There are certainly plenty of opinions, stories, and questions surrounding menstrual cups.

When I first heard about them, I was honestly terrified.

So there I was, sitting in the bathroom with a menstrual cup in one hand and the instruction manual in the other, wondering, “How am I supposed to put this thing inside me?”

It looked unbelievably large.

I had watched countless YouTube videos of women struggling with insertion and removal, and instead of making me feel more confident, those videos somehow made me even more nervous.

But there’s always a first time for everything, right?

So, I decided to give it a try.

And honestly, the biggest thing I regret is that I waited so long to try it.

After I finally learned how to insert, remove, and clean it properly, I became a huge fan of menstrual cups.

A 2019 systematic review of 43 studies involving 3,319 participants found that menstrual cups were generally a safe and acceptable menstrual-management option. Most studies also reported that users needed a familiarization period of several cycles before becoming comfortable with the cup.

So, from someone who was initially afraid of trying one, here are the reasons this little cup eventually changed my period routine.

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What Exactly Is a Menstrual Cup?

A menstrual cup is a reusable, flexible cup-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation.

Unlike pads and tampons, which absorb menstrual blood, a menstrual cup collects the blood.

Most reusable cups are made from materials such as medical-grade silicone, although some products use latex or other materials. They come in different shapes, sizes, lengths, and firmness levels, which means the cup that works perfectly for one person may not work well for someone else.

One of the most important things I learned is that fit matters.

Your menstrual flow, cervix position, anatomy, and personal comfort can all influence which cup works best for you.

And once a properly fitted cup is inserted correctly, you generally shouldn’t feel it.

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14 Reasons Why I Love My Menstrual Cup

1. It’s Comfortable

The transition from disposable pads to a menstrual cup can feel strange at first.

You’re putting something inside your body, so naturally, there is a learning curve.

But once I became comfortable with the insertion technique, the cup became surprisingly easy to wear.

For me, the flexible material and shape allowed it to sit comfortably without the bulky feeling I associated with sanitary pads.

It eventually became so comfortable that I could go about my day without thinking about it.

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2. I Sometimes Forget I’m on My Period

This is probably one of my favorite things about menstrual cups.

Depending on the product, your menstrual flow, and the manufacturer’s instructions, a cup may be worn for several hours before it needs to be emptied.

Some products advertise up to 8–12 hours, but always follow the instructions for your specific cup and don’t keep it in longer than recommended.

That meant I didn’t have to think about changing a pad every few hours.

For me, that alone was a huge improvement.

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3. I Feel More Connected to My Body

Before using a cup, I never really paid attention to how much menstrual blood I was losing.

Pads and tampons made it difficult to estimate.

With a cup, I could actually see the amount of menstrual blood collected.

That made me more aware of my cycle and more interested in understanding my own body.

It also made me pay more attention to changes from one menstrual cycle to another.

That doesn’t mean you need to measure your menstrual blood every month, but being more aware of your cycle can be useful.

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4. It Doesn’t Absorb the Natural Vaginal Moisture

One thing I really appreciated about menstrual cups was the difference in how they felt compared with absorbent products.

Tampons absorb menstrual blood, but they can also contribute to vaginal dryness or discomfort in some users.

A menstrual cup collects rather than absorbs menstrual fluid.

It’s also worth correcting something from my original article: it isn’t accurate to say that all tampons contain “harmful chemicals,” bleach, glue, or rayon that necessarily cause illness. Menstrual products vary, and the evidence surrounding chemical exposure from menstrual products is still developing. A 2023 systematic review found measurable chemicals in some menstrual products but also emphasized significant research gaps, particularly regarding exposure levels and newer products such as cups.

So I wouldn’t describe cups as “chemical-free” or disposable products as inherently dangerous.

I simply prefer the way a cup feels for me.

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5. Fewer Leaks When It Fits Properly

One of my biggest fears before trying a menstrual cup was leakage.

But once I learned how to insert it correctly, leakage became much less of a problem for me.

A properly positioned cup creates a seal inside the vagina that helps prevent menstrual blood from escaping.

However, a menstrual cup can still leak.

Leaks may happen when:

• The cup isn’t fully opened
• The cup is positioned incorrectly
• The size isn’t right for you
• The cup is full
• Your menstrual flow is particularly heavy

The 2019 systematic review found that reported leakage with menstrual cups was similar to or lower than leakage with disposable pads or tampons in the studies that directly compared them.

