Thinking About Trying a Menstrual Cup? Here's What You Should Know

For years, pads and tampons have been the go-to period products. But in recent years, menstrual cups have become one of the fastest-growing alternatives—and it's easy to see why.

They're reusable, can last for years, and many people say they completely changed the way they experience their period.

If you're wondering whether a menstrual cup is worth trying, here's what makes it different and what you can expect.

First things first… what exactly is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a soft, flexible cup that sits inside the vagina during your period.

Unlike pads and tampons, which absorb menstrual blood, a cup simply collects it. When it's time to empty it, you remove the cup, pour the contents into the toilet, rinse it, and use it again.

It might sound unusual at first, but once you understand how it works, it's surprisingly simple.

Why are so many people making the switch?

Everyone has their own reason, but these are some of the biggest benefits people talk about.

It lasts all day Depending on your flow, a menstrual cup can often be worn for up to 12 hours before it needs emptying. That means fewer bathroom trips, fewer product changes, and less to think about during a busy day.	It's kinder to your wallet While a menstrual cup costs more upfront than a box of tampons or pads, you won't need to keep buying disposable products every month. Many cups last five to ten years, making them one of the most affordable period products over time.
It creates less waste Think about how many pads and tampons are thrown away over the years. One reusable cup can replace hundreds—sometimes thousands—of disposable period products during its lifetime, making it a popular choice for people looking to reduce their environmental impact.	It fits into an active lifestyle Whether you're heading to the gym, spending a day at the beach, travelling, or sleeping through the night, a menstrual cup is designed to move with you. Once it's in place, most people don't notice it's there at all.

The learning curve is real—and that's okay

One thing people don't always mention is that using a menstrual cup can take a little practice.

The first time you fold it, insert it, or remove it might feel a little awkward, and that's completely normal.

The hardest part is knowing when the cup has 'popped' back into shape and the seal has been made. The trick to a successful cup insertion is to fold it (see image below), insert it, let is 'pop' open (you might need to push on it to encourage it to open).

Once it's open, run your finger around the rim. Now, if you push on one side, you may also be able to hear a bit of air moving - this means it's locked in! (Don't worry if you can't hear anything. sometimes you wont, and that's ok).

Learning to use a cup is a bit like learning to use contact lenses or riding a bike—it can feel unfamiliar at first, but confidence grows quickly with practice.

Give yourself permission to learn.

Finding the right fit

Menstrual cups aren't one-size-fits-all.

They come in different:

• Sizes

• Firmness levels

• Shapes

• Stem lengths

Some brands recommend different sizes depending on your age, whether you've given birth, or the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

If your first cup doesn't feel quite right, it doesn't necessarily mean cups aren't for you—you may simply need a different size or style.

Looking after your cup

One of the reasons menstrual cups last so long is that they're designed to be reused safely.

During your period, simply empty and rinse your cup before reinserting it.

At the end of each cycle, sterilise it by boiling it in water for a few minutes, let it dry completely, and store it in its breathable pouch until your next period.

A little care goes a long way.

Common myths about menstrual cups

Will they get stuck?

They won't.

A menstrual cup can't disappear inside your body. If it's sitting a little higher than usual, relaxing your muscles and gently pinching the base to break the seal will make removal much easier.

Are they messy?

The first few times can be.

Like any new period product, there's a learning curve. Most people quickly develop a routine that takes only a couple of minutes.

They're only for experienced period product users, right?

Not at all.

Some people start using menstrual cups with their very first period product, while others switch after years of using pads or tampons.

There's no "right time" to try one.

Is a menstrual cup the right choice for you?

If you're looking for a product that's long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and can keep up with an active lifestyle, a menstrual cup might be worth considering.

If you prefer something that's quick, familiar, and doesn't require insertion, another period product may suit you better.

The best choice isn't about what's trending—it's about what makes you feel comfortable.

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Final thoughts

Choosing a period product is personal, and it's okay if your preferences change over time.

Some people use a menstrual cup every cycle. Others only wear one for sport or overnight. Many mix and match different products depending on the day.

The good news is there are more options than ever before, so you can build a period care routine that works for your body, your lifestyle, and your comfort.

Because when it comes to periods, there's no "perfect" product—only the one that's perfect for you. 💛