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All cups may be purchased online in countries where they are not prohibited. Cups may also be purchased locally where noted.
All cups may be purchased online in countries where they are not prohibited. Cups may also be purchased locally where noted.

===Shecup===
Shecup may be purchased online from Amazon UK or Ebay UK. They post to EU and Americal countries.

===LadyCup===
===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.<ref>http://www.ladycup.eu/Default.aspx?tabid=70</ref>
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.<ref>http://www.ladycup.eu/Default.aspx?tabid=70</ref>

Revision as of 14:25, 8 April 2010

A menstrual cup is a type of cup or barrier worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.

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.[1] The bell-shaped silicone or rubber cups must be removed before sex.[1]

Some women opt for a menstrual cup because it does not absorb natural vaginal secretions as a tampon or sponge would.[2]

For some women, menstrual cups are more difficult to insert and remove than tampons.[3] They also may be messier than tampons to remove.[3] In a 1995 clinical study involving 51 women, 23 women (45%) found menstrual cups to be an acceptable way of managing menstrual flow.[4]

Safety

Menstrual cups are safe when used as directed, and no health risks related to their use have been found.[5][6] 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.[7] 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.[8] The University of British Columbia is currently conducting a clinical study comparing the safety and user satisfaction rates for tampons and menstrual cups.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11]

Brand Width Cup Stem Total Shape Material Capacity
Diva Size 1[12] 4.3 cm  5.7 cm  1.0 cm  6.7 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 30 ml 
Diva Size 2[12] 4.6 cm  5.7 cm  1.0 cm  6.7 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 30 ml 
Femmecup [13] 4.5 cm  5.0 cm  2.5 cm  7.5 cm  Narrow-Bodied  Silicone 15 ml 
Fleurcup Small [14] 4.1 cm  4.7 cm  2.3 cm  7.0 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 20 ml 
Fleurcup Large [14] 4.6 cm  5.2 cm  1.8 cm  7.0 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 29 ml 
KeeperThe Keeper (US) Size A[15] 4.4 cm  5.4 cm  2.5 cm  7.9 cm  Narrow-Bodied  Rubber 15 ml 
KeeperThe Keeper (US) Size B[15] 4.1 cm  5.4 cm  2.5 cm  7.9 cm  Narrow-Bodied Rubber 12 ml 
Lady Cup Size 1 [16] 4.0 cm  4.6 cm  1.9 cm  6.5 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 11 ml 
Lady Cup Size 2 [16] 4.6 cm  5.3 cm  1.3 cm  6.6 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 20 ml 
Lunette Model 1 [17] 4.1 cm  4.7 cm  2.5 cm  7.2 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 20 ml 
Lunette Model 2 [17] 4.6 cm  5.2 cm  2.0 cm  7.2 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 29 ml 
Meluna Large Ball[18] 4.5 cm  5.4 cm  0.8 cm  6.2 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 22 ml 
Meluna Large Basic[18] 4.5 cm  5.4 cm  0.0 cm  5.4 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 22 ml 
Meluna Large Ring[18] 4.5 cm  5.4 cm  1.4 cm  6.8 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 22 ml 
Meluna Large Stem[18] 4.5 cm  5.4 cm  1.6 cm  7.0 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 22 ml 
Meluna Medium Ball[18] 4.5 cm  4.5 cm  0.7 cm  5.2 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 17 ml 
Meluna Medium Basic[18] 4.5 cm  4.5 cm  0.0 cm  4.5 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 17 ml 
Meluna Medium Ring[18] 4.5 cm  4.5 cm  1.0 cm  5.5 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 17 ml 
Meluna Medium Stem[18] 4.5 cm  4.5 cm  1.7 cm  6.2 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 17 ml 
Meluna Small Ball[18] 4.0 cm  4.0 cm  0.6 cm  4.6 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 11 ml  
Meluna Small Basic[18] 4.0 cm  4.0 cm  0.0 cm  4.0 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 11 ml  
Meluna Small Ring[18] 4.0 cm  4.0 cm  0.8 cm  4.8 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 11 ml  
Meluna Small Stem[18] 4.0 cm  4.0 cm  1.5 cm  5.5 cm  Hoop Skirt  TPE 11 ml  
Miacup size 1 [19] 4.3 cm  5.3 cm  1.7 cm  7.0 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 25 ml 
Miacup size 2 [19] 4.6 cm  5.3 cm  1.7 cm  7.0 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 30 ml 
Mooncup UK Size A [20] 4.6 cm  5.0 cm  2.0 cm  7.0 cm  Narrow-Bodied  Silicone 13 ml 
Mooncup UK Size B [20] 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[15] 4.4 cm  5.4 cm  2.5 cm  7.9 cm  Narrow-Bodied  Silicone 15 ml 
Mooncup USThe Moon Cup (US) Size B[15] 4.1 cm  5.4 cm  2.5 cm  7.9 cm  Narrow-Bodied  Silicone 12 ml 
MPower [21] 4.0 cm  5.0 cm  1.5 cm  6.5 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 20 ml 
YuukiCup No. 1 [22] 4.2 cm  4.8 cm  1.9 cm  6.7 cm  Hoop Skirt  Silicone 13-25 ml 
YuukiCup No. 2* [22] 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.[23] Later menstrual cups were patented in 1935, 1937, and 1950.[24][25][26] The Tassaway brand of menstrual cups was introduced in the 1960s, but it was not a commercial success.[27] Early menstrual cups were made of rubber;[5] today, both silicone and rubber models are available.[28]

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

Template:Remove-section All cups may be purchased online in countries where they are not prohibited. Cups may also be purchased locally where noted.

