Description
Insertion of a menstrual cup in the vagina
There are two types of menstrual cup currently available. The first is a soft, flexible, disposable cup which is made of polyethylene and resembles the contraceptive diaphragm. The Instead brand menstrual cup is a cup of this type. The second type is a bell-shaped cup made of rubber (latex), silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It is reusable and designed to last for up to 10 years. Some brands recommend replacement each year, 5-10 years or state that women have been comfortable using them up to 10 years. Current brands include DivaCup, Femmecup, Fleurcup, Keeper, LadyCup, Lunette, Meluna, Miacup, MoonCup (US), Mooncup (UK), Mpowercup, and YuukiCup.
Soft, disposable menstrual cups may be worn during sex, though they are not contraceptive devices. The bell-shaped silicone or rubber cups must be removed before sex.
Some women opt for a menstrual cup because it does not absorb natural vaginal secretions as a tampon or sponge would.
For some women, menstrual cups are more difficult to insert and remove than tampons. They also may be messier than tampons to remove. In a 1995 clinical study involving 51 women, 23 women (45%) found menstrual cups to be an acceptable way of managing menstrual flow.
Safety
Menstrual cups are safe when used as directed, and no health risks related to their use have been found. One case report in the journal Gynecologic and obstetric investigation noted that menstrual cups could theoretically increase the likelihood of endometriosis and adenomyosis and described one woman who developed the disorders after use of a menstrual cup. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declined to remove menstrual cups from the market, saying that there was insufficient evidence that the risk was more than merely theoretical. The University of British Columbia is currently conducting a clinical study comparing the safety and user satisfaction rates for tampons and menstrual cups. There have been no reported cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome occurring with the use of menstrual cups.
Benefits
Reasons for using menstrual cups may include the following:
Economy Menstrual cups can last up to 10 years. Some brands recommend, however and some women prefer to replace menstrual cups each year. The initial cost for a cup is higher than for traditional hygiene device, but the cost is absorbed with each consecutive use.
Environmental consciousness With reusable cups, only menstrual blood is disposed of and there is nothing to be thrown away, which contributes to less landfill. The cotton used for most major brands of tampons and pads is also bleached, which is seen as harmful to the environment and leaves traces of dioxin in the cotton, which may be a carcinogen.
Portability When traveling, the user can choose carry only a single reusable menstrual cup, rather than multiple pads or tampons. However, some menstrual cup users use a form of back-up protection, such as pads, in addition to their cup.
Comfort As the menstrual cup is worn entirely within the body, it avoids the bulky or damp feeling of pads. It avoids the string of tampons, which may get wet after urination. Additionally, cups avoid the issue of over-absorption and dryness that tampons may cause. Cups can be worn before menstruation begins, which may appeal to women with irregular cycles.
Lower health risks There have been no reported cases of toxic shock syndrome associated with menstrual cups.
Convenience - Menstrual cups can hold more liquid than tampons for heavy flow, which may allow less frequent trips to the bathroom.
Sizing
It is important to consider size when shopping for a menstrual cup. Most brands have a smaller and a larger size. The smaller size is normally recommended for women under 25 who have not given birth vaginally. The larger size is normally recommended for women over 25 or who have given birth vaginally. The menstrual cups with the smallest size diameter are Meluna and the Lady Cup; they are recommended for teenagers. As well as width, length also needs to be considered. If a woman's cervix sits particularly low, she may need to consider a shorter length cup. Shape is also important, as women vary in shape preferences for comfort. Capacity is important to women who have heavier flows; however, it should be noted that all of the menstrual cups currently available have a higher capacity than a regular tampon.
