Menstrual cup and sports: can you use it while exercising?

cup sport

Yoga, running, Pilates, swimming, fitness, gym, soccer, or tennis—do you love to move, sweat, and challenge yourself? Are you passionate about sports? Do you work out every week or regularly? Do you have questions about exercising during your period? 


For many women and teens, the idea of exercising during their period raises questions and doubts. Some worry about leaks, others about discomfort. Many wonder what protection is best for sports. 


Today, let’s take a closer look at the menstrual cup (or cup). It’s perfect for living a busy, active life and enjoying your workout with total peace of mind. Whether you’re at the gym, in a fitness class, at home on your mat, or in PE, the cup is a great ally during exercise—even when you have a heavy flow.

In this article, we cover in more detail:


  • the compatibility of the menstrual cup with different sports; 
  • the best practices for using it safely; 
  • the precautions to take while exercising; 
  • testimonials from athletes who have switched to the cup; 
  • an FAQ to answer your questions about periods and sports. 

Menstrual cup and sports: are they compatible?

The menstrual cup, a reliable period protection

The menstrual cup might be a practical, inexpensive, eco-friendly, easy-to-use, and reliable hygiene product. But is it really compatible with sports? 


The answer is generally yes! For the vast majority of physical activities—whether it’s running, yoga, swimming, or even team sports—the menstrual cup adapts perfectly and won’t let you down!


Its ergonomic shape, flexibility, softness, and absorbency make it an ideal option for those who want to stay active during their period. With menstrual cups, you can move and exercise with total confidence, without worrying about leaks or stains. 

The benefits of the cup for sports

  • Discretion
    
The menstrual cup is invisible once in place, letting you move, run, and jump with complete freedom and zero discomfort.

  • Comfort
    Designed to adapt to your body and your intimate areas, the menstrual cup doesn’t cause irritation or chafing, even during intense physical activity. It’s comfortable and you won’t even feel it.

  • Safety
    Thanks to its high absorbency, it can collect menstrual flow for hours without overflowing. Plus, the cup is firm enough to stay securely in place against the vaginal walls. This makes it leak-proof, even during sudden movements.

  • Hygiene
    The menstrual cup preserves the balance of the vaginal flora and minimizes the risk of infections, unlike some disposable products. Blood isn’t exposed to air, so it doesn’t oxidize or develop bad odors. 

How do you use a menstrual cup during sports?

Switching to a menstrual cup for your workout sessions requires a few simple but essential adjustments to ensure the best, most comfortable, and successful experience.


  1. Choosing the right size and model of cup

    It's crucial to choose a cup that matches your menstrual flow and level of physical activity. At LouLoucup, there are two cup models:
    - the Flexible Turquoise Louloucup;
    - and the Classic Pink Louloucup.
    Both models are available in two sizes: small and medium.

    Good to know: On the Louloucup e-shop, in addition to our cups, you can also find a wide variety of period underwear designed for sports (like the period tanga or seamless invisible period panties), as well as period swimwear (perfect for light to medium flow).

  2. Proper cup insertion and positioning To avoid any issues, it’s recommended to practice inserting and positioning your cup correctly before a workout. Before exercising, take your time in a calm environment to get comfortable handling your cup. Correct insertion helps prevent leaks and ensures optimal comfort. During exercise, make sure your cup stays in place. If you’re new to using a cup, it can be helpful to check the position after a few movements to make sure it hasn’t shifted.
  3. Adjust the wear time
    Depending on the intensity and duration of your workout, adjust how long you wear your cup. For a short or moderate workout, one insertion may be enough. For longer activities, plan for a change or check during your session. This is especially important for endurance sports, where comfort and hygiene are crucial.

Sports and Menstrual Cups: What Precautions to Take

Even though the menstrual cup is designed to be safely used during sports, a few precautions should be taken to avoid any discomfort.

Hygiene and cleaning

Cleanliness is essential to ensure not only your comfort but also your health. Always wash your hands before and after use. Good hygiene prevents the spread of bacteria and helps avoid infections. Between uses, clean your cup with a mild soap or products specially designed for menstrual protection. Regular care ensures your cup lasts as long as possible.

Safety during high-risk sports

For sports with a risk of falling or hard impact, reconsider your activity. If you do sports like horseback riding, mountain biking, or other high-impact activities, be especially careful. If the cup shifts or causes discomfort, it’s best to remove and reposition it properly.

Comfort and listening to your body

Every body is unique. If you feel pain or unusual discomfort, stop the activity and check the position of your cup. If the problem continues, consult a healthcare professional to make sure there isn’t an underlying issue. Adapt your choice. If a particular model doesn’t suit you, don’t hesitate to try another version or adjust the size for better comfort.

Athletes’ stories and reviews

Menstrual cups and sports go great together—and it’s not just us saying so.

