Is it Safe for Your Teen to Wear a Menstrual Cup?

When your teen first gets their period, you want to make sure they are empowered with good information and support, so that they can navigate with new chapter in their lives safely and hygienically. One area they may need support with is selecting a period product they feel comfortable using and that works for their lifestyle.

These days, there are more options than ever for menstrual products, including many different sized pads, and tampons with different types of applicators. There are also menstrual cups, which are devices that are inserted into the vagina to collect period blood. Menstrual cups have risen in popularity over the past few years, probably because they create less disposable waste than traditional period products.

If your teen expresses interest is using a menstrual cups, you may be wondering if these products are okay for teens to use. Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know about menstrual cups and teens.

What Is a Menstrual Cup and How Does It Work?

 Menstrual cups are similar in design to diaphragms and cervical cups (which are both birth control methods). They are small cups made of material like silicone, latex, or rubber. They have a flexible rim and some menstrual cups have a stem at the bottom to make them easier to remove.

To insert a menstrual cup, you fold it up, and then gently push it up toward the back of your vaginal canal. Once its been inserted, it expands inside the canal.

Menstrual fluid is collected inside the cup, which can typically hold about 10 to 28 mL of liquid at a time. Depending on your flow, menstrual cups can be left inside for 12 hours; tampons should never be left unchanged for more than 8 hours.

After being emptied, menstrual cups need to be washed and sanitized between uses, according to manufacturer’s instructions.

How Is a Menstrual Cup Different From a Pad Or a Tampon?

 Most people who have a period are familiar with a pad or tampon. So how does a menstrual cup compare to more commonly used period products?

 First of all, “unlike pads or tampons, menstrual cups are typically reusable,” says Anne Smith, MD, a Yale Medicine OB-GYN who specializes in adolescents and is an assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine.

Additionally, she explains, as opposed to pads or tampons, “menstrual cups collect blood, but do not absorb it.” After using a menstrual cup, the user disposes of the menstrual blood in the toilet and clean the cup.

In addition, says Jillian LoPiano, MD, OB-GYN and chief health officer at Wisp, menstrual cups can have a steeper learning curve than pads, or even tampons.

“Insertion and removal can be tricky, especially for beginners,” she says. In particular, they might be messier to remove than a pad or tampon when you’re first learning how to use it.

When Can Teens Safely Use Menstrual Cups?

 Because many of us are less familiar with menstrual cups—and because they are a little harder to use than products like pads—many parents wonder if teens can safely use menstrual cups.

In fact, sometimes parents or teens are concerned about using period products that must be inserted inside their body—like tampons or menstrual cups—before they’ve been sexually active, says Dr. Smith. “It is absolutely safe to use tampons or menstrual cups even in those who have never been sexually active,” she assures.

And if while people think they might have to start out with a pad before moving on a different products, Suzanne Bovone, MD, board-certified OB-GYN at Pediatrix Medical Group in San Jose, CA says that “teens can safely use menstrual cups from their first period if they want.”

Benefits to Using a Menstrual Cup

One major benefit to using a menstrual cup that its simply more convenient than other period products.

“Menstrual cups can often stay in place longer than tampons, generally only needing replacement and cleaning every 8 to 12 hours,” Dr. Smith says. Menstrual cups also hold more blood than other period products. “This may be a huge benefit for teens with heavier periods, allowing them to change their product less frequently and participate in school or sports without as much worry about leaks,” says Dr. Smith.

Many teens find menstrual cups more comfortable than other period products, says Dr. Bovone. “Many report less cramping as well as less odor,” she shares. But that’s not all. Other benefits of menstrual cups for teens include:

• Cost-effectiveness, as you only have to purchase the menstrual cup once and it can last for several years
• Eco-friendly because it produces less plastic packaging, like wrappers and boxes that need to be purchased repeatedly
• When used correctly, can offer more leak protection and needs to be replaced less frequently
• Some users report higher levels of comfort than other products
• Doesn’t disrupt your pH balance or lead to vaginal irritation or dryness

Potential Risks or Concerns

 While menstrual cups are largely safe, there are a couple of safety concerns to keep in mind, according to Dr. Bovone. Here’s what to know:

• Similar to tampons, if left in too long, there’s the risk of toxic shock syndrome, so make sure to remove the cup after 12 hours at most, or if the cup is full with blood.
• Keeping the cup clean is important for reducing your risk of infection, so clean the cup after each use, and sterilize the cup after your menstrual cycle.
• Make sure that the cup is inserted properly and that it feels comfortable; if it’s not inserted properly, it can put pressure on your urethra and lead to urinary discomfort.
• As with any medical device, you may be allergic to the material of the cup, such as latex or silicone, so be sure to pick period products to which you have no allergies. If you do notice redness, swelling or irritation, stop using the product and discuss with your healthcare provider.

Tips for Teens Just Starting Out

As with a tampon, the feeling of a menstrual cup can take time to get used to, and you can assure your teen that this is normal. “There is a learning curve when starting use of menstrual cups,” says Dr. Smith. “It may take a bit longer than with tampons for teens to become comfortable with use.”

Menstrual cups typically come with detailed instructions and there are also online resources your teen can take advantage of as they are learning how to use this new product.

“Using online resources and manufactures guidelines to show your teen proper use not only makes them safe and easier to use, but creates a culture of body awareness and literacy that are critical to teen health,” Dr. LoPiano notes.

As Dr. Smith explains, menstrual cups come in several different sizes and each brand is a little different in terms of shape and other features.

“Consider starting with a small size to begin with and increasing if needed for heavier flows,” she recommends. Your teen may also want to try different shapes and brands to find one that feels easiest to insert and most comfortable to use.

If you are trying the cup when your menstrual flow is light or practicing when not menstruating, a little lube can go a long way. “You may need some water or water-based lubricant to ease insertion if menstrual flow is very light so as not to cause irritation to the vaginal walls,” Dr. Bovone suggests.

Finally, if your teen continues to have trouble with their cup, they should absolutely reach out to a gynecologist for help, or experiment with other period products that might be better suited.