Introduction to menstrual cups

Like tampons, menstrual cups also need to be inserted into the vagina. They are soft, bell-shaped devices made of latex, silicone, or thermoplastic for collecting menstrual periods. The container can hold 10 to 38 mL of blood. Menstrual cups should be emptied every 4 to 12 hours, depending on the amount of menstrual flow and the type of cup. There are two types of menstrual cups: vaginal cups, which are usually bell-shaped and placed in the vagina; and cervical cups, which are similar to diaphragms used for contraception and are placed around the high cervix in the vagina. Menstrual cups can last up to 10 years, and disposable menstrual cups also exist. Menstrual cups have the advantages of simple design, low cost, ease of use, and reusability, and can help women in many different social and cultural backgrounds manage their periods more easily.