Menstruation is a biological cycle that accompanies a woman for practically all her life, since it tends to start around the age of 12 and occurs every month until menopause arrives, at approximately 50 years of age.

During all this time, the menstrual cycle is accompanied by numerous devices and products, to regulate it, control it and make it interfere as little as possible in daily life. But the appearance of the menstrual cup can change all the dynamics and beliefs that still surround menstruation.

What is the menstrual cup?

The menstrual cup, also known as the vaginal cup, is an invention that, although it seems novel, has been patented since the beginning of the 20th century. However, thanks to advances in recent years, it could now change the way women around the world experience menstruation.

This menstrual cup is a barrier device that is inserted into the vagina in order to retain menstrual flow throughout the days of the period. Like tampons, the menstrual cup is used internally, but the main difference with tampons is that the menstrual cup does not absorb blood. Instead, it is designed to store the flow inside the cup.

In this way, the menstruation is stored inside the cup until it is time to remove it from the vaginal cavity, being able to discard the flow in the toilet. Afterwards, it is only necessary to wash it with water and soap and it can be reinserted. Once the cycle is complete, it is highly recommended that she be sterilized by boiling water before being used in the next period.

These containers can be made of various materials, and can be made of latex, medical silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Despite the fact that they look like very artificial materials, the menstrual cup does not cause allergies, does not contain bleaching components, or chemical substances, thus eliminating the risk of toxicity, as well as the possibility of suffering vaginal irritations.

But perhaps the most relevant feature, which has raised this product to the top, is that it is reusable. Unlike other methods such as pads and tampons, this is not a disposable item, having a life span of up to 10 years.

In addition to the cup model there is another somewhat less well-known prototype in the form of a diaphragm . The advantage of this type of cup is that it is even more flexible and sex can be maintained while it is being worn, although this does not imply that it is used as a method of contraception.

Advantages of the menstrual cup over traditional methods

As mentioned above, the use of the menstrual cup has many advantages and benefits, both in terms of health, hygiene, economy, etc., compared to traditional methods of menstrual management such as tampons and pads, which by comparison are already outdated.

Benefits for the body itself

The human body has the ability to absorb virtually anything that comes in contact with it, and the bleaches, perfumes, and other chemicals used in the manufacture of tampons are also consumed by the body.

Also, the way tampons work, by absorbing menstrual flow, can cause vaginal dryness, inflation and itching. However, the cup works by storing the flow, eliminating any possibility of dehydration or irritation of the area . In addition, unlike tampons, it can be inserted even before bleeding starts, thus avoiding possible unwanted surprises.

Other benefits for the body itself are:

1. Protects vaginal flora

By collecting the bleeding, instead of absorbing it like traditional tampons, it protects the vaginal flora from possible infections .

2. Does not produce odors

Unlike pads , the menstrual cup does not generate bad odours as it is not in contact with the air. Therefore, it neither absorbs nor produces them.

3. Compatible with contraceptive methods

Its format makes it perfectly compatible with some contraceptive methods such as the IUD and the contraceptive ring .

4. Menstrual cup amenities

The advantages over tampons and pads in terms of comfort are more than considerable.

5. It’s like carrying nothing

Thanks to its design, the cup fits perfectly into the vaginal cavity, remaining firmly attached to the vaginal walls without the possibility of moving. Moreover, unlike tampons, the cup leaves no filaments visible so it is completely safe and discreet.

6. Compatible with any physical exercise or activity

The menstrual cup is inserted like a tampon, remaining completely inside the vagina, which allows you to carry out your usual rhythm of life and even do all kinds of physical exercise and sports , including those for which you need great mobility.

7. It can take up to 12 hours in a row

As it has a much larger storage capacity than a tampon, and even more than a sanitary napkin, the menstrual cup can be worn for much longer, up to 12 hours , unlike the tampon, which can remain inserted for 8 hours at most.

In addition, a single menstrual cup can cover all the days of the menstrual cycle, from the days when the flow is much more intense, to the last days of the period.

8. No need to carry spare parts

If there is something annoying during the days of the menstrual cycle, it is that it is time to change either the tampon or the pad and not carry any more with you, as well as the discomfort of carrying a lot of refills both on a daily basis and when travelling.

With the menstrual cup, a single cup is enough to cover the entire cycle. Once it is full or after 12 hours, it is only necessary to remove it, empty it into the toilet and clean it with soap and water ; you can use it again and again.

9. Can be used at night

Unlike tampons, whose use at night is highly criticized as being harmful. The menstrual cup can be used perfectly during the hours of sleep . It is just as safe as during the day and without the possibility of staining underwear, pyjamas or bedding.

Economic advantages

It is estimated that the cost of sanitary towels and tampons per woman is between 350 and 400 euros per year, especially if we take into account that, in Spain, these products are still taxed with 10% VAT, instead of the 5% typical for basic necessities. If we take into account that the use of the menstrual cup eliminates the use of pads and tampons, this represents a significant saving for women.

Also, the menstrual cup is reusable, that is, you only need to have one, and if it is well cared for it can last up to ten years, which means 10 years without buying any other type of menstruation utensils .

Finally, the price of the menstrual cup is around 20 or 30 euros, so taking into account its duration, the cost of amortization in much less than half a year.

Benefits for the environment

Considering that a single menstrual cup can replace the use of all the tampons and pads we use over ten years, the positive impact on the environment is more than considerable.

Decreases the volume of waste

A single woman can reach up to 6 kilos of waste in tampons and pads per year , taking into account the long life of the menstrual cup , which means a very important reduction in the level of waste.

Its manufacture is cleaner

The production of compresses and does not involve the use of a large number of layers of materials and packaging, so their production is associated with high levels of pollution.

In comparison, the menstrual cup is made from only one material and it is not necessary to use so many throughout life.