How do you choose between a menstrual sponge and a menstrual cup?
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Time to read 10 min
Looking for a period product that’s both natural and reusable for your intimate health? Do you particularly like internal menstrual products that stay invisible? You’ve already tried the menstrual cup and the menstrual disc, and now you’d like to try a menstrual sponge?
The menstrual sponge is an excellent hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to conventional tampons when it’s natural and able to effectively absorb menstrual blood without irritating the vagina.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about menstrual sponges. How do you use them properly? What are the benefits? What’s the real cost per cycle? We’ve also compared a cup and a sponge and tallied the points to help you choose!
In this article, you’ll find:
What is a menstrual sponge? Natural or synthetic menstrual sponge An internal menstrual product available in different sizes Louloucup’s star period product: the Turquoise menstrual cup The benefits of the menstrual sponge How do you use a menstrual sponge for the first time? And what about the menstrual cup? Internal protection made from medical-grade silicone The story of the Loulou cup The Louloucup cup range! 🩷 So, sponge or cup? Here’s our comparison! How it works Price of a sponge / price of a cup Durabilité Use: what are the differences between the cup and the sponge? For whom? Care Capacity / Absorption level Independence Practicality Summary chart: sponge / cup Our selection of pretty black Louloucup period panties 🥰 FAQ – Menstrual sponge To learn more... No more irritating tampons! Today, you have options! So, menstrual disc, menstrual cup or menstrual sponge?
What is a menstrual sponge?
Natural or synthetic menstrual sponge
The menstrual sponge is a soft internal protection that you insert into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow throughout your cycle. It comes in two versions:
- it can be natural, made from treated sea sponges,
- or it can be synthetic, in which case it is made from polyurethane foam.
The natural menstrual sponge has the advantage of being eco‑friendly and biodegradable. To use it hygienically, it must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. However, you must make sure it has not been bleached with chlorine.
The synthetic menstrual sponge is often made from polyurethane. Here too, we strongly encourage you to research the brand before placing your order, and to make sure it is transparent and clear about the exact composition of its products. Over time, synthetic menstrual sponges can be just as harmful as tampons.
An internal menstrual product available in different sizes
Whether natural or synthetic, a menstrual sponge is used during your period and absorbs menstrual flow just like a menstrual disc, tampon or menstrual cup.
The sponge comes in three sizes:
- small size for light flow,
- medium size for regular flow
- and plus size for heavy flow.
Louloucup’s star period product: the Turquoise menstrual cup
The benefits of the menstrual sponge
The menstrual sponge is a reusable protection method, so it’s more eco‑friendly than tampons. With it, you significantly reduce your waste.
When it’s natural, the sponge is biodegradable; after 6 to 12 months of use, you can put it in the compost instead of the trash. It’s a 100% eco-friendly choice.
Another very interesting advantage for many women: the menstrual sponge can be worn during sexual intercourse.
It’s a serious and reliable option for light and medium flows. You can wear it for several hours without any problem. For heavy flows, it can be worn for about 4 hours before changing. You can also add a menstrual panty if you’re worried about leaks.
How do you use a menstrual sponge for the first time?
Good to know. Just like a cup, the sponge is sterilized before use. Just like a cup, the sponge is inserted into the vagina. Where the cup collects the flow, the sponge absorbs it. It doesn’t work in exactly the same way. In terms of how it functions, the sponge is closer to a tampon.
⚠️ Before the very first use, give your sponge a deep clean. Soak it for at least one hour in water with white vinegar or a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Then let it air dry.
To remove the sponge, gently pinch it, slide it slowly out, empty the menstrual blood, rinse with cold then lukewarm water using a mild soap, before reinserting it or letting it dry for next time.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Dampen the sponge slightly to soften it, then wring it out.
Squat down, fold it in half and gently insert it into the vagina, about 3 cm from the cervix. Squatting or raising one leg makes insertion much easier.
The sponge is well placed when you can't feel it.
Louloucup tip
The sponge has the big advantage of being very easy to handle. You can also cut it so it fits your body better.
And what about the menstrual cup?
If you’re familiar with Louloucup, you definitely know our amazing patented cups made in France! Feel free to browse our blog to learn more about these super menstrual products that are truly safe and so convenient.
Internal protection made from medical-grade silicone
So, as a reminder, the menstrual cup is a reusable, hygienic alternative to traditional products like tampons or pads. It works by collecting menstrual blood rather than absorbing it, offering a healthy, eco-friendly and economical way to manage your cycle.
Unlike a sponge or tampon, this small medical-grade silicone bell is placed in the vagina to create a leak-proof reservoir. Its design allows you to:
collect up to 30 ml of blood (the equivalent of 6 to 8 tampons),
to be worn comfortably for 4 to 8 hours depending on your flow (light or heavy),
to prevent leaks thanks to proper insertion,
to work out or go swimming with complete peace of mind.
For hygienic use, simply:
rinse it in cold then lukewarm water after each emptying,
sterilize it for 10 minutes in boiling water between each cycle (at the end or beginning of the cycle),
store it in its clean pouch, away from dust and light.
The story of the Loulou cup
Our French brand offers two menstrual cup models, each available in two sizes, size S and size M:
- The Rose menstrual cup (firmer) for sporty women or those who have given birth vaginally,
- The Turquoise menstrual cup (softer) for teenagers, women who haven’t given birth and anyone with vaginal sensitivity.
Made in France with certified medical-grade silicone, their unique shape is registered and patented.
The Louloucup cup range! 🩷
So, sponge or cup? Here’s our comparison!
Choosing between a menstrual sponge and a menstrual cup mainly depends on your needs in terms of comfort, washable care, budget and environmental impact. These two reusable protection options each have specific advantages. We’ve compared them to help you select the solution best suited to your cycle and daily life.
How it works
The way they work is different:
- the menstrual sponge absorbs blood just like a tampon,
- while the menstrual cup collects it in a closed reservoir, preventing any contact with air.
🔔 Advantage to the cup: no leaks, no odor. The blood can’t oxidize and the whole process is more hygienic and cleaner.
Price of a sponge / price of a cup
Using a sponge requires an initial budget of between €15 and €30 depending on size and quality. Natural models, although slightly more expensive, offer a softer texture and a longer lifespan. A sponge can be used for 5 to 10 cycles, roughly one year.
The menstrual cup is a slightly bigger investment (€30 to €50 for a premium model), but its 5- to 10-year lifespan makes it more economical cycle after cycle. At Louloucup, the cup costs €28.90 before discounts on customized bundle packs.
🔔 Point for the cup! It’s the most economical reusable protection. Its lifespan (5 to 10 years) is really appealing for tight budgets.
Durabilité
A well-washed and well-cared-for menstrual cup can be used for almost 10 years without any problem.
The menstrual sponge can only be reused for 6 to 12 months (for the natural version only).
Cleaning the sponge requires a certain level of care: rinse immediately after removal, wash with mild soap and let it dry completely. Weekly disinfection (vinegar, baking soda or essential oil) extends its lifespan, provided it’s used carefully.
Sponge lifespan: 1 year with proper care.
Cup lifespan: 5 to 10 years thanks to its ultra-resistant medical-grade silicone.
Signs it’s time to replace the sponge: persistent odors, crumbling or deformation.
Signs it’s time to replace the cup: cracks, loss of elasticity or pronounced discoloration.
🔔 Advantage: the cup wins! The cup clearly comes out on top for durability. Although biodegradable, the sponge requires more care and must be replaced more often to guarantee optimal hygiene.
Use: what are the differences between the cup and the sponge?
The cup and the sponge are used in a similar way.
The sponge, soft and easy to handle, is simply inserted into the vagina after being moistened. Its natural, gentle feel is particularly suitable for light to medium flows and reassures those who are anxious about rigid internal products.
The cup requires a bit of practice to master the different folding and insertion techniques. Once you get the hang of it (usually within 2–3 cycles), it provides perfect leak protection even with heavy flow, with up to 12 hours of wear.
🧽 Advantage: the sponge! It can also be cut and customised.
For whom?