Shecup

Shecup may be purchased online from Amazon UK or Ebay UK. They post to EU and Americal countries.

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.[29]

Lunette

Lunette is stocked by various pharmacies in Finland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia. [30] Lunette has gained FDA approval and may now be ordered online from the manufacturer by customers in the United States. [31]

Fleurcup

Fleurcup is currently restricted to residents of the European Union. [32]

The MoonCup UK

The MoonCup UK is currently restricted from shipping to the US. [33] 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.[34]

The MoonCup UK is stocked by health food stores throughout the UK and may be purchased locally. [35]

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.[36]

MPower

MPower is available in South Africa.[37], and is stocked by various stores in Cape Town, Grahamstown, and Pietermaritzburg.[38] Also available from Feminine Wear in the UK [39]

Instead Softcup

Instead Softcups are available at drugstores and pharmacies throughout the US.[40]

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.

References

  1. ^ a b LeVay, Simon & Sharon M. Valente. Human Sexuality. Sinauer Associates (2002), p. 104. ISBN 0878934545.
  2. ^ Levin RJ, Wagner G (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): 765–72. PMID 3730348. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b Pardes, Bronwen. Doing It Right: Making Smart, Safe, and Satisfying Choices About Sex. Simon & Schuster (2007), p. 17. ISBN 141691823X.
  4. ^ Cheng M, Kung R, Hannah M, Wilansky D, Shime J (1995). "Menses cup evaluation study". Fertility and Sterility. 64 (3): 661–3. PMID 7641929. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ a b Pruthi, Sandhya. "Menstrual cup: What is it?" Mayoclinic.com (January 30, 2008).
  6. ^ Stewart, Elizabeth B. The V Book: A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health. Bantam (2002), p. 96. ISBN 0553381148.
  7. ^ 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): 35–7. doi:10.1159/000072329. PMID 12867766.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/03/Nov03/112803/03P-0166-ans0001.pdf
  9. ^ FLOW: Finding Lasting Options for Women. ClinicalTrials.gov (September 2008). Accessed February 2, 2009.
  10. ^ "Divacup FAQ > Materials, Lifespan and Regulations > Q. What is the lifespan of The DivaCup? When should I replace The DivaCup?". Retrieved November 21 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  11. ^ "Assorted Size Charts". Menstrual Cup Support. 18 August 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2009.
  12. ^ a b http://www.divacup.com/en/home/sizing/
  13. ^ http://www.femmecup.com/thecup.html
  14. ^ a b http://www.fleurcup.com/questions-reponses.html
  15. ^ a b c d "Community FAQ". Menstrual Cup Support. Retrieved 8 November 2009.
  16. ^ a b http://ladycup.eu/Default.aspx?tabid=55
  17. ^ a b http://www.lunette.fi/int/index.php?id=48
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "FAQ". Me Luna. Retrieved 29 January 2010.
  19. ^ a b http://www.miacup.co.za/eng/how_tech.php
  20. ^ a b http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_model.html
  21. ^ http://www.femininewear.co.uk/mpower-menstrual-p-579.html
  22. ^ a b http://www.yuuki.cz/en/presentation/how-to-choose/cup-size/
  23. ^ Goddard, L.J. US Patent #1,891,761 (issued December 1932).
  24. ^ Hagedorn, Arthur F. US Patent #1,996,242 (issued April 1935).
  25. ^ Chalmers, Leona. US Patent #2,089,113 (issued August 1937).
  26. ^ Chalmers, Leona. US Patent #2,534,900 (issued December 1950).
  27. ^ Wysocki, Susan. "New Options in Menstrual Protection". Advance for Nurse Practicioners (November 1997).
  28. ^ "Alternative Menstrual Products". Children's Hospital Boston (December 9, 2004). Accessed February 2, 2009.
  29. ^ http://www.ladycup.eu/Default.aspx?tabid=70
  30. ^ http://www.lunette.fi/int/index.php?id=58
  31. ^ http://www.lunette.com/index.php?id=67
  32. ^ http://www.femininewear.co.uk/fleurcup-menstrual-p-517.html
  33. ^ http://www.mooncup.co.uk/menstrual_cup_orderonline.html
  34. ^ http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/html/2002/d2002-1123.html
  35. ^ http://www.mooncup.co.uk/locator.asp
  36. ^ http://www.divacup.com/en/resellers/international_stockists/
  37. ^ http://www.mpowercup.co.za/index.php/order
  38. ^ http://www.mpowercup.co.za/index.php/stockists
  39. ^ http://www.femininewear.co.uk/mpower-m-39.html
  40. ^ http://www.softcup.com/buy_instead/local_retailers.php
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