Menstrual Cups - Introduction
A menstrual cup is a small cup, roughly bell-shaped, that is worn low inside the vagina to collect the menstrual flow. It differs significantly from the disposable Instead Softcup (see Disposable Alternatives), which is worn covering the cervix. Reusable cups have a stem or other device at the bottom to help with grasping the cup for removal. This can be trimmed or removed if the user finds it uncomfortable or unnecessary.
Inserting the cup involves folding the cup, which resumes its bell shape once inserted and conforms to the walls of the vagina to prevent leakage. At suitable intervals the cup is removed, emptied, rinsed or wiped clean and then reinserted, a process which takes only seconds once you are comfortable with it. Cups come with instructions and diagrams, and often with useful hints and tips on insertion and removal, the most important one being to relax!
With care, a cup can last for many years, and shouldn't need to be replaced until it suffers wear and tear that makes it difficult to clean properly. Cups can be thoroughly cleansed between uses, by boiling or by soaking in a suitable solution. Some brands and outlets even promote their own washes and wipes for the purpose. There no known cases of toxic shock syndrome associated with the use of menstrual cups, which can not harbour bacteria in the same way as a disposable tampon. Nevertheless, common sense and good personal hygiene when using a cup are still strongly recommended.
Originally invented in the early part of the 20th Century but eclipsed by the disposable tampon, and relaunched by the latex Keeper brand followed by the silicone UK Mooncup during the latter part of the 20th Century, cups are only now becoming truly popular and readily accessible. Recent years have seen the launch of several new brands of cup to meet growing worldwide demand, as women realise how practical, safe, comfortable and economical a cup can be. The brands vary slightly in size, texture, colour, materials, shape, detailing, price and cross-border availability, so there's now plenty of choice.
Useful Menstrual Cup Links
Menstrual Cups - Blog site with detailed information about how various brands perform and feel, and with very useful comparisons between brands of menstrual cup. How easy they are to clean, how easy to insert and remove, how the stem is shaped, what accessories they come with and how comfortable they are to wear. Plenty of images of the various cups, and even details of the writer's impressions formed while dealing with the companies. There's also general information about cups and how to use them, links to the brand web sites and more.
Menstrual Cup - Wikipedia - Wikipedia article about menstrual cups, detailing the dimensions and capacity of several brands, national availability and licensing restrictions of several brands, the history of menstrual cups, safety evidence and perceived benefits.
Menstrual Cup Support - Online community where you can ask questions and get advice from cup users, share information, or just talk and read about being a cup user.