Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are worn internally and hold the monthly menstrual flow. Unlike more common methods, such as tampons and pads, the cup neither absorbs the flow nor catches it outside the body. Currently there are five types of reusable cups available, and they are bell-shaped and worn low in the vagina. The DivaCup, the Mooncup UK, the Keeper Moon Cup and the Lunette are made of medical grade silicone. The Keeper is made of natural gum rubber (latex). The Divacup is slightly larger than the other reusable cups, which makes it particularly useful for those with a very heavy flow, but it may be too large for some women. There is also a disposable cup, called the Instead, which is shaped more like a diaphragm and worn higher up.

Menstrual cups are available at many retailers and ecommerce sites, the most popular being The DivaCup. One ecommerce site, South Coast Shopping guarantees the The DivaCup for two years. This is a good idea since those new to using menstrual cups may need to return it. They also carry the Keeper Moon Cup and the Keeper.

Safety

Menstrual cups in the United States are regulated by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been used for decades. No reported cases of toxic shock syndrome have been attributed to the use of menstrual cups. Keeping the menstrual cup clean after each use is important.

Advantages

• Can be worn up to twelve hours before emptying. Manufacturers recommend that tampons and pads be worn for no more than eight hours.
• Contain no harmful substances like dioxin and bleach, unlike many commercial tampons and sanitary napkins.
• Can be worn during sports such as swimming. Tampons
  can also be worn swimming, though they may wick water, become saturated, and then drip dilute bloody water. Menstrual cups are therefore more reliable
  menstrual protection for public swimming activities.
• Will not cause cystitis by transferring E. coli from
  the anus to the urethra or vagina, as long as proper hygiene is practiced.
• Will not cause the warm, damp conditions around the
  vulva that favor bacterial growth.
• Will not absorb the natural fluids present in the vagina, which can cause dryness.
• Does not dry/scratch the vaginal walls or leave fibers behind.
• Does not interfere with the vagina's natural sloughing off of dead cells.
• Does not disrupt the vagina's natural acidity as bleached menstrual products do.
• Has never been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
• Can be inserted at any time of the month. This allows the user to practice inserting the cup or to insert the cup when they are expecting their period, instead of having to wait for it to begin.
• After urination, leaves no wet string behind.
• Useful for travel, where access to tampons or sanitary napkins could be limited.
• Cost less than tampons or sanitary napkins, if expenses are added up over the long-term.
• Some retailers and manufacturers, such as South Coast Shopping, The Keeper, and Instead, offer a money back guarantee.
• Manufacturing may be less harmful to the environment, as it does not use bleach, wood pulp, or other potentially environmentally damaging substances.
• Require very little storage room, making them ideal for packing in luggage or for those who have very limited living space.
• Menstrua tends to have less odor compared to tampons and pads.
• Allow the user to track the amount of menstrua by visually inspecting the contents of the cup.
• Can be used for a wider range of anatomical structures (ex. with tilted uterus).
• Are ideal for paramenopausal women or women on certain hormonal contraceptives who can have irregular spotting (light bleeding) during much of the month and for whom using tampons for such long durations is not possible because of dryness, irritation and health risks such as TSS.