Yes, You Can Wear a Menstrual Cup – Even With a Pelvic Floor Condition

Now that summer has finally arrived, that means it’s also swimsuit season!

And that means maxi pads aren’t going to cut it on beach or pool days. Sure, you can go with the tried-and-true tampon, but you might also be contemplating a more cost-effective and eco-friendly way to deal with your period while enjoying some fun in the sun. 

Enter menstrual cups. 

What are menstrual cups, you may ask? They’re a flexible cup made of either medical-grade silicone, natural rubber, latex, or a plastic-like material called thermoplastic elastomers. The product is inserted into the vagina – like a tampon – where it creates a seal in your vaginal canal, preventing the cup from moving around and leaking. The cup, once properly inserted, catches and collects menstrual blood for up to 12 hours.

If you’re worried you can’t wear menstrual cups because you’re currently dealing with a pelvic condition like prolapse or vaginismus, not to worry – we’ve got you covered. 

What are the benefits of menstrual cups vs. tampons?

1. They can save you money!

People spend, on average, between $50-$150 a year on tampons and pads. But a menstrual cup costs between $20-$40, and they can last anywhere from six months to 10 years. Keep in mind that this all depends on brand choice and how often you need to replace your cup. 

2. They can help protect the environment

Switching to something more sustainable makes good sense for the planet’s sake, especially considering tampons and pads are made of over 90% plastic. In Europe and the United States, over 80% of menstrual products end up in landfills, where disposable pads may take 500–800 years to break down.

3. They’re more comfortable 

Women have reported increased comfort, less interference with daily activities (sports, swimming, fewer trips to the bathroom, etc.), less irritation, and decreased odor with menstrual cups compared to tampons. 

Who can use a period cup?

Anyone who menstruates can use a menstrual cup – even if you are experiencing pelvic floor conditions, are currently postpartum, or have an intrauterine device (IUD). But this statement comes with a caveat: Everybody – and we do mean every body – is different. What works for one person may not work for you, so speak with either your healthcare provider or a pelvic floor specialist for menstrual cup guidance. 

Can I use a menstrual cup if I have a pelvic organ prolapse? 

Since prolapse varies by case, it’s important to consult with a pelvic floor therapist to determine if a menstrual cup is the right option. Especially because prolapse can be worse during your period.

While menstrual cups shouldn’t risk a worsening of your prolapse – and don’t cause prolapse in the first place – make sure you break the seal when removing the cup (don’t just pull on the stem at the bottom) to avoid disturbing organ positions. 

Another option is menstrual discs: They’re similar to menstrual cups; they can be used for up to 12 hours and collect more blood than a tampon. For people with pelvic organ prolapse, menstrual discs might be preferable because they can be folded into a smaller size for insertion, and they don’t have a stem: Menstrual cups with a stem sometimes poke outside of the vagina if you have prolapse issues.

What about vaginismus?

If you have pain with vaginal penetration, you may want to try a menstrual cup with a small circumference (Origin has a list of options here). In addition to consulting with a pelvic floor therapist, we recommend being gentle with yourself. Try practicing insertion when you don’t have your period, and use a silicone-safe lubricant for smoother entry. 

Is it safe to use a menstrual cup postpartum?

Speak to your healthcare provider about when you can resume using a menstrual cup (whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section). Usually this is around eight weeks postpartum, but remember that your body needs time to heal first. 

You also may want to reassess the fit and feel of your current cup. Some postpartum women won’t feel the need to change their cup at all, while others may want to up their size. But remember that this could be due to a number of factors, including postpartum vaginal sensitivity or a weakened pelvic floor. When in doubt, consider booking an assessment with a pelvic floor therapist.

I have an IUD. How would this even work?

Contrary to popular belief, you can absolutely use a menstrual cup with an IUD. Just don’t pull on the IUD strings when removing the cup as that could shift the IUD from its correct position. 

How to use a menstrual cup

Find the right fit

Generally speaking, people under 30 years old who have not given birth vaginally are advised to use smaller cups. Larger cups are usually recommended for people over 30 years old who have given birth vaginally. Of course, these criteria won’t be the same for everyone, so you may have to try a few different brands and sizes until you find the right fit. 

How to insert a menstrual cup

1. With clean hands, wet the rim of the cup with water or lube. 
2. Fold the menstrual cup in half. Now, here’s where the practice comes in, as you may need to try a couple of different techniques before determining your preferred fold. The two most common folds are the “C fold” and the “Punchdown fold”:
   
   1. C Fold: Fold the cup in half horizontally by pushing the rim of the cup together, then squeeze the two sides together, creating a “C” shape
   2. Punchbowl fold: Place your finger on the rim of the cup and punch it down to the base, then pinch the two sides of the cup with your thumb and index finger and insert into the vagina.  
3. Next, find a position that’s comfortable for you (sitting on the toilet, standing with one leg propped up on the toilet, etc.). As long as your pelvic floor muscles are relaxed.
4. Insert the cup into your vagina with the rim of the cup facing upward.
5. Release the cup once fully inserted.

How to remove a menstrual cup

1. In the same comfortable (read: relaxed pelvic floor) position, insert your (clean!) index finger and thumb into your vaginal canal.
2. Pinch the cylinder at the base of the cup. This will fold the cup in half again, allowing you to break the seal. Important: If you pull on the bottom stem without first breaking the seal, the suction will also pull on the cervix, making the cervix shift downward. While it would require a significant amount of force to cause prolapse, better safe than sorry.
3. Empty the menstrual blood collected in the cup into the toilet. 

How to clean a menstrual cup 

Your menstrual cup should come with cleaning directions in the instruction manual. Otherwise, we recommend washing your cup with water and mild soap after every use. 

Ugh! Why is my menstrual cup leaking?

One of the most annoying problems with period cups are those pesky leaks. 

While leaks can be traced back to improper usage (incorrect insertion, folds, or fit), in many cases, weak pelvic floor muscles can be the culprit as well. Since menstrual cups depend on strong vaginal walls to hold them in place, it might be time for some pelvic floor therapy.  

Give yourself grace

The anxiety you may feel over inserting a menstrual cup isn’t all in your head. These are very real emotions that should be acknowledged, not dismissed.  

Try experimenting with different folds and positions first – and above all, make sure you’re comfortable with your anatomy. 

You can even explore calming rituals – like breathing exercises –  to help you relax when inserting your menstrual cup. 

Above all, period cups are meant to empower your body, not cause you more pain. If you’re still experiencing discomfort or want help understanding how to insert your cup, book a visit with a pelvic floor PT at Origin.