Menstrual Cup.
We answer the most
common questions.

Menstruationstasse, Menstasse, Mondtasse

Menstruationstasse, Mondtasse, Menstasse

”

The menstrual cup; also called: Period cup or moon cup.
It does not absorb the period blood like a tampon, the blood runs into the cup. The flexible cup is inserted into the vagina like a tampon, where it opens and can collect up to 50 ml of fluid, depending on its size. Depending on the need, the menstrual cup is emptied after a few hours and rinsed briefly before it can be used again directly.
There are now many different shapes, sizes and materials (e.g. medical silicone, natural rubber, medical TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), etc.).

Along with cloth pads, period panties and Levantine menstrual sponge, it is considered one of the most environmentally friendly and healthy alternatives to pads and tampons.
Save your health, save your money, save our environment.

For whom is the menstrual cup suitable?

In general for everybody. Exceptions are listed and explained below.

For whom is the menstrual cup not suitable?

It is important to note that every woman may react differently to using a menstrual cup. If there is any inconvenience or discomfort, one should first take them out and consult a doctor if necessary.

Women having vaginal plastic surgery or reconstruction should refrain from using a menstrual cup as it can interfere with healing.
Women with vaginal infections or inflammation should also refrain from using a menstrual cup as it may increase the risk of aggravation.
Women with an allergy to silicone or latex should choose a cup made of a different material.

Why are menstrual cups healthier than tampons and sanitary napkins?

It's important to consider the pros and cons of different period products and to focus on personal needs.

They do not affect the natural flora of the vagina. The tampon absorbs not only the blood, but also the entire vaginal flora (composition of various essential bacteria). Tampons can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection.
You save a lot of waste and thus protect our environment. They are much cheaper because they can be used for several years.
They allow a longer blood collection time. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 8-12 hours at a time, while tampons often need to be changed every 3-5 hours.
They do not contain any chemicals or bleaching substances found in most tampons (excluding organic tampons).

What size do I need and which cup model is right for me?

Both the size and the model require individual advice in order to prevent possible pressure, pain or generally feeling the menstrual cup in the vagina.

There are different menstrual cups on the market and choosing the right cup depends on a number of factors.

Here are some things to consider:

The amount of blood: Some cups have a higher capacity than others. If you have a heavy menstrual period, you should opt for a cup with a larger capacity.
Your body shape: Some cups are better suited for women with a tight vagina, others for women with a larger vagina. There are different sizes and shapes of cups to meet different needs of women. (General statements such as "if you haven't been pregnant yet, you need a small cup because the vagina is still tight" is a fallacy. Because: There is nothing that does not exist. Every woman and every vagina is different.)
Your activities: If you exercise a lot or have an active lifestyle, you should choose a cup that is secure and comfortable (which always is!) and less likely to slip out of the vagina.
The material: Some cups are made of medical grade silicone and some are made of TPE or latex. There are women who are allergic to silicone, for example, and then need a menstrual cup made of a different material. Symptoms of an allergy can include itching, redness, swelling, or soreness in the vagina. If you suspect that you are allergic to the material in your menstrual cup, you should consult a doctor and stop using the cup.

How much blood can the menstrual cup hold?

The capacity of a menstrual cup varies by size and model. Most cups have a capacity of 20 to 30 ml. However, there are also cups with a higher capacity of up to 50 ml. For comparison: Tampons have an absorption capacity of 6 to 18 milliliters, depending on the absorbency (Normal to Super Plus Extra). .

It's important to note that capacity shouldn't be the only criterion when choosing a cup. It is also important to consider the size and shape of the cup in relation to body shape and activities.

It is also important to note that the cup should be changed regularly to ensure it is not overfilled and to ensure hygienic use.

How long can I leave the menstrual cup in the vagina?

Until it is full, but a maximum of 12 hours. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions. (In the beginning, you should check how much has gone into the menstrual cup to get a feel for when it's time to empty it.)

How do I insert the menstrual cup into the vagina?

The menstrual cup can be inserted in a number of ways, here are the general steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly and find a comfortable position to insert the cup. This can be standing, sitting or squatting.
Fold the cup in half, in a C-shape or in any other way (there are different folding shapes see here in the video explanation), whichever the cup requires.
Hold the cup by the base/stick and slowly insert it into the vagina (use lube/lubricant gel if necessary). It is important that the cup is fully inserted into the vagina so that the lower retrieval part (stick/ring or other variant) does not protrude from the vulva.
Once the cup is fully placed in the vagina, gently twist it with your fingers to ensure it opens properly and forms a tight seal.
After a few minutes, check that the cup is properly seated. Nothing should press or hurt, and the cup should never press against the cervix. If everything is fine, you can wear the cup/mug for up to 12 hours, depending on how strong your period is.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take your time the first time to make sure you're using the cup properly. Finding the right onboarding process can take some time and practice. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the cup before your period by inserting it and wearing it for a short time.

