Menstrual cups: collect, empty, clean

A menstrual cup goes inside the vagina and collects period blood.

  • Cup — A soft cup that collects blood.
  • Clean hands — Wash your hands before and after.
  • Use gently — It can take practice and should not hurt.
  • Empty — blood into the toilet or sink.
  • Clean — it before using it again.

Cups are optional. You can choose another product if cups do not feel right.

Quick answer

A menstrual cup is a small flexible cup that goes inside the vagina and collects period blood. It is usually washed and used again.

How is a cup different from a tampon?

A tampon absorbs blood. A menstrual cup collects blood. That means you remove the cup, empty the blood into the toilet or sink, clean the cup properly, and use it again.

Do I have to use a cup?

No. You do not have to use a cup. Some people like them, and some people do not. They can take practice and may feel more complicated at first.

What should I know before trying one?

  • Wash your hands before and after.
  • Make sure the cup is clean.
  • Use the right size if the product offers sizes.
  • Empty and clean it regularly.
  • Stop if it hurts or feels wrong.
  • Ask a trusted adult if you need help understanding how to clean it safely.

Can it get lost?

No. A cup cannot travel around your body. It stays in the vagina. If you cannot remove it, tell a trusted adult and get medical help.

What about toxic shock syndrome?

TSS is rare but serious and can happen with menstrual cups as well as tampons. To reduce risk, wash your hands, clean the cup properly and empty it regularly.

Ask for urgent help if you feel very unwell.

If you are using a cup and develop a high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, a rash, dizziness, confusion, muscle aches or flu-like symptoms, remove the cup if you can and tell a trusted adult. Seek urgent medical help.

What if it feels uncomfortable?

Remove it if you can, try a different product, and ask for help. Period products should not cause severe pain.

Ask Luma

You could ask: “What is a menstrual cup?” or “Are cups different from tampons?”

Final reassurance

Menstrual cups are one option. You can learn about them without needing to use one now.

Developer source note

Content is grounded in NHS period product guidance, NHS toxic shock syndrome guidance, UNICEF menstrual health and hygiene principles, and the user-supplied BBC News link for current public discussion of period products. Final live pages should keep source links in the CMS or editorial notes.