Menstrual cup

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A menstrual cup is a menstrual hygiene device which is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Its purpose is to collect menstrual fluid (blood from the uterine lining mixed with other fluids). Menstrual cups are made of elastomers (silicone rubbers, latex rubbers, or thermoplastic rubbers).^[1][2] A properly fitting menstrual cup seals against the vaginal walls, so tilting and inverting the body will not cause it to leak.^[3] It is impermeable and collects menstrual fluid, unlike tampons and menstrual pads, which absorb it.^[4][5]

Menstrual cups come in two types. The older type is bell-shaped, often with a stem, and has walls more than 2mm thick.^[6] The second type has a springy rim, and attached to the rim, a bowl with thin, flexible walls. Bell-shaped cups sit over the cervix, like cervical caps,^[7] but they are generally larger than cervical caps^[10] and cannot be worn during vaginal sex. Ring-shaped cups sit in the same position as a contraceptive diaphragm; they do not block the vagina and can be worn during vaginal sex.^[11][12] Menstrual cups are not meant to prevent pregnancy.

Every 4–12 hours (depending on capacity and the amount of flow), the cup is emptied (usually removed, rinsed, and reinserted). After each period, the cup requires cleaning.^[13] One cup may be reusable for up to 10 years, making their long-term cost lower than that of disposable tampons or pads, though the initial cost is higher. As menstrual cups are reusable, they generate less solid waste than tampons and pads, both from the products themselves and from their packaging.^[14] Bell-shaped cups have to fit fairly precisely; it is common for users to get a perfect fit from the second cup they buy, by judging the misfit of the first cup. Ring-shaped cups are one-size-fits-most, but some manufacturers sell multiple sizes.^[15]

Reported leakage for menstrual cups is similar or rarer than for tampons and pads.^[14] It is possible to urinate,^[16] defecate, sleep, swim,^[3] do gymnastics,^[17] run, ride bicycles^[18] or riding animals, weightlift, and do heavy exercise while wearing a menstrual cup.^[17] Incorrect placement or cup size can cause leakage.^[14] Most users initially find menstrual cups difficult, uncomfortable, and even painful to insert and remove. This generally gets better within 3–4 months of use; having friends who successfully use menstrual cups helps, but there is a shortage of research on factors that ease the learning curve. Menstrual cups are a safe alternative to other menstrual products; risk of toxic shock syndrome infection is similar or lower with menstrual cups than for pads or tampons.^[14]