How long does your menstrual cup last?

The menstrual cup is the ideal solution during your period. This reusable, washable and long-lasting sanitary protection collects the blood in a very hygienic way instead of absorbing it like a tampon.

The cup looks like a small funnel, a sort of upside-down bell with a small stem to make removal easier. Unlike a tampon, the cup can be reused day after day, cycle after cycle. The menstrual cup is a cost-effective, economical and long-lasting solution. 



But how long does it actually last? What is the lifespan of a menstrual cup? What can affect its quality? After how long is it necessary/advisable to replace it? You’ll find all the answers in this new Louloucup article dedicated to the Loulou cup, the intimate feminine revolution for finally peaceful periods!

Before we go any further, you might like these blog posts:

• How do you use a menstrual cup?
• Cup sterilizer: 2 ways to sterilize your cup
• Menstrual cup sizing: how to choose?

What is a menstrual cup? 

The menstrual cup is an ecological, economical, and durable period protection. It's a small silicone cup. (pink or blue at Louloucup) which is positioned at the inside of the vagina and that collects the blood during your period. 

The absorbent thong guarantees zero dampness, zero odor. You stay dry all day long. It’s real comfort. A pleasant experience.

The period thong also handles brown discharge and other vaginal discharge very well when you’re on the pill or at the start of pregnancy.balance of the vaginal flora, it doesn’t dry it out, unlike tampons. It is also a internal protection completely invisible! No diaper effect, no lines under your clothes!

The cup adapts to all vaginal shapes, particularly thanks to their flexibility. Made from a soft material, it folds to be positioned inside the vagina. The cup is easy to use. There are 3 main folding methods : the C-fold, the seven-fold fold and tulip fold or punch-down fold. It’s up to you to choose the one that suits you best! Each Louloucup comes with an instruction guide to help you. 

Consult our super-comprehensive guide to menstrual cups.

If you feel a bit nervous the first time you insert it, you’ll quickly see that the cup is easy to use and really practical. Try Louloucup once and you’ll never look back!

The lifespan of a menstrual cup 

What about the lifespan of a menstrual cup? If intimate protection brands highlight durability and eco-friendliness, what’s the reality?

Because a cup does cost a certain amount, you want to be sure it’s an investment that pays off quickly.

No worries: a menstrual cup is without a doubt the most durable and economical period protection on the market. Why? Because its lifespan is estimated at between 5 and 10 years!

On average, a woman spends €5 to €7 on period products every cycle. Imagine you keep your menstrual cup for 8 years: if you choose the menstrual cup set at €59.90, you save around €20 in the first year and more than €500 over the next six years. We’re talking here about the pack of 2 Louloucups of your choice plus its sterilizer at €59.90 instead of €71.70. We recommend having two cups so you can alternate them and always have a clean, ready-to-use protection!

The 4 factors that affect the lifespan of a menstrual cup

Choosing the right menstrual cup size

To keep your menstrual cup as long as possible (5 to 10 years), choose the right cup size for your menstrual flow.

At Louloucup, we offer you two sizes:

• Size Small is used for light to normal flow and/or for people who have never given birth vaginally.
• The medium size is used for heavy flows and/or for people who have given birth vaginally. This means that if your flow is light but you have given birth vaginally, it’s best to choose the medium size.

Choosing your cup brand

Choose a brand with a strong ethos that promotes values such as made in France, transparent compositions and unretouched model photos.

Louloucup is a French brand that makes all its cups in France, using only certified medical-grade silicone. We also make a point of showcasing all our products on a wide variety of models. They’re all gorgeous, and there’s really no need to retouch the photos, don’t you think?

Composition of the menstrual cup

Since the menstrual cup is an internal hygiene protection, its composition must make no compromises. All Loulou cups are made of medical-grade silicone that meets the strictest standards. They contain no harmful substances for your body.

Caring for your period cup: washing, rinsing and sterilising

Finally, the last important factor that has a direct impact on lifespan of the menstrual cup, is how you care for it. Taking care of it at the start of each new cycle is important.

Each time you remove it, it’s best to rinse it with clear water and a mild soap (or intimate wash). You can flush out all period residues. At the beginning and/or end of your cycle, sterilization is recommended. Sterilizing your cup helps prevent the growth of potential bacteria. Find all our tips on how to properly sterilize your cup in our article: Cup sterilizer: 2 ways to sterilize your cup.

We also recommend storing your cup in its pouch once your period is over. Keep your menstrual cup away from light and dust, avoid harsh chemicals, and your cup will have a long, beautiful life!