The first thing that came to my mind when I came to know about menstrual cups some years ago was how safe they are? or is it really safe to use a menstrual cup, is it hygienic?
The menstrual cycle differs for each woman, and the intensity of flow and pain, cramps are too different from one woman to another. But if there is one thing that has made those five days clean and stress-free for me, it is the menstrual cup!
It is perhaps the best thing that happened to my periods in these past many years, not only is it convenient and clean but also a sustainable alternative to pads and tampons.
There are good quality pads available but they are not eco-friendly. Menstrual cups to me have meant freedom, it makes me feel like I’m not on my periods.
In this article, I have answered some questions that I am frequently asked about menstrual cups, I have also listed some popular, reliable menstrual cup brands that you can choose from.
What are the various brands available for Menstrual Cups?
There are several brands available in India now, to name a few- Peesafe, Sirona, Boondh, Rustic Art, Stonesoup, and SheCup, to name a few.
Best Menstrual Cups in India
| Best Menstrual Cups | Price range | Click Here to Check |
| Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup (Large Size) | 300-500 | Check Here |
| Carmesi Reusable Menstrual Cup (Soft Cup) | 200-400 | Check Here |
| Stonesoup (Stemless) | 500-700 | Check Here |
Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup (Best Menstrual Cup for Beginners)
Sirona cups are available in all sizes. Small size cups are perfect for beginners or teens, sexually inactive, or women who have not given birth yet. This is one of the best-selling cups in India.
Gaaia Menstrual Cup – Sensitive | Designed For Teens & Petite Women
Gaaia cups are available in 3 sizes. Extra Small is for teenagers and women with petit bodies. Small is for those 25-35 years of age, with usual to heavy flow and may or may not have given birth. You can choose any as per your need.
Top Menstrual Cup Brands in India
There are many good brands available for menstrual cups now. Some years ago, when I started using menstrual cups there were only a few brands selling menstrual cups and they were even exorbitantly priced then, now the prices have gone down and you have many options to choose from.
Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup Best Selling Menstrual Cup
Sirona cups are available in all e sizes. Small size is perfect for first-time users, teenagers, those not sexually active or for those who haven’t given birth. Medium size is for women in the 25-35 years of age- group, with usual to heavy flow, and those who have given birth. Large size is for those 35 years of age and above, with heavier than usual flow and have given birth.
The flexible rim of the menstrual cup creates a vacuum, it seals and ensures there are no leakages or spills even as you indulge in strenuous physical sports or other activities.
Carmesi Reusable Menstrual Cup Softest Menstrual Cup in India
This is perhaps, one of the softest cups in India. It is made of ultra-soft silicone, this cup is so gentle and flexible that you’ll hardly notice your period. This is free of any dyes, perfumes, & toxic chemicals.
PEESAFE Menstrual Reusable Cups
One of the most popular menstrual cups available in India. PeeSafe menstrual cups are available in extra small size too, most brands have standard (one size fit all) or S, M & large. But PeeSafe comes in Extra Small too.
i-activ Menstrual Cup
This is made of 100% Medical Grade Liquid Silicon, the cup is soft and flexible. It is reusable upto 10 years, making your period expense almost negligible. Also this is one of the cheapest cups available in the market
everteen® Menstrual Cup
This is a large (30ml) cup size. good quality and can easily last 10 years. Has very good reviews on amazon. Reviews of menstrual cup
Other Accessories You may Need With Your Menstrual Cup
Although you don’t really need anything with a menstrual cup, most cups come with a jute or cloth pouch. You may want to invest in a Menstrual cup sterilizer
There are also eco-friendly disposable pads and reusable cloth pads that you can explore.
Menstrual Cup Sterilising Container
What materials are Menstrual cups made up of?
Menstrual cups are made up of Medical grade silicone, some could be made of latex or a thermoplastic isomer.
Is Inserting a cup easy?
It totally depends on the user, initially, it is not easy for anyone, and it takes a few days to a few period cycles to get used to it. Although, some do get it right the very first time!
