You've probably heard of it by now, but what is it, and why should you get one? Menstrual cups are a feminine hygiene product, but unlike a tampon, they're reusable. They are usually made out of silicon, and a 2019 study found that they're just as reliable as pads and tampons when it comes to leaks. That's all well and good, but what's the big deal?
Even though they may look a bit different from standard feminine hygiene products, menstrual cups are a cleaner, safer alternative to tampons and pads. To prove how much we love menstrual cups, we've decided to bust four myths about menstrual cups.
1. They're expensive.
While a good menstrual cup costs between $20 and $40, which is 2-3 times more than a box of tampons, menstrual cups are not single use products. Unlike tampons, the same cup can last up to 10 years. Even at the most expensive cup, that’s only $4 a year on hygiene products. Compared to tampons and pads, which can run upwards of $180 a year, it’s a steal. And, as reusable products, they’re safer for the environment.
2. They're uncomfortable.
Just like a tampon, menstrual cups can take some getting used to. You remember the first you used a tampon or even a pad. It was awkward at first, but after a few tries, you got the hang of it. For some women, it can take a few cycles to get the hang of inserting and taking their cup out. However, once the cup is properly inserted, it should cause zero discomfort. Plus, according to many women, they cause less cramps than other products. That seems like a pretty great bonus. Here’s the New York Time’s take on the best menstrual cups for first time users.
3. They're gross.
You know the smell. The one that comes from using feminine hygiene products for a little too long. Well, thankfully, when they’re inserted properly and worn for the recommended time, menstrual cups don’t have a smell. Since they’re made of medical grade silicone and not cotton, oxygen doesn’t come into contact with your menstrual waste which keeps it from having a bad smell. As for inserting and removing them, it does taking some getting used to, but following the recommended guidelines for washing your cup ensures that it will be squeaky clean for reinsertion.
4. You can't take it out in a public restroom.
You can absolutely remove your cup in a public restroom, though some women are uncomfortable with washing it, which is perfectly fine. If that’s the case, you can wipe it down in the stall. The Diva Cup’s website has some great insight into cleaning your cup in a public restroom.
We hope we've dispelled common myths about menstrual cups. Maybe now, you’ll love menstrual cups as much as we do. They’re our favorite, which is why we’ve created My Cup Case to keep your menstrual cup safe while you’re not using it, inspired by a firsthand struggle of our own. To view a full list of My Cup Case compatible cups, click here, and when you’re ready to make the switch from pads and tampons, click here to choose your personal My Cup Case. We can’t wait for you to join our family!