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6. It’s Reusable and Can Reduce Waste

This was one of the biggest reasons I became interested in menstrual cups.

Instead of throwing away pads or tampons after each use, a reusable cup can be cleaned and used again and again.

That means one cup can potentially replace a large number of disposable menstrual products over its lifespan.

The 2019 systematic review found that menstrual cups have the potential for substantial environmental and cost savings compared with disposable products, although the exact impact depends on the cup, cleaning practices, and how long it is used.

For me, knowing that I could reduce the amount of menstrual waste I produced each month was a huge plus.

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7. It Saves Money

A menstrual cup can also be economical.

Instead of purchasing pads or tampons every month, you buy a reusable cup and use it repeatedly according to the manufacturer’s replacement recommendations.

The initial cost may seem higher than buying one package of pads, but over time, the recurring expense can be much lower.

And you don’t have to suddenly realize that you’re out of pads on a Sunday evening.

That alone is priceless! 😅

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8. No More Hiding Used Pads or Tampons

Before using a menstrual cup, I remember discreetly wrapping used pads or tampons and carrying them around when I was visiting friends or staying somewhere else.

It could be embarrassing.

With a cup, I simply empty it and clean it according to the available facilities and instructions.

Of course, public bathrooms don’t always provide the most convenient conditions for menstrual cup cleaning, so carrying clean water, tissues, or a suitable backup product can make things easier.

But overall, I found it much more discreet.

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9. It Saves Time

Once I became comfortable with my menstrual cup, I spent much less time thinking about period-product changes.

There was no need to constantly check whether my pad was full or whether I had brought enough spare products.

It became part of my routine.

However, one important correction to my original article: menstrual cups do not eliminate the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

TSS is rare but potentially life-threatening and can occur with menstrual cups as well as tampons. The NHS advises following the manufacturer’s instructions, washing your hands before use, and not leaving a menstrual cup in longer than recommended.

So, convenience is great, but proper hygiene and safe use are essential.

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10. It Can Hold a Relatively Large Amount of Menstrual Blood

Menstrual cups are available in different capacities.

That can be particularly helpful for people who have heavier menstrual flow.

But cup capacity varies by product, and comparing a cup directly with a tampon isn’t always straightforward because menstrual products use different capacity measurements.

When choosing a cup, check its actual capacity and compare it with your usual menstrual flow.

If you regularly soak through pads or tampons very quickly, it’s also worth discussing your bleeding with a healthcare professional.

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11. It’s a Great Travel Companion

This is one of the reasons I really love reusable menstrual products.

Imagine traveling and not having to pack several days’ worth of pads or tampons.

One reusable cup takes up very little space in your luggage.

Whether you’re traveling by airplane, road-tripping, camping, or staying somewhere remote, having one reusable product can simplify things considerably.

Of course, you still need access to appropriate hygiene facilities.

But overall, it has made period management much easier for me when traveling.

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12. I Can Exercise With It

Once properly positioned, I found my menstrual cup very convenient for physical activities.

Walking, running, yoga, and swimming became much less stressful because I wasn’t worrying about a pad moving around or getting soaked.

Again, everyone’s experience is different.

Some people may need to experiment with cup size, firmness, or positioning before finding the right fit.

But once I got used to mine, I was very comfortable exercising during my period.

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13. No More Itchy Nights From Pads

This one is especially personal for me.

When I was using sanitary pads, I sometimes developed itchy and uncomfortable skin irritation around the middle of my period.

It could become so irritating that it interfered with my sleep.

Switching to a menstrual cup eliminated the direct contact with the skin that was bothering me.

And that made a huge difference.

I could sleep without constantly worrying about the pad shifting or rubbing against irritated skin.

Of course, a menstrual cup isn’t a treatment for skin conditions, and irritation can occur with cups too. If you develop persistent pain, itching, unusual discharge, or irritation, stop using the product and seek medical advice.

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14. It’s Invisible Under Your Clothes

This is another small but wonderful advantage.

There is no:

• Bulky pad outline
• Pad wings sticking to your underwear
• Tampon string
• Worry about visible period products

Once the cup is properly inserted, it’s completely hidden.

That means I can wear fitted clothes, dresses, or swimwear without worrying about whether my period product is visible.

For someone who loves traveling, swimming, and being active, that’s a big confidence boost.

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What Are the Disadvantages?

Of course, menstrual cups aren’t perfect.

In my experience, the biggest disadvantage was emptying and cleaning the cup.

It can be messy.

And cleaning it in a public restroom can definitely feel awkward.