How to Insert a Menstrual Cup for Beginners
There are many ways to insert a cup, The most popular ways to do it are- the C fold & Punch Down method.
- Clean/disinfect the cup
Make sure the cup is clean and disinfected, this is to be done at the beginning of every new menstrual cycle. Wash your hands with soap. For disinfecting use boiling water or a menstrual cup sterilizer - Fold the cup:
You need to fold the menstrual cup so that it can be inserted with ease. There are different ways to do it- - C-fold/Half fold or U-fold- Fold the rim of your menstrual cup in half, so that it forms a tight C or U shape. Push down fold or Tip fold/ tulip fold- Push one side of the rim down inside the cup, forming a narrow point, that looks like a tulip.
- Inserting the cup- You need to find a comfortable position, you can do it sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing. Once you locate your vaginal opening, slowly insert your menstrual cup inside, towards your tailbone. Once the cup is deep inside let it pop open.
Best Menstrual Cup for Beginners
Every brand will have several options to choose from. To begin with, you can choose a semi-soft cup for yourself. For women who are not sexually active or have not had any vaginal delivery may go for smaller and firmer cups.
Do Menstrual Cups Hurt?
In the beginning, you may find it uncomfortable, but it doesn’t hurt.
Do Menstrual cups have any Risks?
No, not at all. The blood remains inside the body, so there is no chance of contamination, unlike pads.
How often does one need to empty the menstrual cup?
It totally depends on your menstrual flow. However, it is advised that one must empty the cup every 8 hours or less.
Does Menstrual Cup leak?
If the cup is inserted well, it will not leak. you may find the below video useful.
How do I clean the cup?
Cleaning is very simple, during your menstrual cycle you can just wash each time you empty the cup, once the cycle is over you should sterilize the cup. Keep it in a dry place. It is also advised to sterilize it before and after your monthly cycle.
Do remember that cleaning and washing under running water whenever emptying the cup is important.
Are Menstrual Cups eco-friendly?
The average user throws away approximately 125 to 150kg of tampons, and pads in their lifetime. The menstrual cups made up of silicone are eco-friendly because they easily last 2-7 years. Imagine the number of pads one usually would add up to the land-fill in 7 years!
Hence, when we compare cups to disposable sanitary pads or tampons, these are much more sustainable. In fact, silicone is even a greener substitute to plastic as it comes from silica that over a few years goes back to its natural form.
Pros and cons of menstrual cup
I have been using a cup for the past 4 years and there is no looking back. The pros outweigh the cons, but listing all for you to decide.
Pros of Menstrual cups
- Is the most sustainable option.
- Pocket friendly too.
- Can make you feel free
- There is no odor as the blood is not exposed to air.
Cons of Menstrual cups
- Insertion takes time and there is an initial learning period
- Cleaning your cup may seem to be time consuming
Can a 12-year-old use a menstrual cup?
Menstrual cups are safe for anyone and everyone who menstruates. A menstrual cup can provide 8-12 hours of safe, hassle-free, leakproof protection. Hence, these are perfect for highly active school-going girls.
You can check this cup for a 12-year-old- The best menstrual cup for teenage girls.
Which is the softest menstrual cup in India?
Most brands will have soft and firm cups. The choice of firmness/softness will depend on the vaginal muscles. loose muscles will need a firmer cup. As a beginner, you may want to try softer cups. Firmer cups are easier to open up as compared to softer cups.
✅ This is the Softest Menstrual Cup in India- Click Here
This is the softest cup available. It is made of ultra-soft silicone, this cup is so gentle and flexible that you’ll hardly notice your period. This is free of any dyes, perfumes, & toxic chemicals.
How do I know what size menstrual cups to buy in India?
If you are a teenager, not sexually active, you may go for a small size( diameter). For women who are sexually active or have given vaginal births, you can go for bigger diameters.
Why does age affect menstrual cup size?
This is because as we age our pelvic floor muscles begin to lose their elasticity and the hips widen, hence a bigger cup is advised for women over 30.
Hope you found this article helpful. Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions.
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