Are Menstrual Cups Right for Your Daughter? The Pros and Cons

Let’s be real, talking about periods with your daughter isn’t always the easiest conversation. But as a menstrual health educator, I truly believe that giving her the right information can empower her to make confident choices about her body. One of the biggest shifts in period care over the past decade has been the rise of menstrual cups.

Maybe she’s curious about them, maybe you’re wondering if they’re safe, or maybe you just want an alternative to pads and tampons that’s better for her and the planet. 

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, bell-shaped cup made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or elastomer that is inserted into the vagina to collect period blood. Unlike tampons, which absorb blood, cups collect it. Depending on the brand and size, a cup can hold anywhere from 15 to 40 mL of fluid, making it a game-changer for heavy flow days.

Once inserted, it creates a seal against the vaginal walls, preventing leaks. It can be worn for up to 12 hours (yes, you read that right!), meaning fewer bathroom trips during school or sports practice.

If you and your daughter are considering switching to a menstrual cup, here’s why it might be worth it:

1. Cost-Effective

Let’s talk money. A good menstrual cup costs between $20 and $40, but it lasts for years. Compare that to the hundreds of dollars spent on disposable pads and tampons over time—this is a serious money-saver.

2. Eco-Friendly

Each person who menstruates will use around 11,000 disposable period products in a lifetime. That’s a lot of waste. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are reusable, drastically cutting down on landfill waste and ocean pollution.

3. Fewer Changes, More Freedom

A cup holds more fluid than a pad or tampon, meaning fewer trips to the bathroom. Your daughter can go about her school day, play sports, or even swim without worrying about leaks.

4. Comfortable (Once You Get Used to It)

I won’t lie—there’s a learning curve. But once she gets the hang of it, most people say they forget they’re even wearing one. No bulky pads, no string hanging out—just freedom.

5. Lower Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

TSS is a rare but serious condition associated with tampon use. While no product is completely risk-free, menstrual cups have a significantly lower risk of causing TSS because they don’t absorb anything—they just collect.

Of course, cups aren’t for everyone. Here are some of the challenges:

1. The Learning Curve

It can take a few cycles to get used to inserting and removing a menstrual cup. If your daughter is new to period care, this might feel intimidating at first.

2. Messy Removal

Unlike pads or tampons, there’s no absorbent material—it’s just liquid blood. If she’s not careful, removing the cup can get messy, especially in public restrooms.

3. Fit Issues

Not all vaginas are the same, and finding the right size cup can be tricky. If it’s too big, it might feel uncomfortable. If it’s too small, it might leak. It might take a couple of tries to find the perfect one.

4. Cleaning Challenges

Cups need to be washed with mild soap and water every time they’re emptied and sterilized by boiling between cycles. If she’s at school or traveling, this might be inconvenient.

5. Not for Everyone’s Comfort Level

Some girls just don’t feel comfortable inserting something into their vagina, and that’s okay! If your daughter isn’t ready, she can always revisit the idea later.

Menstrual cups come in different materials, sizes, and firmness levels. Here’s how to pick the right one:

1. Size

• Small: Best for teens or those with a light flow.

• Medium/Large: Better for adults or those with a heavier flow.

2. Material

• Silicone: The most common and comfortable option.

• Rubber: More flexible but not ideal for those with latex allergies.

• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): Softer and hypoallergenic.

3. Firmness

• Soft Cups: More comfortable but can be trickier to pop open inside the vagina.

• Firm Cups: Easier to open but may feel more noticeable.

Insertion

1. Wash hands thoroughly.

2. Fold the cup (popular folds: C-fold, Punch-down fold).

3. Insert it into the vagina and let it pop open.

4. Rotate slightly to ensure a seal.

Removal

1. Wash hands.

2. Gently pinch the base to break the seal.

3. Slowly pull it out while keeping it upright.

4. Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse, and reinsert or store.

If your daughter is interested in trying a menstrual cup, here’s how you can support her:

1. Start with an Open Conversation – Ask if she’s comfortable with the idea and what her concerns are.

2. Let Her Try It at Her Own Pace – Maybe she uses it just at home first. No pressure!

3. Buy a Starter Kit – Some brands sell beginner-friendly cups with smaller sizes.

4. Normalize the Learning Curve – Remind her that it takes time to get used to it, and that’s totally normal.

5. Respect Her Choice – If she tries it and doesn’t like it, that’s okay. There are plenty of other period products out there.

Menstrual cups can be a fantastic choice—better for her health, the environment, and your wallet. But they’re not for everyone, and that’s okay! The most important thing is that your daughter feels comfortable and empowered in her period care choices.

If she’s curious, encourage her to give it a try. If she’s unsure, there’s no rush. Periods are a lifelong journey, and she deserves to navigate them in a way that works best for her.