Brand
Width
Cup
Stem
Total
Shape
Material
Capacity
Diva Size 1
4.3 cm
5.7 cm
1.0 cm
6.7 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
30 ml
Diva Size 2
4.6 cm
5.7 cm
1.0 cm
6.7 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
30 ml
Femmecup
4.5 cm
5.0 cm
2.5 cm
7.5 cm
Narrow-Bodied
Silicone
15 ml
Fleurcup Small
4.1 cm
4.7 cm
2.3 cm
7.0 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
20 ml
Fleurcup Large
4.6 cm
5.2 cm
1.8 cm
7.0 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
29 ml
KeeperThe Keeper (US) Size A
4.4 cm
5.4 cm
2.5 cm
7.9 cm
Narrow-Bodied
Rubber
15 ml
KeeperThe Keeper (US) Size B
4.1 cm
5.4 cm
2.5 cm
7.9 cm
Narrow-Bodied
Rubber
12 ml
Lady Cup Size 1
4.0 cm
4.6 cm
1.9 cm
6.5 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
11 ml
Lady Cup Size 2
4.6 cm
5.3 cm
1.3 cm
6.6 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
20 ml
Lunette Model 1
4.1 cm
4.7 cm
2.5 cm
7.2 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
20 ml
Lunette Model 2
4.6 cm
5.2 cm
2.0 cm
7.2 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
29 ml
Meluna Large Ball
4.5 cm
5.4 cm
0.8 cm
6.2 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
22 ml
Meluna Large Basic
4.5 cm
5.4 cm
0.0 cm
5.4 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
22 ml
Meluna Large Ring
4.5 cm
5.4 cm
1.4 cm
6.8 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
22 ml
Meluna Large Stem
4.5 cm
5.4 cm
1.6 cm
7.0 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
22 ml
Meluna Medium Ball
4.5 cm
4.5 cm
0.7 cm
5.2 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
17 ml
Meluna Medium Basic
4.5 cm
4.5 cm
0.0 cm
4.5 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
17 ml
Meluna Medium Ring
4.5 cm
4.5 cm
1.0 cm
5.5 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
17 ml
Meluna Medium Stem
4.5 cm
4.5 cm
1.7 cm
6.2 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
17 ml
Meluna Small Ball
4.0 cm
4.0 cm
0.6 cm
4.6 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
11 ml
Meluna Small Basic
4.0 cm
4.0 cm
0.0 cm
4.0 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
11 ml
Meluna Small Ring
4.0 cm
4.0 cm
0.8 cm
4.8 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
11 ml
Meluna Small Stem
4.0 cm
4.0 cm
1.5 cm
5.5 cm
Hoop Skirt
TPE
11 ml
Miacup size 1
4.3 cm
5.3 cm
1.7 cm
7.0 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
25 ml
Miacup size 2
4.6 cm
5.3 cm
1.7 cm
7.0 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
30 ml
Mooncup UK Size A
4.6 cm
5.0 cm
2.0 cm
7.0 cm
Narrow-Bodied
Silicone
13 ml
Mooncup UK Size B
4.3 cm
5.0 cm
2.0 cm
7.0 cm
Narrow-Bodied
Silicone
12-13 ml
Mooncup USThe Moon Cup (US) Size A
4.4 cm
5.4 cm
2.5 cm
7.9 cm
Narrow-Bodied
Silicone
15 ml
Mooncup USThe Moon Cup (US) Size B
4.1 cm
5.4 cm
2.5 cm
7.9 cm
Narrow-Bodied
Silicone
12 ml
MPower
4.0 cm
5.0 cm
1.5 cm
6.5 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
20 ml
YuukiCup No. 1
4.2 cm
4.8 cm
1.9 cm
6.7 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
13-25 ml
YuukiCup No. 2*
4.7 cm
5.8 cm
1.9 cm
7.7 cm
Hoop Skirt
Silicone
25-37 ml
The length measurement of the YuukiCup No. 2 includes the stem, while all other measurements are only of the body of the cup.
The "Narrow-Bodied" shape has a thicker rim with a more narrow body; the "Hoop Skirt" shape is has no such rim and has a more uniform body.
