Menstrual Cup

Menstrual Cup
Images for illustrative purposes only
Price Checker
£19.99
Free shipping on all orders over £50

Receive it:
Order within:

Enjoy cost-effective and eco-friendly period care with these reusable menstrual cups

What is a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups are reusable feminine hygiene products made of rubber or silicone. They were designed as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads.

What are menstrual cups used for?

They’re used to catch and collect period fluid. Cups typically hold more blood than other feminine hygiene methods, and can be safely worn for longer as well.

How do menstrual cups work?

Cups are made of soft, flexible materials such as rubber and silicone. When inserted into the vagina, the cup forms a suction seal to stop period fluid leaking out.

After six to 12 hours of use, or when full, the cup is removed, emptied, cleaned and reused - making it both cost-effective and better for the environment than disposable feminine hygiene products.

What is the difference between type A and B cups?

Type A cups are smaller. They have a diameter of 40mm, a length of 65mm and hold 25ml of fluid. Type B cups, on the other hand, have a diameter of 45mm, a length of 70mm and hold 30ml of fluid. Type B cups are recommended for women who have given birth vaginally; type A ones are typically more suitable for women who have not.

How do I use a menstrual cup?

Because menstrual cups come in different sizes, it’s recommended that women see their GP before trying to use one. Finding the right size depends on a number of different factors, including:

  • Age
  • Length of your cervix
  • How heavy your periods are
  • Firmness or flexibility of the cup
  • How much the cup can hold
  • Pelvic floor strength
  • Whether or not you’ve given birth vaginally

Once you have your cup, it’s important to remember that it may feel uncomfortable the first time you use it. In these cases, many women find it helpful to use a water-based lubricant to make the insertion smoother. Simply apply the lubricant to the rim before insertion.

When you’re ready to insert the cup, follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Apply the lubricant to the rim of the cup
  • Fold the cup in half tightly, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up
  • Insert the cup with the rim facing upwards into your vagina, sitting it a few inches below the cervix
  • Rotate the cup - this will cause it to spring open and create an airtight seal, which stops leaks

How do I remove a menstrual cup?

When it’s time to remove your cup, follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina
  • Pull the stem of the cup gently until you reach the base
  • Pinch the base - this will release the seal
  • Pull the cup down to remove it
  • Empty the contents into a sink or toilet

How do I clean a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups should be emptied twice a day and washed and wiped clean before they are reused.

To clean a menstrual cup properly, follow these steps:

  • Submerge the cup in boiling water for five to 10 minutes
  • Remove the cup and allow it to cool down
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap
  • Wash the cup with a pH-balanced and water-based soap
  • Dry the cup with a clean towel

Cups can last between six months and 10 years with proper care.

What is a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups are reusable feminine hygiene products made of rubber or silicone. They were designed as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads.

What are menstrual cups used for?

They’re used to catch and collect period fluid. Cups typically hold more blood than other feminine hygiene methods, and can be safely worn for longer as well.

How do menstrual cups work?

Cups are made of soft, flexible materials such as rubber and silicone. When inserted into the vagina, the cup forms a suction seal to stop period fluid leaking out.

After six to 12 hours of use, or when full, the cup is removed, emptied, cleaned and reused - making it both cost-effective and better for the environment than disposable feminine hygiene products.

What is the difference between type A and B cups?

Type A cups are smaller. They have a diameter of 40mm, a length of 65mm and hold 25ml of fluid. Type B cups, on the other hand, have a diameter of 45mm, a length of 70mm and hold 30ml of fluid. Type B cups are recommended for women who have given birth vaginally; type A ones are typically more suitable for women who have not.

How do I use a menstrual cup?

Because menstrual cups come in different sizes, it’s recommended that women see their GP before trying to use one. Finding the right size depends on a number of different factors, including:

  • Age
  • Length of your cervix
  • How heavy your periods are
  • Firmness or flexibility of the cup
  • How much the cup can hold
  • Pelvic floor strength
  • Whether or not you’ve given birth vaginally

Once you have your cup, it’s important to remember that it may feel uncomfortable the first time you use it. In these cases, many women find it helpful to use a water-based lubricant to make the insertion smoother. Simply apply the lubricant to the rim before insertion.

When you’re ready to insert the cup, follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Apply the lubricant to the rim of the cup
  • Fold the cup in half tightly, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up
  • Insert the cup with the rim facing upwards into your vagina, sitting it a few inches below the cervix
  • Rotate the cup - this will cause it to spring open and create an airtight seal, which stops leaks

How do I remove a menstrual cup?

When it’s time to remove your cup, follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina
  • Pull the stem of the cup gently until you reach the base
  • Pinch the base - this will release the seal
  • Pull the cup down to remove it
  • Empty the contents into a sink or toilet

How do I clean a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups should be emptied twice a day and washed and wiped clean before they are reused.

To clean a menstrual cup properly, follow these steps:

  • Submerge the cup in boiling water for five to 10 minutes
  • Remove the cup and allow it to cool down
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap
  • Wash the cup with a pH-balanced and water-based soap
  • Dry the cup with a clean towel

Cups can last between six months and 10 years with proper care.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2088658

Carolina Goncalves

Authored by:

Carolina Goncalves
Superintendent
Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2225869

Rehma Gill

Reviewed by:

Rehma Gill
Pharmacy
Manager

Find out more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 29 Dec 2021

Discreet service

With our discreet packaging you can order in confidence.

We never use our brand name on bills, delivery papers or your bank statement.

All our packages are completely plain, without any details of what’s inside or who has sent it.

Estimated delivery

Signed For 1st Class

£2.90 - Wednesday 20 March

Collect from your Post Office

£3.95 - Wednesday 20 March

Special Delivery 1pm Guaranteed

£5.95 - Wednesday 20 March by 1pm

Special Delivery 9am Guaranteed

£13.95 - Wednesday 20 March by 9am

Same Day Delivery

from £4.95 - Tuesday 19 March

How does it work?

How it works - Consultation

Online consultation

Complete a short questionnaire to check your eligibility for treatment

Refer a friend step 1

Choose a treatment

Select the treatment or medication you need from leading brands

How it works - Delivery

Express delivery

Medication is dispensed and delivered to your home or work