Tampons and pads haven’t had the best press lately, so it’s no surprise if you’re considering a switch to a different period product, such as a menstrual cup. However, with research suggesting only about 20 percent of those who menstruate use cups, you might have a few questions—like like whether they’re safe, how to keep them clean, and even how to insert and remove them. Good news: we have the answers. Keep reading for everything you’ve ever wanted to know before making the switch.
More Women Are Using Menstrual Cups
There are many reasons why someone might make the switch. Aside from the unsettling news about heavy metals in tampons, single-use period products contribute to environmental waste, add up in cost and have other health concerns, including toxic shock syndrome.
Cups, on the other hand, save you hundreds of dollars and pounds of waste. Plus, cups hold more flow than a tampon or pad.
How Do I Know My Menstrual Cup Is Safe?
A quality menstrual cup is designed to last upwards of a decade. With all that time inside our bodies, they need to be safe. Here’s what to look for:
What Are Menstrual Cups Made Of?
Options like Saalt, DIVA, Pixie and Rael cups are all made from a single ingredient: medical-grade silicone. Medical devices are composed of this material, which is tested for bio-compatibility and long-term safety in the human body. It can only be called “medical-grade” after this extensive testing.
However, not all menstrual cups meet the “medical-grade standard,” which is the safest material. Some cups contain silicone with fillers, which may compromise their safety and durability. Others are made of rubber, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with latex allergies.
Not All Cups Are Created Equal
When purchasing a menstrual cup, it’s important to prioritize quality over price. “You definitely have to do your research when choosing a cup; I would absolutely not just buy an unbranded one off of Amazon, for example,” explains Saalt CEO Cherie Hoeger. “You need to investigate what they have to say about safety, their lab tests, their certifications. Not everyone is FDA-certified, for example. Not everyone has third-party testing.”
Hoeger notes that Saalt also holds a manufacturing certification (ISO 13485 certified) for medical device manufacturing, the highest manufacturing standard for medical devices. The DIVA Cup also has that ISO certification and was the first menstrual cup company to achieve it.
If you’re unsure where to begin when shopping for a menstrual cup, considering one with ISO 13485 certification is a smart choice. After all, “This is such an intimate area and cups can last for years; it’s important you get a high quality product,” Hoeger says.
First-Timer Tips
If you’re a bit intimidated by using a cup for the first time, you’re not alone, but as Hoeger says, “It takes just one moment of bravery to change how you approach your period forever.” The easiest method of insertion is to fold the cup into a C-shape. The C-shape is about the same size as a tampon, which unfolds naturally once placed. Once inserted, menstrual cups create an air-tight seal, which stops leaks. Removing the cup can be a little daunting, but you just have to pinch the bottom to break the seal. You never want to tug on the stem or ring bottom. For more, check out Saalt’s helpful use guide here.
Which Menstrual Cup Is Right for Me?
There are several different menstrual cup size options and shapes. The disk, which sits higher in the vaginal canal and holds more flow, is recommended for those with weaker pelvic floors. The disk also makes period sex a mess-free experience. On the other hand, small cups are ideal for first-time users or those with lighter flows. Larger-sized cups accommodate heavy flows and postpartum bodies.
How Do You Clean a Menstrual Cup?
All menstrual cups should be sanitized before first use. You can do this by boiling the cup for three to five minutes. DIVA stresses not to soak your cup in hydrogen peroxide, bleach, vinegar, rubbing alcohol or any other harsh cleansing agent.
“You’ll want to sterilize your cup before and after your cycles by boiling it for 3-5 minutes, rubbing it with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or using our Saalt Steamer ($39), which sanitizes it in three to five minutes,” Hoeger says. “Between cycles, just rinse it with warm water and a fragrance-free soap, and re-insert.”