It should be noted when measuring capacity, the capacity of light tampons is up to 6 ml; regular tampons, 6-9 ml; super tampons, 9-12 ml; super plus, 12-15 ml; and ultra tampons, 15-18 ml.
Some women opt to trim the stem of their cup so that it is a better fit. While the MeLuna with the stem option is trimmable, the ball, ring and basic are not.
History
An early version of a bell-shaped menstrual cup was patented in 1932. Later menstrual cups were patented in 1935, 1937, and 1950. The Tassaway brand of menstrual cups was introduced in the 1960s, but it was not a commercial success. Early menstrual cups were made of rubber; today, both silicone and rubber models are available.
In 1987, another rubber menstrual cup, The Keeper, was manufactured in the USA. This proved to be the first commercially viable menstrual cup, as it is still in manufacture today. The first silicone menstrual cup was the UK-manufactured Mooncup. Most menstrual cups are now manufactured from silicone because of its hypoallergenic properties.
Availability and restrictions
All cups may be purchased online in countries where they are not prohibited. Cups may also be purchased locally where noted.
LadyCup
LadyCup may be purchased at drugstores in Austria, Germany, The Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It may be purchased online from customers in several other nations, including the U.S.
Lunette
Lunette is stocked by various pharmacies in Finland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia. Lunette has gained FDA approval and may now be ordered online from the manufacturer by customers in the United States.
Fleurcup
Fleurcup is currently restricted to residents of the European Union.
The MoonCup UK
The MoonCup UK is currently restricted from shipping to the US. This is due to a copyright complaint issued by the US brand Keeper, which makes a silicone version of their cup with the same "Mooncup" name.
The MoonCup UK is stocked by health food stores throughout the UK and may be purchased locally.
The Keeper and MoonCup (US)
The Keeper and MoonCup (US) are stocked by health food stores throughout the US.
DivaCup
The Divacup is stocked by health food stores, pharmacies, and online throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.
MPower
MPower is available in South Africa., and is stocked by various stores in Cape Town, Grahamstown, and Pietermaritzburg. Also available from Feminine Wear in the UK
Instead Softcup
Instead Softcups are available at drugstores and pharmacies throughout the US.
Availability by country
Cup Brand
US
Canada
UK
Austria
Germany
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Slovenia
Finland
France
South Africa
Other Members of the EU
Taiwan
All Other Countries
DivaCup
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Online
Online
Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Online
Locally and Online
Online
Locally and Online
FemmeCup
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Fleurcup
Not Available
Not Available
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Not Available
Online
Not Available
Not Available
Instead Softcup
Locally and Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
The Keeper and MoonCup (US)
Locally and Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Ladycup
Online
Online
Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Lunette
Sales approval pending
Online
Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Online
Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Locally and Online
Online
Not Available
Online
Meluna
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Miacup
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
MoonCup UK
Not Available
Online
Locally and Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
MPower
Not Available
Not Available
Online
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Locally and Online
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
YuukiCup
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
Online
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Menstrual cup
Tampon
Sanitary napkin
Cloth menstrual pad
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Cervical cap
Diaphragm (contraceptive)
References
This page may also be able to help find problematic links. Several templates are available for formatting. (November 2009)
^ a b LeVay, Simon & Sharon M. Valente. Human Sexuality. Sinauer Associates (2002), p. 104. ISBN 0878934545.
^ Levin RJ, Wagner G (July 1986). "Absorption of menstrual discharge by tampons inserted during menstruation: quantitative assessment of blood and total fluid content". British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 93 (7): 76572. PMID 3730348.
^ a b Pardes, Bronwen. Doing It Right: Making Smart, Safe, and Satisfying Choices About Sex. Simon & Schuster (2007), p. 17. ISBN 141691823X.
^ Cheng M, Kung R, Hannah M, Wilansky D, Shime J (September 1995). "Menses cup evaluation study". Fertility and Sterility 64 (3): 6613. PMID 7641929.
