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    Menstrual cups vs tampons: Which one is better?

    21 May 2016 11:00 AM | Posted by
    bh's Caitlin's picture
    bh's Caitlin
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    We’re all familiar with the trusty tampon – with most of us going through a pack of the absorbent material every month, to avoid any (embarrassing) leakages. But do you know as much about other sanitary products, like menstrual cups? A collector as opposed to an absorber, she claims to do the job better. So does she? Well, read on. 

    RELATED: Common thoughts women have during their period

    RELATED: 6 ways you’re making your period worse

    What is a menstrual cup?

    A menstrual cup is a reusable sanitary product, usually made of soft, medical-grade silicon. It is shaped like a bell and inserted into the vagina during menstruation to catch blood (instead of absorbing it like a tampon). 

    How does it work?

    Much like a tampon, a menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina and left to do its thing. But instead of changing it once it’s full, you empty, wash and reuse it. 

    What are the benefits?

    Think about how many tampons and sanitary pads you’ve thrown in the bin over the years. With proper care, the reusable menstrual cup should last for several years – making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. 

    A menstrual cup holds around 30mL of fluid (whereas a regular tampon usually holds between 6-9mL), so you don’t need to deal with it as often as you do a tampon. This is great for girls who forget to change their tampon as much as they should, and consequently end up with spotting. 

    FYI, leaving a tampon in longer than recommended can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), so you should always be wary of this. But what about menstrual cups? Dr Alex Polyakov, Clinical Director of Melbourne IVF at The Royal Women’s Hospital notes, “It is proposed that since cups just collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it, the risk of TSS is lessened but there are no large studies to demonstrate this reduced risk.” 

    It’s better to be safe than sorry, ladies. Dr Polyakov continues, “The usual recommendation is for menstrual cups to be removed and emptied every six to 12 hours, depending on the brand and the volume of menstrual flow.” So please, ensure you’re changing them every day! If (like me) you often forget the important things, pop a reminder in your phone. 

    Finally, menstrual cups are odourless, hygienic, free of any nasties and when applied correctly, sit comfortably up your hoo-ha. 

    Our verdict

    As I’m sure you’re all aware, tampons are a quick, easy and effective way to deal with your period. You pop them in, pull them out and throw them away.

    Menstrual cups however take a little more work to insert, remove and reuse. You must remove the cup gently and with care to avoid any spillages. You also have to clean it thoroughly before reinsertion – warm water and a mild soap does the trick. And unlike tampons, you have to come in direct contact with blood (which is not everybody’s cup of tea!)

    However, if you’re looking for an option that’s kind to both the environment and your bank account – why not give a menstrual cup a go?

    Where can I get one?

    The Juju Menstrual Cup ($55) is a great start. Alternatively, the Lunette Menstrual Cup ($59.95) comes in a range of colours (including my personal favourite, pink) to suit all tastes.

    Have you ever used a menstrual cup before? If not, would you?

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    Scarlett_Angel 16 May 2020 12:58 AM

    No way, ever! Tampons are the most hygienic. They just suck everything up, it's pulled out, and flushed down the toilet. I can't imagine using one of these things with long nails, and washing it out in the sink. What if you're in a public bathroom? At least with tampons I can guage when to change it by pulling on the string, how would you even know if that thing is full? Yuck. Just no.

    Susmat 25 Apr 2020 4:37 PM

    Don't like the sound of a menstrual cup; period undies would be more for me

    josella432 6 Aug 2017 4:14 PM

    I would be concerned about spilling it.

    onlyoni 4 Aug 2017 7:33 PM

    I'm thankful those days are over. But, would I have used a menstrual cup? I suppose it would just be a matter of getting used to it.

    Simonja 4 Aug 2017 6:19 PM

    Wash and reuse? Is that hygienic? Not sure whether I would want to try this.

    Elunia 22 Apr 2020 10:35 PM

    I am proactively concerned about keeping the cup and it's carrier bag clean at all times and if I do need to put it down it is onto a piece of fresh toilet paper.

    I wash my hands before and after touching the cup.

    When I clean it out I wash it properly under warm water and I use a non scented liquid soap. Lastly, I sterilise it between each period.

