What is a menstrual cup?

What is a menstrual cup? If you’ve heard about them but weren’t really sure what they were or how they worked, then this is for you!

Period cups

You might have heard them call many different things; period cups, moon cups, menstrual cups, but they’re all the same thing. A small cup that you wear internally in your vagina to collect your menstrual flow. Then, during the day, you periodically remove it and empty it, give it a quick clean and replace it. Unlike many other period products, this is something that you can use over and over again each month. Made from medical grade silicone or other similar materials, these cups are a great way to have a waste-free period. I have been using one now for the last 20 years and I wouldn’t go back.

What are these menstrual cups?

The first time I saw one, I was a little concerned about how I’d insert it, or how it might work. I needn’t have worried. The soft cup is easy to fold small enough to fit like a tampon and then it pops open once inside, but you can’t feel it. Instead, it sits internally, collecting your flow. It is important to clean between each use, as like any period product worn internally there is a chance of toxic shock syndrome. A microwave steriliser is a good way to do this. Or cup wipes can do the job when out and about.

A bit of history

Menstrual cups aren’t a new idea. While they might be gaining in popularity recently, they’ve actually been in existence for quite some time. Invented in 1937 by Leona Chalmers, its only really relatively recently that they have gained in popularity. When she first took out the patent, it was difficult to advertise them as words such as periods and vagina couldn’t be used in advertising. With the recent rise in people wishing to help the environment and period poverty becoming a problem, a reusable and sustainable product like this is ideal.

If you haven’t tried one yet, then now might be an ideal time to give it a go.

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