Reusable menstrual products have gained widespread attention in recent years, and the menstrual cup is leading the charge. With growing interest in sustainability, safer materials, and more individualized healthcare, this device, once considered niche, is now backed by evolving science, more innovative design, and expanding adoption.
Unlike traditional disposable pads and tampons, the menstrual cup offers long-term use, reduced environmental impact, and new opportunities for innovation in both materials and public health. For consumers and clinicians alike, understanding the science behind its evolution helps reveal why it’s becoming a preferred option for many.
What is a Menstrual Cup and How Does it Work?
A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped, flexible device inserted into the vaginal canal during menstruation. It collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it, forming a gentle seal with the vaginal walls. Once inserted correctly, a cup can remain in place for up to 12 hours, even during sleep or physical activity.
These cups are typically made from medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and are reusable for several years. Unlike tampons, they do not interfere with vaginal pH or leave behind fibers. Compared to disposable products, they create significantly less waste, making them an attractive choice for environmentally conscious users.
For many, using a menstrual cup also means fewer changes throughout the day, improved comfort, and fewer leaks. While initial adoption can involve a learning curve, growing familiarity and better product guidance are making cups more accessible to new users.
The Shift in Materials: Why TPE is Attracting Attention
Traditionally, menstrual cups have been made from medical-grade silicone, which is durable, flexible, and widely used in healthcare. However, recent designs are increasingly utilizing thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a soft, body-safe material already found in various medical devices.
TPE is notable for its ability to soften slightly when warmed by the body, which can make it more adaptable to individual anatomy. This property may enhance comfort and sealing performance, especially for users with specific pelvic floor needs or sensitivities.
Additionally, TPE allows for more diverse firmness levels during manufacturing. This gives users a better chance at finding a model that works well for their unique anatomy and muscle tone, particularly if they’ve given birth, have strong pelvic floors, or experience discomfort with firmer silicone models.
From a manufacturing perspective, TPE is recyclable under specific conditions and may offer environmental benefits over silicone, depending on the lifecycle and disposal options available.
Microbial Safety and Toxic Shock Syndrome
A common question about any internal menstrual product is its risk profile, particularly related to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Although rare, TSS is a serious condition caused by bacterial toxins, most commonly from Staphylococcus aureus.
A landmark 2018 study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology explored the bacterial interactions of various menstrual products, including tampons and cups made from different materials. Researchers found that while all products could potentially support bacterial growth in vitro, menstrual cups made from TPE were associated with significantly lower levels of S. aureus and TSST-1 toxin production compared to silicone cups.
These results suggest that material composition may play a role in microbial behavior, and that TPE could present a lower-risk profile in some circumstances. Although more real-world studies are needed, this research adds valuable context for those evaluating safety when choosing a menstrual cup.
As always, proper hygiene—such as washing hands before insertion, cleaning the cup regularly, and sterilizing it between cycles—is essential to safe use, regardless of material.
Custom Fit: Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All
One of the most common challenges with menstrual cups is finding the right size and shape. Anatomical differences in cervix height, pelvic floor tone, and menstrual flow volume mean that a cup that works for one person might be uncomfortable or ineffective for another.
Fortunately, modern cups are now available in a range of diameters, lengths, and firmness levels. Some brands also offer different stem shapes (ball, ring, or flat stem) to accommodate individual preferences and comfort.
To help navigate this range of options, many companies now offer a menstrual cup quiz. These tools typically ask users about their age, childbirth history, physical activity level, cervix height, and flow heaviness. Based on responses, the quiz suggests a cup size and firmness that may offer the best fit.
While not perfect, a menstrual cup quiz can dramatically reduce the likelihood of trial-and-error purchases and increase user satisfaction, especially for first-time buyers.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Beyond health and comfort, menstrual cups offer considerable environmental and financial benefits. The average person who menstruates may use over 10,000 disposable products in their lifetime, most of which contain plastic and take centuries to break down.
A single menstrual cup can replace hundreds of pads and tampons per year, cutting down on landfill waste and packaging pollution. This shift is increasingly appealing to those looking to minimize their ecological footprint.
Economically, menstrual cups also represent long-term savings. Although the initial cost may range from $20 to $40, this investment often pays off within months when compared to recurring purchases of disposable products.
The Role of Education and Public Health
Despite their advantages, menstrual cups still face barriers to widespread adoption, particularly due to a lack of education and lingering cultural stigma. Some users are unfamiliar with their anatomy or uncertain about how to use and care for a cup safely.
Healthcare providers can play a critical role in bridging this knowledge gap. As menstrual cups become more mainstream, clinicians and educators can provide guidance on proper use, hygiene, and troubleshooting. This includes addressing common concerns about insertion, leakage, or removal, as well as reassuring patients about safety.
In addition, public health campaigns focused on menstrual equity are beginning to include reusable options like cups as part of broader access initiatives, especially in underserved communities where affordability and availability are key issues.
Future Directions
As innovation in menstrual care continues, researchers and designers are exploring ways to improve menstrual cup technology further. Some areas of development include:
- Biodegradable or fully compostable materials
- Sensor integration to track flow volume or wear time
- Smart sterilization containers for improved hygiene
- Expanded size ranges for people with unique anatomical needs
These advances aim to enhance both user experience and public health outcomes, offering more inclusive and intelligent solutions for managing menstruation.
Conclusion
The menstrual cup is no longer a fringe product; it is a scientifically supported, user-friendly, and sustainable option for menstrual care. With improvements in materials like TPE, better tools like the menstrual cup quiz, and ongoing research into safety and design, it is well-positioned to become a standard part of modern reproductive health.
For anyone seeking a reusable, body-conscious alternative to disposable products, the menstrual cup represents not only personal convenience but a step forward in menstrual equity, environmental responsibility, and evidence-based innovation.