    I would never empty it out in a public bathroom.

    jodieleigh 15 Jun 2017 11:47 AM

    I'd love to try a cup, but it's hard to scrape $50 together!

    BeautifulJusty 4 Jun 2017 12:28 PM

    I use pads - the Hannahpad is luxe

    Yohanna 8 Mar 2017 5:52 PM

    I got my Lunette straight from the store (yoga bookshop/paraphenelia stuff) for 50 bucks. Hope it lasts =D

    Yohanna 8 Mar 2017 5:47 PM

    I am using Lunette cup right now! Life changing stuff! Why why why noone told me about this before! My precious!

    Roxyprincess 16 Dec 2016 5:39 PM

    Love my moon cup! It is like my period isn't eveb happening (except for the cramps) and i empty it out when I shower (twice a day).

    maggieball 15 Dec 2016 10:11 PM

    I’ve come to love my cup (I use the JuJu cup - mainly because it’s australian made). It takes some getting used to (pretty thick edges), and mine still leaks just a little on heavy days, so best to use with period pants. That said, it’s actually very convenient - I’ve taken it travelling with me and to work and it’s great. So nice not to have to fill the bin with smelly pads and buy them each month.

    Oonga 7 Dec 2016 10:31 AM

    I think i am ready to give them a go finally! I am off to re read the menstrual cup thread!

    ThisIsMe 11 Nov 2016 1:18 PM

    I hate getting my period and am definitely a tampon girl as can't stand pads but the idea of having to remove the cup and make a mess makes me cringe.

    The cost seems expensive but when you weigh how long it will last doesn't seem that much over such a long period, just don't know if I could try it and spend that much then not use it? I suppose if I got a sample I would definitely try!

    beauty_beauty 6 Nov 2016 10:22 PM

    I've never used the cup. Too scared I guess. But probably will end up someday

    Jackjackjackie 31 Oct 2016 1:04 PM

    I'm really thinking of switching to this, I currently have the iplanon in and so far I haven't had to deal with periods which'll make the next three years a lot cheaper!

    Lois389 18 Aug 2016 2:18 PM

    I bought a Juju cup, I've been using it for about a year now with no issues. Honestly wish I'd tried it sooner but the ick factor always won out. I had quite a few friends swap to cups and they were raving about them. You end up saving money, no leaks, comfortable to sleep in and not to mention the environmental impact.

    juju now offers a starter pack with includes some modibodi underwear and some other products which looks good http://www.juju.com.au/eco-period-pack/

    Petal 19 Jul 2016 11:55 AM

    If I still had periods (I'm 53), I would use a menstrual cup. My only concern with a cup would be if I could insert it properly as I wasn't great with inserting tampons (I preferred pads).

    PrincessMadeleine 18 Jul 2016 2:27 PM

    I was originally grossed out by this idea, but the more and more I learn about the benefits I am so intrigued! I think I will definitely be making the change! :D

    Christee330 14 Jul 2016 10:01 PM

    I'll just stick to trusty old pads; probably the safest and easiest in my opinion

    clrssesml 9 Jul 2016 6:57 PM

    After extensive reading of reviews, I just ordered a Ruby Cup with a sterilizer so I can just stick it in the microwave once my period's over. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm already looking forward to my next period just so I could try it out!

    Shop A Everyday 19 Jun 2016 12:07 AM

    I personally think tampons and pads overall if changed regularly are more hygenic

    robyn smithwick 14 Jun 2016 2:19 PM

    I don't think alcohol wipes are such a good idea. They could sting a bit when the cup was reinserted especially if you were prone to very sensitive tissue in that area.

    robyn smithwick 14 Jun 2016 2:11 PM

    This sounds a great idea. Fortunately my days of dysmennoreah are well and truly over! This concept would be well suited for stay at home mums but it could pose a bit of a problem at work. How would you do this cup thing if you were working as a nurse in a busy hospital or in an office?

    gorjus 14 Jun 2016 10:30 AM

    I've used a Diva Cup for over a decade because I was on blood thinners. Didn't take long to get used to it, is easy to clean and sterilise, and it's better for the environment than conventional tampons and pads. I recommend you try cups and you may prefer them too!

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