How do I get the menstrual cup out?

There are a few steps to removing the menstrual cup from your vagina:

Sit or kneel/crouch and relax your muscles.
Reach down and find the bottom rim of the cup with your finger.
Then press lightly on the edge with a finger to release the vacuum.
Carefully pull out the cup.
If the cup is difficult to pull out, try twisting it slightly to make it easier to remove.

It is important to rinse the cup thoroughly with clean water after each use. Use warm water for this (you can also clean them with a mild soap, but keep in mind that the chemical soap residues will come into contact with your vaginal flora afterwards.)

How do I clean the menstrual cup? What do I have to consider?

There are several ways to clean a menstrual cup:

After purchase: Before using for the first time, boil it in a cooking pot or scald it with boiling water (tip: place the cup in a whisk so that it cannot suck on the bottom of the saucepan and break.)
During the period: After emptying the cup, you clean it with clear water. It is important to ensure the cup is completely clean (including the small hole at the top of the cup) before replacing it.
At the end of the period: After the last emptying of the cup at the end of the period, it should be thoroughly scalded with boiling water to kill any bacteria and debris. It is also possible to sterilize the cup in a sterilizer or in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. (Tip: Put the cup in a whisk so that it doesn't suck on the bottom of the cooking pot and break.)
When Traveling: When traveling and don't have access to clean water, the cup can be cleaned with toilet paper and then placed in a clean can or bag until clean water is accessible again.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and ensure the cuphas been thoroughly cleaned before each use.

How do I store the menstrual cup until my next period?

After you have cleaned them as described in the last answer, let them dry in a dry place (not in the sun) and then store them eg. in a small cotton bag or box in a dry place.

The most common problems when using the menstrual cup and what can be the cause

Some of the most common problems with using a menstrual cup and their possible causes are:

Leaking: This can be caused by an improperly placed cup or not opening the cup in the vagina (tip: remove and reinsert. Using a different folding technique if necessary). However, it can also be that the cup is too small or too big for the body shape. Another cause may be that the cup was emptied too late. Some women wear the cup longer than recommended, which can cause leakage and discomfort.
Pain or discomfort: This can be caused by a cup that is placed too deep or a cup that is too big or too small for the body shape. It must never press or hurt anything!
Difficulty inserting or removing: This can be caused by lack of experience or uncertainty handling the cup, or a cup that is too big or too small for the body shape.
Allergic reactions: This can be caused by an intolerance to silicone or latex, the materials from which many cups are made.
Mold or fungus growth: This can be caused by insufficient cleaning or humid storage of the cup.
The cup is sticking out a little at the bottom: This can happen if the cup has not been pushed in far enough or it is too big for the body shape. (Caution: The cup must not be pressed against the cervix)
Can't get the cup out: The vacuum/seal was not released or could not be released because the small holes at the top rim are blocked by blood/water. Instructions see above "How do I get the menstrual cup out again?" or here in the video explanation.

It's important to note that every woman is different and there may be some adjustment time to finding the right technique and cup. If you're having trouble, seek advice from a professional or other women who have experience using menstrual cups.

When should I not use my menstrual cup?

During sex. It can cause pain.
If you have (suspected) vaginal infection, burning, itching or any other uncomfortable feeling in the vagina.
After pregnancy. In the first few weeks after giving birth, it is not possible to use a menstrual cup. First, all minor and major injuries caused by the birth must have healed. The pelvic floor muscles are also weak and must first be reduced/rebuilt.
In case of intolerance to medical silicone or latex or the materials of the menstrual cups

How long can I use the menstrual cup?
When should I throw them away?

If your menstrual cup is discolored, this has no effect on the collection of blood.

What can you do?

If there is discoloration on the menstrual cup, baking soda can be helpful for cleaning. Simply add a teaspoon of baking soda to boiling water and boil your cups in it, or soak overnight. Alternatively, you can mix the baking soda with a little water to form a paste. You apply this paste to the discoloration.

Does your menstrual cup have cracks or larger holes?

What can you do?

Then it's time to throw them in the trash or outside in a sheltered place

place to burn and buy a new one.

Can the hymen break from using a menstrual cup?

For example, there are religions in Islam where girls/women are only allowed to use tampons and menstrual cups after marriage and the first time sexual intercourse, because otherwise the hymen will break.

It is important to know:

The hymen is like a crunchy hair tie and stretches as soon as something is inserted into the vagina. It is not something that will/needs to be pierced. It can break even without anything inserted. It can remain intact with or without intercourse. It can remain intact with or without the use of a menstrual cup. (That's why the hymen doesn't say anything about whether or not you've had sex before!)

You still have a question that we have not answered?
Feel free to write us your question via the chat on the right side of the page.
The answer to your question can then also help other women further.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor if you have questions about a condition. Never hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

Menstrual Cup. We answer the most common questions.

”