Period Cups

Period cups are flexible silicone or rubber cups that insert into the vagina to collect period blood rather than absorbing it. They hold 15–40 ml of fluid, allowing 8–12 hour wear between emptying. Cups are reusable for 5–10 years, reducing waste and saving money compared to disposable tampons and pads.

About Period Cups

Unlike tampons that absorb blood, period cups collect it in a small silicone container. When the cup fills, you remove it, empty the contents into the toilet, rinse it, and reinsert. One cup lasts through your entire period and can be reused for years. This eliminates the need to carry boxes of tampons, reduces bathroom waste, and saves hundreds of dollars over the cup's lifespan.

Most cups are made from medical-grade silicone, the same material used in baby bottle nipples and medical implants. Some use natural rubber or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). These materials do not contain the chemicals, fragrances, or bleaches found in many disposable products. Users with sensitivities to tampon materials often find cups more comfortable and less irritating.

How Period Cups Work

You fold the cup using one of several folding techniques, insert it into your vagina similar to tampon insertion, then release the fold. The cup opens inside, creating a seal against vaginal walls that prevents leaks. The seal holds the cup in place—you should not feel it when properly positioned. When it is time to empty (every 8–12 hours), you break the seal by pinching the base, gently pull the cup out, empty it, rinse, and reinsert.

The learning curve takes most users 2–3 cycles to master. Initial attempts may involve spills, difficulty opening the cup fully, or trouble removing it. This is completely normal. Every person's body is different, and finding the right insertion angle, fold method, and removal technique takes practice. Patience during this learning phase pays off with reliable, comfortable period management.

Sizing and Fit

Period cups come in different sizes, typically small and large, though some brands offer more options. General guidelines suggest smaller cups for users under 30 without vaginal births, larger cups for users over 30 or who have given birth vaginally. However, these are just starting points. Cervix height, pelvic floor strength, and flow level also affect which size works best.

Cervix height matters significantly. A low cervix (you can touch it with your finger inserted to the second knuckle) needs a shorter cup to sit comfortably. A high cervix (you cannot easily reach it) accommodates longer cups. Some brands design cups specifically for low or high cervixes. Many users try multiple sizes and brands before finding their perfect fit—this experimentation is part of the process, not a sign of failure.

Capacity and Wear Time

Small period cups typically hold 15–25 ml, large cups hold 25–40 ml. Compare this to tampons: regular tampons absorb 6–9 ml, super tampons about 12 ml. Even small cups hold more than the highest-absorbency tampons. This capacity means fewer changes throughout the day. Most users empty cups twice daily—morning and evening—even on heavy flow days.

The 8–12 hour wear time is safe for the materials and does not increase toxic shock syndrome risk like leaving tampons in too long. You can sleep through the night, work full days, and exercise without worrying about changing products. On very heavy flow days, you might empty cups more frequently, but still less often than changing tampons or pads.

Insertion and Removal Techniques

Common folding methods include the C-fold (folding the cup in half), punch-down fold (pushing one rim down into the cup), and 7-fold (folding to create a 7 shape). Different folds work better for different people. Experiment to find what inserts most comfortably for you. After insertion, run a finger around the cup base to ensure it has fully opened and created a seal.

For removal, relax your pelvic floor muscles—bearing down slightly can help bring the cup lower. Pinch the base to break the seal before pulling. If you pull without breaking the seal, you will feel uncomfortable suction. Empty the cup into the toilet, rinse with water, and reinsert. If you are in a public bathroom without a sink in the stall, wipe the cup with toilet paper or use a water bottle to rinse before reinserting.

Cleaning and Care

During your period, rinse the cup with water between uses. Wash with mild, unscented soap if desired, but water alone is sufficient if soap is unavailable. At the end of your cycle, sterilize the cup by boiling it in water for 5–10 minutes. Let it cool and dry completely before storing in a breathable fabric pouch—never seal it in plastic containers or bags that trap moisture and encourage bacteria growth.

Check your cup regularly for signs of wear: discoloration is normal and does not affect function, but tears, cracks, or tackiness mean it is time to replace the cup. With proper care, cups last 5–10 years. Some silicones stain from blood but remain safe to use. If staining bothers you, soak the cup in hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice to lighten stains.

When Cups Work Best

Period cups excel during exercise, swimming, traveling, and sleeping. They do not absorb moisture like tampons, so they do not contribute to vaginal dryness. They work well for heavy periods since even light flow days do not require wearing high-absorbency products "just in case." Cups suit users comfortable with insertion and who have access to water for rinsing during changes.

Cups can be challenging during the learning period, in situations without private bathroom access for emptying, or for users with very low cervixes or certain pelvic floor conditions. Some people with IUDs worry about dislodging the device—while rare, it is worth discussing with healthcare providers. If cups do not work for you, it does not mean you are doing something wrong; different products suit different bodies.

Cost Comparison

A quality period cup costs $25–$45. If you spend $7 monthly on tampons, you spend $84 yearly. The cup pays for itself within 4–6 months and lasts 5–10 years. Over a decade, you save approximately $800 while preventing hundreds of tampons from entering landfills. Even factoring in trying multiple cups to find the right fit, the long-term savings are significant.

Comparison Table

External Backup Options

During the learning phase or on light days, many users combine cups with external protection. The Reusable Pads collection provides cloth backup for learning days when leaks might occur, or as standalone options for lighter flow days when a full cup feels unnecessary. This combination offers flexibility while building cup confidence.

Alternative Internal Collection

Some users find cups uncomfortable or difficult despite trying multiple sizes. The Menstrual Discs range offers different internal collection mechanics—discs sit higher in the vaginal canal and tuck behind the pubic bone rather than creating a seal. Discs hold more fluid and allow intimacy during periods, making them worth trying if cups do not suit your body.

Complete Starter Solutions

New users uncertain about size or wanting backup products benefit from the Menstrual Kits collection. These kits typically bundle a cup with cloth pads, providing complete period coverage while you learn cup techniques. Having backup options reduces stress during the learning phase and ensures you are covered if initial cup attempts do not go perfectly.

Broader Period Product Context

Period cups represent one reusable option within broader period management approaches. The Menstrual Wellness collection includes diverse sustainable products—internal collection, external protection, and combination kits. Understanding how cups compare to other options helps you build a complete period routine matching your lifestyle, comfort needs, and environmental priorities.

Period cups offer reusable internal collection with 8–12 hour wear time and 5–10 year lifespans. These silicone cups reduce waste and costs while providing high capacity and comfort once you learn insertion and removal techniques. Adultsmart lists cup sizes, capacities, and fit guides so you can choose options matching your cervix height, flow level, and body type with confidence.