  • Sophie, 28 – Passionate Runner:
    “I was always afraid of leaks while running, especially on my period. Since I tried the LouLoucup menstrual cup, I feel free and at ease during my runs. I can even run marathons without worry!”

  • Amélie, 35 – Yoga practitioner:

    “Yoga requires a lot of focus and freedom of movement. A menstrual cup lets me stay focused on my practice without worrying about pads or tampons shifting around. It’s a real plus for my everyday well-being.”

  • Claire, 42 – Water sports enthusiast: “I love swimming even during my period. The Laura period swimsuit from LouLoucup is perfect for the pool. It absorbs well without sacrificing comfort and stays discreet under my regular suit.”

Summary: using a cup during your workout

The issue of period protection during sports is a real concern. With the rise of eco-friendly, washable menstrual alternatives, women have even more choices! And that’s great news. 

Yoga, running, fitness, swimming—how great is it to keep up with your workouts even during your period? For a worry-free experience, the menstrual cup offers some major advantages: 


  • Compatibility and Comfort. The menstrual cup is compatible with most sports, offering unmatched comfort thanks to its ergonomic design. It takes up no space unlike pads, is completely invisible unlike period underwear, and is much more comfortable than tampons.

  • Safety and Hygiene. By following a few simple hygiene rules and regularly checking its position, you can play sports safely and confidently. Plus, the cup is known for being an extremely hygienic period product. Flow is collected in the reservoir, so it doesn't come into contact with air, doesn't stagnate, and doesn't fester. Bacteria and bad odors don't develop!

  • Experience and Testimonials. Many active women and regular athletes have already adopted this hygienic and sustainable solution, experiencing real benefits in freedom of movement and self-confidence.

  • Practical Tips. From insertion to wear time management, practical tips help you get the most out of your cup during exercise. Ultimately, you’ll figure out what works best for you as you get more experience. 


The menstrual cup is a valuable ally for anyone who wants to stay active and feel good, even during their period. Not only does it provide effective leak protection, but it’s also an eco-friendly (zero waste) and body-safe option. Loulou cups are made from medical-grade silicone in France. 

Thoughts on using a menstrual cup while playing sports

By choosing the right period protection, you can absolutely keep playing your favorite sport with confidence and safety, no matter your flow.

Louloucup expertise

Designed to meet the needs of all women—athletic or not—our period products get great feedback. Louloucup is committed to offering a reliable, sustainable, and respectful solution because you deserve it! Women’s and menstrual health needs quality tools and accessories to take care of your intimate well-being. Louloucup panties, cups, and swimsuits help make that happen!

The cup: a universal protection

One of the strengths of the menstrual cup is its ability to adapt to all body types and lifestyles. Whether you’re 12 or 50, a student, a mom, or an accomplished athlete, there’s a model that will meet your needs.

Testimonials and feedback

Many athletes have shared testimonials about the effectiveness and practicality of these products. They emphasize how important it is to be able to train and enjoy their favorite activities without worrying about protection issues. The cup gives us freedom, independence, and strength!

The cup: a guarantee of peace of mind and freedom

The menstrual cup is much more than just an alternative to traditional period products. It represents a lifestyle choice for modern, active women who care about their well-being. By choosing this solution, you’re opting for:

  • an eco-friendly and sustainable product;
  • optimal comfort, even during the most intense activities;
  • enhanced security thanks to advanced absorption technology. 

Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or only exercise occasionally, adding a menstrual cup to your routine will let you experience your period with total freedom and peace of mind. 

Choose confidence, comfort, and innovation with LouLoucup.

Now you have all the tools you need to seamlessly add the menstrual cup to your workout routine.

Menstrual cup and sports FAQ

1. Can I use a menstrual cup for all sports?

Yes, in most cases, the menstrual cup is compatible with almost all sports activities, whether it’s running, yoga, swimming, or team sports. For very high-impact sports, just be a bit more careful.

2. How to choose the right cup size if you play sports?

The size you choose mainly depends on your menstrual flow and the length of your activity. At Louloucup, we recommend going with the medium or M size. It holds a bit more, so you can move freely without worrying about leaks.

3. What should I do if my cup moves during exercise?

If you feel the cup moving, go to the bathroom to remove and reposition it. Practicing insertion beforehand will help you get the hang of it and avoid this kind of inconvenience.

4. Is the menstrual cup hygienic for sports?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s the most hygienic menstrual protection. As long as you follow hygiene rules—especially washing your hands before and after use, and cleaning your cup regularly—you’ll benefit from safe, reliable protection that preserves your vaginal flora’s balance.

5. Where can I find personalized advice about using a cup and exercising?

You can check out our blog, user guides, and testimonials from athletes and other users at the bottom of each product page. For more specific questions, our customer service team is here to help, and we also encourage sharing experiences within our community on social media.

To learn more...