A concern about menstrual flow in public is just one of the reasons period cups have become more popular. Many women find them to be a leak-free alternative to traditional disposable sanitary pads. Period cups are relatively inexpensive and also safe to use. In a recent scientific study of period cups, 70% of regular cup users reported continuing to use them. 

Period cups have become increasingly popular, thanks to the fact that a person can reuse them. They are also durable and can last for approximately 10 years. Those who are committed to reducing waste created by the plastic, non-recyclable, and non-biodegradable materials present in disposable pads are choosing them over other menstrual hygiene products.

Never heard of the period cup before?

Period cups are bell-shaped cups made of medical-grade silicone. When you fold one and insert it into your vagina, it pops open and forms a seal against the walls of the vagina. Menstrual fluid is then trapped in the cup until you remove it for emptying and then reuse the cup again after the wash.

A brief history

Period cups have been around since at least the 1860s. They weren’t marketed until American actress and singer Leona Chalmers began promoting her patented catamenial receptor, now known as a menstrual cup, in the 1930s. Because of concerns about inserting them and the discomfort of the early rubber models, these cups weren’t widely used. Menstrual cups have recently become popular due to an improved design and soft silicone construction. 

Here are reasons to use period cups over sanitary pads

1. They don’t interfere with vaginal pH balance

Pads material contain toxic chemicals such as chlorine, rayon, bleach, and dioxin which can dry and disturb your vagina’s pH balance, leading to possible infections, thrush, or bacterial vaginosis. Unlike pads, period cups don’t dry the vagina. This preserves the healthy bacteria that protect you from vaginal infections. Period cups maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance.

2. One cup can last for years

Being hesitant towards trying something new for menstrual hygiene is completely understood. However, once you try them, you will have multiple reasons for continuing with them. Apart from being way cheaper than sanitary napkins, period cups are reusable and can last for years. Here’s another way to save some money from your monthly expenses!

3. Safe to use

Period cups that are made with 100% medical-grade soft silicone like the Liana period cup are safe to use, BPA-free and Latex-free.

4. They hold more liquid

Period cups can hold more liquid than pads. They are known to hold four times more liquid than sanitary napkins. They can be useful on days of heavy flow. 

5. Better sleep

With lesser chances of leakages, you can sleep worry-free when using period cups. It is probably the only way to prevent a sudden search for pads half asleep in the dark.

6. Gentle for the skin

Sanitary napkins can give you rashes as they can have artificial perfumes and fragrances which can result in skin allergies and irritation on the skin. Period cups are free from such drawbacks.

7. Environment friendly

The Women’s Environmental Network reports that each year more than 400 millions sanitary pads end up in landfills. On the other hand, reusable period cups are environmentally friendly. 

8. Do anything, wear anything

You can’t exercise, swim, play sports, do yoga or perform other activities using a pad. Also, you can’t wear your favorite dress during periods. But there are no such restrictions on using a period cup. As the period cup stays inside the body so you can wear any color you want. Perform any activity all day long 365 days a year. This is true freedom.

9. No odor

Menstrual fluid develops an odor when exposed to air. Cups eliminate this issue as they stay inside the body.

10. Discrete

Pads produce a hissing sound when walking while there is no such sound produced with the cup making it discrete to use. Also, most women report that they don’t even feel the cup when it’s in place.

cup vs pad