^ a b Pruthi, Sandhya. "Menstrual cup: What is it?" Mayoclinic.com (January 30, 2008).
^ Stewart, Elizabeth B. The V Book: A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health. Bantam (2002), p. 96. ISBN 0553381148.
^ Spechler S, Nieman LK, Premkumar A, Stratton P (2003). "The Keeper, a menstrual collection device, as a potential cause of endometriosis and adenomyosis". Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation 56 (1): 357. doi:10.1159/000072329. PMID 12867766.
^ http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/03/Nov03/112803/03P-0166-ans0001.pdf
^ FLOW: Finding Lasting Options for Women. ClinicalTrials.gov (September 2008). Accessed February 2, 2009.
^ "Divacup FAQ > Materials, Lifespan and Regulations > Q. What is the lifespan of The DivaCup? When should I replace The DivaCup?". http://www.divacup.com/en/home/faqs/. Retrieved November 21 2009.
^ "Assorted Size Charts". Menstrual Cup Support. 18 August 2008. http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1285963.html. Retrieved 8 November 2009.
^ a b http://www.divacup.com/en/home/sizing/
^ http://www.femmecup.com/thecup.html
^ a b http://www.fleurcup.com/questions-reponses.html
^ a b c d "Community FAQ". Menstrual Cup Support. http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/tag/faq. Retrieved 8 November 2009.
^ a b http://ladycup.eu/Default.aspx?tabid=55
^ a b http://www.lunette.fi/int/index.php?id=48
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "FAQ". Me Luna. http://www.meluna.eu/index.php/meluna-faq.html. Retrieved 29 January 2010.
^ a b http://www.miacup.co.za/eng/how_tech.php
^ a b http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_model.html
^ http://www.femininewear.co.uk/mpower-menstrual-p-579.html
^ a b http://www.yuuki.cz/en/presentation/how-to-choose/cup-size/
^ Goddard, L.J. US Patent #1,891,761 (issued December 1932).
^ Hagedorn, Arthur F. US Patent #1,996,242 (issued April 1935).
^ Chalmers, Leona. US Patent #2,089,113 (issued August 1937).
^ Chalmers, Leona. US Patent #2,534,900 (issued December 1950).
^ Wysocki, Susan. "New Options in Menstrual Protection". Advance for Nurse Practicioners (November 1997).
^ "Alternative Menstrual Products". Children's Hospital Boston (December 9, 2004). Accessed February 2, 2009.
^ http://www.ladycup.eu/Default.aspx?tabid=70
^ http://www.lunette.fi/int/index.php?id=58
^ http://www.lunette.com/index.php?id=67
^ http://www.femininewear.co.uk/fleurcup-menstrual-p-517.html
^ http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_orderonline.html
^ http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/html/2002/d2002-1123.html
^ http://www.mooncup.co.uk/locator.asp
^ http://www.divacup.com/en/resellers/international_stockists/
^ http://www.mpowercup.co.za/index.php/order
^ http://www.mpowercup.co.za/index.php/stockists
^ http://www.femininewear.co.uk/mpower-m-39.html
^ http://www.softcup.com/buy_instead/local_retailers.php
External links
MenstrualCups.org - Menstrual Cup Information and Support Group
Femininewear.co.uk Menstrual Cup Supplier
Lunapads.com (Canadian distributor of The DivaCup)
Lady Cup
Lunette
Meluna (German)
FleurCup (French)
MiaCup
MoonCup UK
FemmeCup
The Keeper
US MoonCup (by the Keeper)
YuukiCup
The DivaCup
MPower
Instead Softcup
Categories: Feminine hygieneHidden categories: Pages containing cite templates with deprecated parameters Articles needing cleanup from November 2009 All pages needing cleanup Articles needing link rot cleanup I am an expert from China Bags Wholesale, usually analyzes all kind of industries situation, such as super 8 camcorder , canon hi8 camcorder.
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