‘’What Is A Menstrual Cup? Are They Safe?’’—You Asked, We Answered

In a world full of tampons and pads—some women decided to settle on using the menstrual cups. And much to our surprise, even though menstrual cups are slowly securing their position on the menstrual worlds, they were first invented in the year 1937. With their cost-efficiency and environmentally friendly design, menstrual has become the choice of majority women in this century. 

For some of you, switching from those traditional and comfortable sanitary pads to menstrual cups might be a little scary. But don’t worry, Beauty Insider gives you a complete breakdown of everything you could possibly want to know about this little rubber funnel-shaped cup. And where to buy them. 

What Is A Menstrual Cup?

Pretty sure, you’ve heard of menstrual cups before. It should be inserted inside your vulva to catch the period fluid. But unlike sanitary pads and tampons, where you can only—and should only—be worn once, menstrual cups are reusable and can be used more than once. This silicone is flexible, vagina-friendly and can hold more blood fluid compared to any other menstruation products. Not to mention, they are specifically created as eco-friendly products.

Do Menstrual Cups Have Sizes?

Yes, they do! They usually come in two sizes, but some brands offer three. Some brands offer more options that are specialised, including “low cervix’ sizes.

Also, most brands have the options of “small”, “medium” or “large”. Additionally, there are also brands that go in “S”, “M”, “L” and “XL”. The small cups are somewhere between 35-43mm and the larger cups are around 43-48mm in diameter when measured at the rim of the cup.

How Do I Choose The Right Menstrual Cup Size?

For a rough estimation, and if you want to figure it out yourself, you could base it on the diagram above, or the video below.

If you need further clarification, we suggest you consult your gynecologist. They know better when it comes to choosing the right menstrual cup, according to your body type. There are also few factors that should be taken into consideration. These include, the length of your cervix, how heavy your flow is, your vulva flexibility, and the list goes on. So if you’ve never used any menstrual cups before, please seek your dermatologist advice.

How Do You Insert Your Menstrual Cup In?

1. Much like how you’re using sanitary pads and tampons, you need to make sure your hands are as clean as possible. So make sure you wash and sanitize your hands to maintain proper hygiene. 

2. Next, make sure you gently press and hold the centre of the cup. 

3. With a stable hand, fold the menstrual cup in half. Make sure the rim is facing right up. 

4. Carefully insert the cup into your vulva. Adjust them accordingly to your comfortness. Make sure the cup creates an airtight seal that prevents blood from leaking. 

5. Once secured, re-wash your hand, and you’re good to go.

However, if you are a visual learner or still unsure on how exactly to insert the cup, watch the video below to see how it is done.

How Often Do I Have To Change My Menstrual Cup?

Much like sanitary pads and tampons, you should change your menstrual cup every 6 hours to avoid bacterial infection. However, it also depends on how heavy your flow is. If you’re the type who dealt with a heavy flow, it is advisable to monitor every 3 hours to avoid leaking. Bear in mind that these cups aren’t exactly similar to sanitary pads where they absorb the blood. So make sure you clean them often to avoid blockage. 

Again, for a clearer picture, do watch the video below to see how it is done.

How Do I Clean My Menstrual Cup After Using It?

It’s an easy process to take care of menstrual cups in order to save them longer. Just make sure you wash them with lukewarm water. If you want, you can wash them off with a very safe, chemical-free vagina wash. Investing in good and safe vagina soaps shouldn’t be a big problem. Afterall, we’re talking about vaginal hygiene.

Watch the video below to see how it is exactly done.

What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Using A Menstrual Cup?

Like explained earlier, menstrual cups are much more eco-friendly and affordable. This is due to its reusable procedure. Instead of using it once and then having them thrown away like sanitary pads and tampons, some menstrual cups can be reusable up to 10 times. Another advantage of the menstrual cup is that they collect our menstrual blood in the cup, unlike sanitary pads which absorb and trap the blood on the cotton pad. 

The disadvantages however, it can get messy. Especially if you’re new in using menstrual cups. You might catch yourself feeling uncomfortable overtime throughout the day due to the placement of the cup on your vulva. Also, menstrual cups should be used according to your body sizes and types. So it can be challenging in finding the right size. And because of their silicone slash rubber materials, you can get irritated by its textures. 

Where To Buy Menstrual Cups?

1. The Diva Cup

What’s best about this Diva Cup brand is that they categorize the type of cups perfectly according to your age and the size of your vulva. So you have few options to consider before purchasing. Not only are they eco-friendly but they also provide total protection. 

Why we love it:

• BPA-free
• Latex-free
• Eco-friendly

Price: $49.40

Where to buy: iHerb Singapore

2. Lunette Reusable Menstrual Cup

All Lunette products are FDA-approved and totally safe to use. They are made from a medical grade silicone and proven to have a 10% clean track record. They were also created to make sure you have the best experience in using the menstrual cups. So you don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable. 

Why we love it:

• Latex-free
• Vegan
• Storage pouch included

Price: $56.46

Where to buy: iHerb Singapore

3. Freedom Menstrual Cup

These Freedom menstrual cups came in two different sizes, according to your body type.Though, according to them, if you’re new to using these cups, they recommend you to pick the mini one and get yourself familiarized with the feeling of it, first. The mini has 4cm diameter across the rim, making sure your vagina absorbs enough air it deserves. 

Why we love it:

• 12-hour protection from leave
• Can be used when swimming and/or driving
• Reusable up to 15 years

Price: $35.00

Where to buy: Naiise

4. The Hivette Menstrual Cups

Introducing Malaysia’s first ever brand to create menstrual cups. Hivette menstrual cups are made available in two colours and sizes. They were created specifically according to your flow, so even if you’re dealing with a heavy flow, these cups won’t be a problem. What’s best, this cup can be used for up to 10 years. 

Why we love it:

• Hypoallergenic
• 8 to 12-hour protection (depending on flow)
• Reusable up to 10 years

Price: $27.00

Where to buy: Naiise

5. Blood Cup Kit

The best thing about Blood Cup is that they can hold up your menstrual blood up to 3-4 worth of pads. These reusable eco-friendly cups can last up to 10 years. They also offer a 120-day free trial where you can familiarize yourself and get comfortable for about 3-4 periods. 

Why we love it:

• Can be worn up to 10 times
• Eco-friendly
• Non-irritable

Price: $39.90

Where to buy: Blood

6. Venus Menstrual Cup

This Venus Menstrual Cup is specially curated for plus size ladies. They have the air holes capacity of 38ml and 47ml to the rim. With this little silicone buddy, you don’t need to worry about being uncomfortable, this due to their rim that was made slightly thicker near the air holes. They can hold on your menstrual blood 30% more than your actual sanitary pads or tampons!

Why we love it:

• Suitable for those with medium to high cervix
• Wear up to 12 hours
• Non-irritable

Price: $19.90

Where to buy: Venus Menstrual Cup

7. Regular Menstrual Soft Cup

This aesthetically pleasing menstrual cup from Saalt is ultra-soft, comfortable and 100% made with clinically proven silicone that is gentle enough to wear for up to 12 hours. They provide total protection to your vulva and help reduce the sensitivity and cramping during your menstrual days. 

Why we love it:

• Best for normal to heavy flow
• FDA registered & hypoallergenic
• Free of chemicals, toxins, BPA and latex

Price: $39.63

Where to buy: Revolve

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