Reusable Menstruation Cups

What is a menstrual cup?

Menstrual cups are a comfortable, healthy, reusable, economic and ecological alternative to sanitary towels and tampons. It is a flexible silicone cup that, when you're on your period, collects your blood in a funnel-shaped, silicone cup.

You wear your menstrual cup menstrual cup internal, just like a tampon. But where a tampon absorbs the blood, a menstrual cup collects it. A menstrual cup can hold more blood than a super tampon, so a menstrual cup offers you unmatched freedom.

What are the benefits of menstrual cups?

• PRACTICAL - A menstrual cup can hold more blood than pads or tampons and you can wear it for up to 8-12 hours, giving you unmatched freedom. Even when you're out and about all day, you don't have to worry about your menstrual cup.
• SAVE - A reusable menstrual cup is good for the environment, but also for your wallet. The initial cost might be a bit higher, but the cost of one menstrual cup is roughly the equivalent of the cost of 5 to 6 months of disposable menstrual products. Menstrual cups can last up to 10 years, which means a savings of over 95%.
• ZERO-WASTE - A menstrual cup saves up to 12,000 menstrual products per person. So by using a menstrual cup, you are making a positive contribution to the environment.
• COMFORTABLE - A menstrual cup can be used throughout your entire period. Even while sleeping, swimming, working out, running and crossfit. And you don't have to worry about the string of your tampon hanging out of your bikini bottom.
• HEALTHY - Menstrual cups are made from 100% high-quality silicone and contains no chemicals. On the contrary to many traditional disposable products. So you take good care of your body while taking care of the environment.

Buying a menstrual cup that suits you

It is important to buy a menstrual cup that fits your body. Menstrual cups are available in different sizes. Generally, you choose a larger cup the older you get, the heavier your period is and the higher your cervix. The cup should be smaller if your period is light and/or your cervix low.

How do you use a menstrual cup?

Because you insert a menstrual cup into your body, it may take some practice. Tip: change your menstrual cup in the shower for the first few times - that way if you make a mess, it's okay. It may take a few times to get the hang of it, but it will soon come naturally, so don't give up too soon!

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting your menstrual cup. Sit in a relaxed position, such as squatting or with one leg on the toilet seat. A strained vaginal canal makes inserting a menstrual cup more difficult. Then fold the cup and insert it. The menstrual cup unfolds when you let go of it and creates a slight suction which keeps it in place and prevents leakage. Use your finger to feel whether the menstrual cup is in place and no longer folded. You should not feel the cup after you have inserted it.

There are different ways to fold a menstrual cup and which one works best varies from person to person. Practice with different folds to find out what works best for you.

You also have to be a little more careful when removing the cup than with a tampon. Because the cup collects the blood, it might overflow when breaking the vacuum and you might get your hands a little dirty. So always make sure you have a sink nearby. To remove the cup, break the vacuum by pressing the side of the menstrual cup with your finger. You can then gently pull the menstrual cup downwards by its handle.

How do I know when my menstrual cup is full?

There is no clear guideline for this, so it is a matter of gaining experience. At the beginning, you may want to empty your menstrual cup more often to avoid the risk of leakage. You may feel your menstrual cup 'sloshing' when it is full or it becoming a bit heavier. This is a personal feeling for everyone, but you will soon realise when it is full.

How do I clean my menstrual cup?

It is important to clean the menstrual cup properly after use. During the week, rinsing the cup under the tap is sufficient, but between your periods, it is important to boil the menstrual cup thoroughly. This way, you sterilise the menstrual cup and remove any bacteria.

Sterilising a menstrual cup is very easy. Place the menstrual cup in boiling water for 5 minutes, do not use soap or other detergents. You can use a pan or, if you don't like the idea, you can use a special silicone steriliser for menstrual products. This steriliser is easily placed in the microwave.

Can I exercise and swim with a menstrual cup?

Yes, you can sleep, play sports and swim without worrying, making it the perfect solution for anyone with an active lifestyle. And a menstrual cup doesn't have an external string that can hang out of your bikini bottoms, so you never have to worry about that again.

The full range of menstrual cups at Zo Zero

At Zo Zero you can buy menstrual cups by Ruby Cup and &SISTERS. When you buy a Ruby Cup menstrual cup, you also donate a menstrual cup to someone who does not have access to menstrual products.

Menstrual cups offer a lot of freedom because the risk of leakage is much lower than with pads and tampons. However, if you still don't feel completely safe, you can use a menstrual cup in combination with (reusable) sanitary pads and panty liners or period underwear. This is also a great option for the night. Or checkout all all sustainable menstrual products at Zo Zero.

Would you like to know more about which different menstrual products you can use when switching to a sustainable lifestyle? Then read our blog 'Go with the flow: sustainable menstruation tips'.

And would you like to make the rest of your care routine more sustainable, nex to your menstrual products? Then check out all our natural care products.