Women Are Switching to Menstrual Cups—Should You?
By WISe Wellness Guild
First, let’s take a collective moment of gratitude that we are finally seeing some innovation in women’s health. Honestly, it’s about time. From apps to wearables to clean ingredient care lines, there is a fresh wave of products being designed for us, by us—and yes, we are here for all of it.
So today, we’re diving into a topic that might feel a little taboo, a little intimidating, or maybe even a little "no thank you, I’ll stick to my tampons, please." But stick with me—because we’re talking menstrual cups.
Wait… What Is a Menstrual Cup?
Great question. Simply put, a menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup (usually made of medical-grade silicone) that you insert into your vagina during your period to collect—not absorb—your menstrual flow. Unlike tampons, which soak everything up, menstrual cups just hold the flow until you’re ready to empty and clean them.
They come in different shapes and sizes for comfort and fit (because one size never fits all—especially when it comes to our bodies), and they can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Yep, you read that right. Twelve. Hours. That’s a full workday, a red-eye flight, or a movie marathon without having to worry about leaks or changes.
Why Try One? The Benefits Are Real.
If you’re on the fence, here’s what might sway you:
Long Wear Time: Up to 12 hours of worry-free wear.
Higher Capacity: They hold about twice as much as a regular tampon.
Better Odor Control: Airtight seal = less exposure to air = less odor.
Eco + Budget Friendly: Most cups are reusable for years. Think of how much you’ll save on monthly period products.
Reduced Irritation: No bleached fibers or drying materials like in many tampons.
But Let’s Keep It Real—There Are Some Cons.
Here are some things to consider…
Learning Curve: It can take a few cycles to get the hang of inserting and removing your cup. And yes, it can be messy.
Comfort Isn’t Instant: You may feel it at first if it’s not positioned right.
IUD Users Take Note: There’s been some chatter about menstrual cups possibly interfering with IUDs due to suction. If you have an IUD, talk to your doctor before giving one a go.
Ready to Try? Here Are 3 Menstrual Cups Worth Checking Out:
Saalt Menstrual Cup and Disc
Super flexible, great for first-timers, and comes in a both a cup and a disc shape that some find easier to use than traditional cup designs.
Flex Cup
Flex Cup on Flexfits
This one has a unique pull-tab for easier removal, which is a big plus if you’re nervous about that part.
Cora Cup
Cora Cup on Amazon
Comfortable, beginner-friendly, and designed with a soft silicone that moves with your body.
At the end of the day, whether you’re a loyal tampon user, a die-hard pad fan, or just curious about trying something new, you’ve got options—and that’s the real win. Menstrual cups aren’t perfect, but they’re a step forward in putting control and comfort back in our hands.
So if you’ve been menstrual cup-curious, maybe this is your sign. Try it. Hate it. Love it. Either way, you’re making a choice that works for you—and that’s worth celebrating.
