrual flows. You may also be able to wear a menstrual cup for longer — but you should still make sure to empty and rinse it at least twice a day.

There is still a risk that you could get toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from menstrual cups, just like you can from tampons. Most menstrual cups are made from silicone, which is generally good at preventing bacteria from accumulating. However, bacteria can grow in the menstrual fluid itself. There have been some rare cases of TSS while wearing a menstrual cup. 

Finally, many people like reusable cups because they can help you reduce waste and save money. Since you can reuse a single menstrual cup for many years, you won’t need to spend money on new boxes of pads or tampons every month. You also won’t be throwing away used products several times a day, which means you’ll be contributing less to landfills. 

One notable risk of menstrual cups is that they could potentially dislodge intrauterine devices (IUDs). Because of the suction against the cervix, the cup could create pressure and move the IUD out of place. Many OB-GYNs recommend not using menstrual cups if you have an IUD. But others say it’s safe as long as you insert and remove your menstrual cup carefully. 

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have an IUD and are interested in trying a menstrual cup. One solution your provider might suggest is to try a hormonal IUD. Many people with this IUD experience a lighter period or no period at all, and then a menstrual cup may not even be necessary.

What are the different types of menstrual cups?

There are two main categories of menstrual cups: disposable and reusable. Like tampons, disposable menstrual cups are single-use products. You throw them away after each use. Today, disposable cups are harder to find as brands shift to reusable options. 

Reusable cups are made of silicone and are sturdier than disposable cups. Because menstrual cups take up a large portion of the vagina, you typically must take them out during intercourse. 

You can also consider menstrual discs. Menstrual discs are thinner, more flexible, and worn closer to the cervix than reusable cups. Discs can even be worn during intercourse. Like cups, you can find disposable and reusable menstrual discs.

How much do menstrual cups cost?

At first glance, menstrual cups may seem more expensive than a box of tampons. But keep in mind that reusable cups last several years. You’ll likely save money in the long run. Most menstrual cups cost between $25 and $35. 

You can also submit a receipt for your menstrual cup for reimbursement if you have a flexible spending account (FSA). This allows you to use pre-tax dollars set aside for qualified medical expenses. Period products — including menstrual cups — became eligible for FSA reimbursement through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

How do I pick the right menstrual cup for me?

Unlike tampon sizes, menstrual cup sizes are not generally related to the heaviness of your flow. Instead, they’re meant to fit different vagina sizes. 

For example, teens and young adults who have never had a baby will likely need a smaller size. After having a baby, many people have larger vaginal canals and benefit from a larger or wider menstrual cup. That said, people with a heavier flow might also benefit from a larger cup.

Another factor to consider is the flexibility of the cup. First-time users may benefit from a softer, more flexible menstrual cup. These are easier to fold, and folding the cup for insertion is one of the trickier aspects of learning to use this period product.

One of the most challenging factors when picking the best menstrual cup is whether you have a high or low cervix. Some menstrual cup brands have a long bell shape. This longer cup may be uncomfortable for people who have shorter vaginal canals. 

There are ways to learn how low your cervix is. An OB-GYN can help you determine this and check the fit of your cup. In general, if your menstrual cup feels uncomfortable or like it doesn’t fit, it may help to look for shorter cups. You can also look for menstrual cups designated for a low cervix. 

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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