Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly and cost effective alternative to pads and tampons. Despite gaining popularity in recent years, many people are still unfamiliar with how they work.

What is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup that is worn internally during a woman's period to collect menstrual blood. It is made of medical-grade silicone, latex or rubber and comes in different sizes to suit different body types. Menstrual Cups are designed to collect menstrual fluid rather than absorb it like pads and tampons. The cup is placed inside the vagina near the cervix where it collects the flow instead of absorbing it.

Different Types of Menstrual Cups
There are generally two types of menstrual cups available -

Dish Cup: Dish cups have an open rim and are wider at the top but tapered at the bottom. They are softer and easier to insert for beginners. Popular dish cup brands include the Diva Cup and Lunette Cup.
Bell Cup: Bell cups have a closed rim and tend to be narrower and taller than dish cups. They may hold more fluid but can be harder to insert, especially for those new to cups. The MCups and MeLuna are common bell cup options.

Cups also differ in size - most brands offer small and large sizes. The size you need depends on factors like whether you have had children before or are in your teenage years. It's best to research cup dimensions and choose one suitable for your body type.

How to Use a Menstrual Cup
Inserting and removing a menstrual cup correctly takes some practice at first. Here are the basic steps:

Wash and fold the cup. Popular folds include the 'C' fold and '7' fold to make insertion easier.
Find your best position - squatting, sitting on the toilet or laying with your knees bent works for many.
Insert the folded cup up high inside your vagina until it pops open fully. It may take a few attempts to position it properly.
To remove, locate the cup stem and gently break the seal by folding the cup inward before pulling it out. Be sure to wash the cup with mild soap and water after emptying.
Reinsert cleaned cup and check the seal every few hours when active. Empty, wash and reinsert as needed - usually every 6-12 hours depending on your flow.
With regular use, you'll learn the best folds and positioning for comfortable insertion and removal. It's a skill that improves over time.

Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup
Compared to pads and tampons, menstrual cups offer several advantages:

Environmentally Friendly - Cups are reusable for up to 10 years, producing little waste. Over its lifetime, using a cup saves hundreds of disposable products from landfills.
Cost Effective - While the initial cost is higher versus pads or tampons, a cup saves money in the long run. After the initial investment, you won't need to keep purchasing supplies every month.
Leakage Protection - When properly inserted, cups create a seal high up in the vaginal canal near the cervix to prevent any leaks. Most women find them more leakproof than other options.
Comfort - As cups collect rather than absorb period blood, you experience less bulk between your legs. You'll feel less wetness compared to pads or tampons.
Activity Friendly - Cups can be worn for up to 12 hours continuously, allowing swimming, exercise or other activities without interruption. You also don't experience discomfort from dry tampons.
Health Benefits - Many women report less severe menstrual cramps when using cups as fluid is not being absorbed through materials. There's no risk of toxic shock syndrome either.

Proper Care and Changing Schedule
Correct maintenance keeps your menstrual cup hygienic and prevents infections:

Wash cup with mild unscented soap and warm water after emptying and before reinserting.
Rinse well and ensure no soap residue remains that could irritate sensitive vaginal tissues.
For storage between periods, rinse, let air dry completely and store in a breathable pouch or cup.
Replace cup every 10 years max for hygiene reasons, or sooner if cracks or tears develop.
Change cup at least every 12 hours when periods are heavy, or 6-8 hours during lighter flow days. Change sooner if full.

With guidelines like these, correct usage of menstrual cups provides a mess-free period experience in an eco-friendly manner. With practice, they become an easy and affordable alternative menstrual care option.

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