Can Menstrual Cups Help Reduce Cramps?

If you experience painful period cramps every month, you’re not alone. Many Nigerian women deal with dysmenorrhea (the fancy medical term for painful periods), and finding relief can feel like a never-ending battle. While painkillers, hot water bottles, and herbal teas are common go-tos, some menstrual cup users claim that switching from pads or tampons to a cup actually reduced their cramps.

Sounds too good to be true? Let’s dive into the science, user experiences, and whether a menstrual cup—like Ivy Cup—could actually help make your periods less painful.

What Causes Period Cramps?

Before we talk about menstrual cups, let’s quickly break down why cramps happen in the first place.

Period pain is mostly caused by prostaglandins—hormone-like chemicals that make your uterus contract to shed its lining. The stronger these contractions, the more intense your cramps. Other factors like poor blood flow, tampon irritation, and stress can also make things worse.

Now, where do menstrual cups fit into all this?

Can a Menstrual Cup Reduce Cramps?

While there’s no direct scientific evidence that menstrual cups reduce cramps, many users report feeling less discomfort after making the switch. Here’s why that might be:

• Less dryness and irritation. Unlike tampons, which absorb not just blood but also your vaginal moisture, cups simply collect your period flow without drying out the vaginal walls. Less irritation means less discomfort.
• Better blood flow. Tampons sit higher up in the vaginal canal and can sometimes block natural blood flow, leading to more cramping. A cup sits lower and allows your uterus to expel blood freely.
• No chemicals or absorbents. Some pads and tampons contain bleaching agents, fragrances, and absorbent chemicals that can trigger sensitivity or inflammation, potentially worsening cramps. A medical-grade silicone cup like Ivy Cup is free from all that.
• Smoother insertion and removal. If you’ve ever struggled with a dry tampon, you know how uncomfortable it can be. A menstrual cup, when properly inserted with a little water-based lubricant or water, glides in and out more smoothly, reducing discomfort.

When a Menstrual Cup Might Make Cramps Worse

For some people, a menstrual cup can make cramps feel better. Many people have commented on feeling less pain or none at all, while some claim that they feel worse—at least at first. However, the purpose of the cup is to take away any unnecessary discomfort. If your cramps get worse while using a menstrual cups, this is usually due to:

• The wrong size or fit. A cup that’s too big or too firm for your body might press against the vaginal walls or cervix, causing discomfort. If you experience this, try a softer or smaller cup like Ivy Cup Model A.
• Improper insertion. If the cup is inserted too high or doesn’t fully unfold, it can cause slight pressure, leading to discomfort. Always make sure your cup is fully opened and sealed after insertion.
• Extra sensitivity. Some people have a sensitive cervix or pelvic muscles that react more strongly to any kind of internal product. If this is the case, a softer, more flexible cup would be a better option.

Tips for Using a Menstrual Cup to Reduce Cramps

If you want to see whether a menstrual cup can help ease your period pain, here are some tips to improve your experience:

• Choose the right size. If you have a low cervix or lighter flow, go for Ivy Cup Model A (25ml). If you have a heavier flow, try Model B (30ml).
• Relax during insertion and removal. Tensing your pelvic muscles can make the process uncomfortable. Take deep breaths and relax.
• Check the placement. Your cup should sit lower than a tampon but still be fully inside the vaginal canal. If it’s too high, it might press against your cervix.
• Experiment with different folds. Some folds, like the punch-down fold or C-fold, create a smaller insertion point, making the process smoother.
• Try a warm compress. If you still experience cramps, a warm water bottle or gentle yoga stretches can help.

The Verdict: Should You Try a Menstrual Cup for Cramps?

While menstrual cups aren’t a guaranteed cure for period cramps, they could help reduce discomfort by eliminating dryness, improving blood flow, and reducing irritation from chemicals found in disposable products.

If you struggle with cramps and are curious about making the switch, trying Ivy Cup might be worth it. And even if it doesn’t completely eliminate period pain, you’ll still enjoy benefits like less waste, more comfort, and up to 12 hours of leak-free protection.