Menstrual cup: Good alternative to tampons?

A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped device worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Menstrual cups are typically made of polyethylene, silicone or other nonlatex materials. Some menstrual cups are reusable, such as The DivaCup, and others are intended for one-time use, such as Instead. Although not widely used, menstrual cups provide a viable alternative to pads and tampons.

During your period, you insert the menstrual cup into your vagina. If you're using a reusable menstrual cup, you empty the cup when it's full, wash it and then place it back in your vagina. If you're using a disposable menstrual cup, you empty the cup when it's full, place it in the trash and replace it with another cup. How often you need to empty or replace the menstrual cup depends on the size of the cup and your menstrual flow. Generally, a menstrual cup can be worn about twice as long as a tampon — up to 12 hours at a time.

A menstrual cup can be left in place during urination or a bowel movement. Some menstrual cups must be removed before sex, however. A menstrual cup doesn't offer protection from pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Menstrual cups generally aren't recommended for women who use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control or those who've experienced toxic shock syndrome.

Some women find menstrual cups to be more comfortable and convenient than tampons or pads, but others find menstrual cups uncomfortable or messy to insert and remove.

Menstrual cups are available over-the-counter in pharmacies. Menstrual cups can also be purchased online. If you decide to try a menstrual cup, read and follow the product directions carefully.