Skip to content When people think about switching to a menstrual cup, the first thing that often comes to mind is cost savings. With a menstrual cup, you don’t have to spend on sanitary pads or have it recur in your budget every month. And while it’s true that a menstrual cup is a cost-effective period product, there’s so much more to it than just saving money. You may be surprised to learn that menstrual cups can improve comfort, health, and overall period care.
If you’re on the fence about trying one, here are five surprising benefits of menstrual cups that might just convince you.
Some menstrual cup users have reported that they experience fewer and less painful cramps compared to when they used tampons and sanitary pads. This is especially true for those who previously used tampons as tampons expand and can press against the vaginal walls and cervix, which may contribute to discomfort. Menstrual cups, however, sit comfortably without causing unnecessary pressure.
While everyone’s experience is different, some find that this small change makes a noticeable difference in how their body feels during their cycle.
Another one of the lesser-known benefits of menstrual cups is that they help prevent period odor. Period odor only happens when menstrual blood is exposed to air and mixes with bacteria, which can create an unpleasant smell over time. This is more common with pads as they allow menstrual fluid to remain exposed, and can also happen with tampons if they are left in for too long.
For instance, you will notice a strong smell when changing a pad after a few hours. This is due to oxidation and bacterial activity due to exposure. This could also happen when you use the bathroom and are not ready to change your sanitary towel.
Menstrual cups, on the other hand, form a seal inside the vagina, preventing exposure to air. This means less bacterial interaction and fewer odor concerns throughout the day as it allows you to use the bathroom with no risk of oxidation while on your period.
A menstrual cup can be worn for 12 hours while the average pad or tampon should be changed every 4 to 8 hours to reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and prevent leakage.
But that’s not all, a menstrual cup can hold between 20-30mL of menstrual fluid which is 4-6 times the capacity of a regular tampon, depending on its size. This is perhaps one of the biggest practical benefits of the menstrual cup, its holding capacity, because it makes it especially convenient for long days and heavy flow.
For example, a menstrual cup allows you to go on a 10-hour flight without needing to find a bathroom–unlike pads, which need changing every few hours.
Many people assume that menstrual cups are uncomfortable because they look larger than a tampon, which is false. In reality, a menstrual cup is designed to be flexible and move within your body, often making it more comfortable than other period products when inserted correctly.
Unlike tampons that absorb not just menstrual fluid but also natural vaginal moisture, menstrual cups only collect menstrual fluid and save you from the irritation a tampon would leave.
Disposable pads also cause chafing, rashes, and discomfort, especially when worn for long hours. A menstrual cup, on the other hand, stays inside the body and moves with your body due to the soft, medical-grade silicone it is made of.
A less obvious but equally valuable benefit of using a menstrual cup is that it helps you keep track of your period flow and blood volume consistency, which can provide important health insights.
A menstrual cup gives you a clear view of your flow. It helps you understand your flow and gives you information such as how long your period lasts, whether your flow is consistent throughout the cycle, and precisely how heavy or light your flow is.
This helps you track your flow and notice changes that may indicate potential health concerns, such as unusually heavy bleeding or spotting between periods.
In addition to tracking the amount of blood, menstrual cups allow you to observe the color and consistency of the blood.
By monitoring these factors, menstrual cups can empower you to be more aware of your menstrual health and potentially bring any irregularities to your doctor’s attention earlier. This level of awareness may lead to earlier diagnoses, better management of conditions, or even the ability to predict and prepare for certain health changes.
Choosing the right period product is a personal decision, and each option comes with its own set of pros and cons. If you’re considering switching to a menstrual cup, it helps to see how it compares to other popular period care products like pads, tampons, and period underwear.
Tampons absorb menstrual blood, while a menstrual cup simply collects it. This means cups don’t dry out the vaginal canal, helping to maintain natural moisture and pH balance. Tampons also typically need to be changed every 4–8 hours, whereas a menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
Some people find tampons uncomfortable, especially if they’re inserted incorrectly. A menstrual cup, when positioned properly, can feel unnoticeable. Tampons are single-use and create waste, whereas a menstrual cup is reusable for years, making it the eco-friendly period option.
Pads can feel bulky and shift out of place, while a menstrual cup stays in place inside the body, offering more freedom of movement. Pads also expose menstrual fluid to air, which can lead to odor over time. A cup keeps fluid sealed inside, reducing unwanted smells.
Disposable pads generate significant waste, while one menstrual cup can replace hundreds of pads over its lifetime.
While period underwear absorbs fluid, it usually holds less than a menstrual cup. On heavy-flow days, a menstrual cup provides longer-lasting protection. Period underwear must be washed after each use, which can be a hassle when traveling. A menstrual cup only requires rinsing and sterilizing between cycles.
Furthermore, quality period underwear can be expensive, requiring multiple pairs. A menstrual cup is a one-time purchase that lasts for years.
Switching to a menstrual cup is more than saving money—it’s about improving your period experience in ways you might not expect. From better comfort and menstrual health to fewer daily disruptions, it’s a simple change that can have a big impact. If you’re curious, it may be worth trying with The Ivy Cup and seeing if it makes a difference for you.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator