Myths and realities about menstrual cups: debunking misconceptions
Feeling stressed about using a menstrual cup for the first time? That’s normal. This little, rather surprising object raises questions and can be unsettling. We’ve been so used for decades to tampons and pads that it’s only natural to feel doubtful when faced with this soft, brightly colored cup.
This small medical-grade silicone reservoir in the shape of an inverted bell is actually extremely well thought out and well designed.
The menstrual cup is, above all, a real revolution for our periods: a durable, washable, eco-friendly and economical sanitary product that can be worn by all women.
Still hesitating? Heard some preconceived ideas without forming your own opinion? Feeling a bit lost? Want to know more?
To keep reading, you can check out our article: Common myths about periods: debunking false beliefs. Still hesitating to take the plunge? Before you buy, read our article, Menstrual cups: pros and cons.
Let’s break down the myths and common misconceptions about the menstrual cup—there are plenty! With full transparency, let’s talk periods, cups, cup cleaning, virginity, teenage years and vaginas. Today, Louloucup is taking stock for you of the facts about menstrual cups.
Myth #1: the menstrual cup is too small to collect your period
“The menstrual cup gets full too quickly.”
“My periods are super heavy, there’s no way I can keep a menstrual cup in for several hours without worrying about leaks!”
The feeling of losing a huge amount of blood is really a misconception that many women have. A woman with a very heavy period may lose around 80 ml over the entire menstrual cycle. These 80 ml are spread over several days. A cup can hold 25 ml of blood. Over 4 hours of use on a day with intense flow, the cup will be at most half full.
We obviously remind you that the amount of blood varies from one woman to another, but also from one cycle to the next. In addition, some women naturally have heavier periods than others. In all cases, the menstrual cup holds all menstrual flows effectively and without issue, even the heaviest and most intense.
Myth no. 2: menstrual cups can’t be used by virgins
Internal sanitary protection and virginity is a topic that often comes up. Because it’s inserted at the entrance of the vagina (it’s intravaginal), the menstrual cup is often said not to be suitable for girls who are still virgins. That’s false.
The famous hymen is itself the target of many myths and misconceptions. It’s not really an impenetrable membrane that “breaks” during the first sexual intercourse, but rather a fold of tissue with one or more openings. And yes, every woman’s hymen is different. You can think of it more like an elastic donut. A menstrual cup can therefore absolutely be used by virgin girls. It’s more a matter of personal ease and comfort, and that’s unique to each person.
Myth #3: the menstrual cup is more dangerous than other protection
False! A period cup is no more dangerous than a tampon or any other menstrual product.
You do, however, need to follow the instructions for use: wash your hands, sterilize your cup before insertion, and don’t keep it in for more than six hours. An instruction manual is always provided—read it carefully and don’t hesitate to go back to it regularly. You can also read the Louloucup Menstrual Cup User Guide.
So the menstrual cup, which is an internal menstrual product, is no more likely to cause toxic shock syndrome than a tampon.
For more information on this topic, you can read our articles:
- Menstrual cup risks
- Menstrual cup and toxic shock syndrome: what is the real risk?
- What should you know about toxic shock syndrome?
Myth no. 4: menstrual cups are not suitable for teens
Again, this is a complete myth. On the contrary, a cup can be particularly practical in a teenager’s life. The menstrual cup is a **hygienic protection** that’s completely **invisible**, which is especially reassuring for teens. A period cup is also really handy for swimming or sports.
However, using a cup does require a bit of ease with your body and your intimate area. You also need to know your period and how heavy it is.
And most importantly: brands offer smaller, softer models for easier insertion. Some menstrual cups are perfectly suited to younger users’ anatomy.
To learn more:
Menstrual cups vs tampons: making the right choice for your health and the environment as a teen
Myth no. 5: the suction effect—can the menstrual cup suck everything up?
Once properly in place, the menstrual cup unfolds against the well-toned walls of the vagina. The cup then stays put without risk of leaks. It keeps its rounded shape thanks to the air inside. Tiny, almost invisible holes allow the air to escape gradually as the cup fills.
It’s when you remove it that you need to break the seal by pinching the cup or sliding a finger along the side to cancel out the so-called “suction effect”. This expression has probably worried some users. Myths about suction, organ descent, or prolapse are circulating! But nothing could be further from the truth. As with any period product, you just need to follow the usage instructions carefully.
To go further:
Help, my menstrual cup is full. What do I do?
Choosing the right menstrual cup is important. We can only encourage you to do a comparison of the best menstrual cups.
On our side at Louloucup, we offer two menstrual cup models: a soft Turquoise cup and a classic Rose cup. Each of these two models comes in two sizes: small and medium.
You can create a discounted pack of cup + menstrual panties so you’re ready for your next period! With Louloucup, shipping is always free in France and Europe.