Beginners may also struggle with insertion and removal at first.

But the good news is that practice helps.

The 2019 systematic review specifically found that many new users needed a familiarization period over several menstrual cycles.

There are also some important safety considerations.

Menstrual cups can very rarely be associated with complications such as TSS, vaginal injury, allergic reactions, urinary symptoms, or difficulty removing the cup. The overall evidence suggests they are generally safe, but correct use and hygiene matter.

If you have an IUD, talk with your healthcare professional before using a menstrual cup. Research has reported IUD expulsion in some menstrual-cup users, although the evidence is limited and doesn’t mean that cups are automatically unsafe with an IUD.

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How to Use a Menstrual Cup

The instructions can vary slightly between brands, so always read the instructions that came with your cup.

The basic process is:

1. Wash your hands

Always start with clean hands.

2. Clean the cup

Before first use and between periods, clean or sterilize the cup according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Don’t improvise with harsh chemicals.

3. Fold the cup

There are several folding methods, including the C-fold and punch-down fold.

I personally prefer the C-fold.

4. Relax

This is much easier said than done!

When you’re nervous, your pelvic muscles can tighten and make insertion more difficult.

Find a comfortable position and take your time.

5. Gently insert the cup

Insert it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once inside, allow it to open fully.

6. Check the seal

You may gently rotate or adjust the cup so that it sits comfortably and opens properly.

7. Remove it safely

Don’t simply pull the stem.

Instead, gently pinch the base of the cup to release the seal and then remove it slowly.

8. Empty, wash, and reuse

Empty the menstrual blood, clean the cup appropriately, and reinsert it if needed.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how long the cup can be worn and how it should be cleaned.

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Different Types of Menstrual Cups

There are many menstrual cups available today, and they come in different:

• Sizes
• Lengths
• Shapes
• Firmness levels
• Capacities
• Materials

So don’t be surprised if the first cup you try isn’t the perfect one.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

I initially tried a larger cup and struggled with it.

Later, I tried the Feel Free Small Menstrual Cup, and the difference was huge for me.

You can read my full review here:

Feel Free Menstrual Cup: Product Review

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My Experience With the Feel Free Cup

I eventually found a cup that I really enjoyed using.

The Feel Free Biocompatible Cervical-Shaped Menstrual Cup worked better for me because of its smaller size and shape.

The insertion process was easier, removal was more comfortable, and I experienced fewer leaks.

Most importantly, I felt comfortable.

That doesn’t mean it’s the perfect cup for everyone.

It simply means:

It was the right cup for me.

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Final Thoughts

When I first held a menstrual cup, I honestly thought:

“There’s no way I’m putting that inside me!” 😂

I was nervous about insertion.

I was nervous about removal.

I was worried it would hurt.

I was worried it would leak.

I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get it out.

But I tried.

And eventually, I got used to it.

What started as something frightening became one of my favorite period products.

I loved the convenience.

I loved the freedom.

I loved not having to carry around a stack of pads.

And I especially loved waking up without the uncomfortable skin irritation I used to experience with sanitary pads.

Was it completely perfect?

No.

It took practice.

It could be messy.

And it wasn’t always convenient in public bathrooms.

But overall?

For me, it changed the way I experienced my period.

And that’s why I call it life-changing.

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“Sometimes, a small change in your daily life can create a much bigger change than you ever expected.”

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
— Proverbs 31:25

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Looking back, I can’t believe how scared I was to try something that eventually became such a normal part of my life.

I spent years using disposable products without ever thinking there might be another option.

Then one day, I decided to try something different.

And that tiny decision changed my entire period routine.

It made me more aware of my body.

It made me more conscious of the waste I was producing.

It saved me money.

It gave me more freedom when traveling and exercising.

And most importantly, it taught me something simple:

Sometimes the things we are most afraid to try are the things that end up making our lives easier.

So, am I completely converted?

Absolutely. ❤️

But I also believe that every woman’s body and period experience is different.

A menstrual cup may be wonderful for one person and uncomfortable for another—and that’s okay.

The goal isn’t to convince everyone to use the same product.

The goal is to find something that makes you feel safe, comfortable, confident, and cared for.

For me, that happened to be a little silicone cup.

And honestly…

I wish I had discovered it sooner.

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Sources

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31324419
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32770872
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37743685
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41428672
• https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cup
• https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/menstrual-cup
• https://www.organicup.com/how-to-use

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Originally Published: August 18, 2021
Updated: August 2026