The menstrual sponge is ideal for anyone looking for a 100% natural solution, for women with a light to medium flow, and for those who want protection during sexual intercourse.
The cup is ideal for women and teens with a heavy flow, sporty and active women, frequent travellers, and anyone on a smaller budget.
In both cases, if you have an IUD, you must get the approval of your midwife or gynaecologist.
🧽 / 🔔 Sponge vs. cup: it’s a tie. Each has great advantages.
Care
Caring for menstrual cups involves simply rinsing between each emptying and sterilizing by boiling or with a dedicated sterilizer, whereas a sponge must be washed, disinfected and thoroughly dried after each removal.
🔔 Cup advantage. Careful maintenance is essential to ensure a long lifespan.
Capacity / Absorption level
In terms of capacity, a medical-grade silicone cup can hold up to 30 ml of blood (the equivalent of 6–8 tampons), whereas a sponge retains the equivalent of 3–4 tampons depending on its size.
🔔 Cup advantage. It’s a great ally for women with a very heavy flow.
Independence
A menstrual cup is changed every 4 to 6 hours depending on your flow, offering more autonomy than a sponge, which needs to be changed roughly every 4 hours.
🔔 Cup advantage.
Practicality
Theoretically, the sponge allows for sexual intercourse (subject to medical advice), but cleaning it immediately after removal can be inconvenient when you’re out and about. However, its lack of a stem makes it very discreet. It can be fitted with a string.
The cup stands out for its ease of use: a simple rinse is enough between uses, and you can sterilise it monthly with a steriliser. Its large capacity (up to 6 hours) makes it a practical ally on busy days.
🔔 Cup advantage.
Summary chart: sponge / cup
| Critères | Menstrual sponge | Menstrual Cup |
| Maximum wear time | 4 hours | 4 to 6 hours |
| Absorption capacity | 3 to 4 tampons | Up to 5 tampons |
| Getting started | Easy (1 to 2 cycles) | Medium (2 to 3 cycles) |
| Usage during intercourse | Possible | a feeling of unexplained sadness, |
| Feeling of dampness | Light | None |
Our selection of pretty black Louloucup period panties 🥰
In short: everything you need to know about the menstrual sponge!
A menstrual sponge is an interesting alternative. However, make sure you prioritise natural models. And again, pay attention to how they are treated. It’s also important not to exceed the manufacturer’s recommended wear time.
The French‑made Louloucup, on the other hand, is flawless in terms of composition: hypoallergenic silicone certified free from phthalates, BPA, latex and fragrance.
For heavy menstrual flow, we recommend wearing the sponge together with period underwear to avoid any unfortunate leaks.
FAQ – Menstrual sponge
Is a menstrual sponge effective for having sex during your period?
Many women use their menstrual sponge during sex thanks to its flexibility and its high position in the vagina. However, medical opinions differ: some highlight risks such as displacement, tearing, discomfort or leaks.
How do you use a menstrual sponge properly to avoid leaks?
For best use: slightly dampen the sponge, squeeze out the excess water and fold it into a C-shape. Insert it deep into your vagina, ideally about 3 cm from the cervix, so it can effectively absorb menstrual blood. Check with a finger that it’s properly positioned. Change it every 4 hours for heavy flow, 8 hours max. These precautions prevent leaks and improve comfort. However, for a leak-free night, we recommend opting for menstrual panties.
Can you develop toxic shock syndrome with a menstrual sponge?
Although less risky than synthetic tampons, a menstrual sponge can theoretically cause toxic shock syndrome. Stagnant blood can encourage bacterial growth. To minimize risks: wash your hands before insertion, do not exceed 6 hours of continuous use, disinfect it regularly and replace it if worn out. If you experience fever, rash or feeling unwell during your period, remove it immediately and seek medical advice. People at risk will prefer external protection such as our menstrual cups or specialized panties.
Camille
Rédactrice depuis plusieurs années pour Louloucup, j'aime papoter aussi bien culotte menstruelle que remèdes de grand-mère pour soulager les douleurs de règles ! Je partage chaque semaine mes coups de cœur et mes inspirations avec un seul objectif : vivre des règles enfin sereines ! 🩷
