FAQ

A menstrual cup is a reusable tampon alternative that collects blood rather than absorbing it. Menstrual cups are most often made from medical grade silicone but can also be made from TPE. They hold more than tampons, are non-porous, body safe, and are usually a more comfortable experience. A cup is folded and inserted into the vagina where it opens, creates a seal, and remains in place under the cervix.

Menstrual cup comfort and efficacy rely on having a perfect seal (to prevent leaks) and must fit inside the body. Because each person’s body and flow are different there have to be dozens of sizes and styles of cup options. Finding the right cup is very important and our quiz can help match you to your perfect menstrual cup.

Most brands will provide general guidelines to help you pick your size. Generally, under 30 and haven’t had a full-term pregnancy means a size small. Over 30 and/or have had a full-term pregnancy and you are a size large. There are many more factors to consider such as your pelvic floor muscles (do you exercise?) and your flow. Take The Period Nirvana Quiz for more guidance.

Yes! Cups are as safe as tampons, if not safer. Unlike tampons, menstrual cups leave no microabrasions on the skin and they don’t absorb your body’s natural moisture.

Cups are not immune to being a risk for TSS and each user needs to follow the wear and cleaning instructions for their menstrual cup. TSS from cups is extremely rare compared to tampons, with only two known cases to have occurred with cups users, both of whom left their cups in well beyond the suggested wear time.

You can leave your menstrual cup in for up to twelve hours. If you have a heavier period you may need to change sooner. Do not leave your cup in for over twelve hours as they’re not tested or approved for use longer than this timeframe.

Cups and IUD’s are compatible but caution should be used. When removing your menstrual cup always be sure to break the seal and ensure you aren’t grabbing your IUD strings. Check your IUD strings regularly. If you believe you have dislodged your IUD or feel your strings are not in their proper place consult a care provider right away.

There is no age restriction on using a menstrual cup. If you feel comfortable with a cup and have a period you can use a cup. Period.Shop carries petite starter cups that are perfect for young and first time users..

Yes – intercourse is not a prerequisite to using a cup and a hymen is only a cultural symbol of virginity. Hymens can stretch and come in various styles, how your body and hymen (if present in full or in part) works with a cup is unknown until you try. It’s best to take it easy and if you experience pain, discontinue inserting and try again later. Read more here.

Maybe at first, but usually not. Because you remove your cup while it’s upright it’s usually mess-free after practice. When you’re new to a cup it’s best to remove it in the shower. Cups are far less messy than most imagine them to be. Get more tips on how to properly remove your menstrual cup here.

A high quality menstrual cup, such as those sold on Period.Shop, should last up to ten years! Store your menstrual cup in a breathable pouch. If your cup shows any signs of chalkiness, stickiness, crackling, or tearing discontinue use and replace. Some brands suggest replacing yearly but unless your cup shows signs of breaking down this is not necessary.

Yes you can use a menstrual cup if you have a tilted cervix. The cup sits below the cervix so the angle of the tilt shouldn’t interfere.

A menstrual disc is a circular, bowl shaped product that catches menstrual blood rather than absorbing it. It’s folded and inserted longways into the vagina and sits below the cervix and against the pubic bone to keep it in place. Discs are made from medical grade silicone.

Reusable menstrual discs are relatively new to the market so only a few brands have a model available. Discs are also generally “one size fits all” unlike menstrual cups.

Yes! Discs are as safe as tampons, if not safer. Unlike tampons, menstrual discs leave no microabrasions on the skin and they don’t absorb your body’s natural moisture.

Discs are not immune to being a risk for TSS and each user needs to follow the wear and cleaning instructions for their menstrual disc. TSS from discs is extremely rare compared to tampons.

You can leave your menstrual disc in for up to twelve hours. If you have a heavier period you may need to change sooner. Do not leave your disc in for over twelve hours as they’re not tested or approved for use longer than this timeframe.

Discs and IUD’s are compatible but caution should be used. When removing your menstrual disc always be sure you aren’t grabbing your IUD strings. Check your IUD strings regularly. If you believe you have dislodged your IUD or feel your strings are not in their proper place consult a care provider right away.

There is no age restriction on using a menstrual cup. If you feel comfortable with a disc and have a period you can use a cup. Period.Shop carries the Lumma line of discs which includes a small and medium sized option better for a first time user.

Yes – intercourse is not a prerequisite to using a disc and a hymen is only a cultural symbol of virginity. Hymens can stretch and come in various styles, how your body and hymen (if present in full or in part) works with a disc is unknown until you try. It’s best to take it easy and if you experience pain, discontinue inserting and try again later.

A bit, yes. Removing a menstrual disc may bring you into contact with your blood as it leaves your body. It’s best to remove your disc while over a toilet or in the shower. With practice the disc can be removed with less or no mess at all but at first it can be a messier experience than cups. When you’re new to a disc it’s best to try removing it in the shower for the first time.

A high quality menstrual discs, such as those sold in Period.Shop, should last up to ten years! Store your menstrual disc in a breathable pouch. If your disc shows any signs of chalkiness, stickiness, crackling, or tearing discontinue use and replace. Some brands suggest replacing yearly but unless your disc shows signs of breaking down this is not necessary.

Period Nirvana® is your go-to resource for all things reusable menstrual cup and disc info. Created by Kim Rosas, an expert on menstrual cups and recent disc convert, you will find videos, reviews, and articles to help you reach period nirvana.