Comparison between menstrual cups: first step to categorization and improved safety

Abstract

Objectives: Menstrual cups come in a range of shapes, sizes, and firmnesses, but unlike tampons are not categorized in any way. With these factors having an impact on product leaks and comfort, as well as being linked to illness and injury, women need the same level of transparency when purchasing a menstrual cup. The comparison of physical and mechanical properties of menstrual cups will be the first step to achieve this. Methods: In October 2020, 14 popular and highly rated menstrual cups underwent quantitative comparison in laboratory settings (the United Kingdom), and they were compared in terms of their dimensions, volume, and compressive strength (firmness) using the Instron Universal Testing System. The overall designs were compared including shape, material, and features. Results: Although all the products in this comparison were marketed to women below 30 years of age having never given birth, total volume varied from 18.88 mL to 38.14 mL, and compressive load to compress the menstrual cup 50% (±0.5%) maximum diameter varied from 3.39 N to 13.92 N. Conclusions: Women are not sufficiently informed when choosing a menstrual cup. With no correlation between menstrual cup size, shape, and its volume, or material, shape, and its firmness, consumers cannot estimate which menstrual cup might be most suitable, and incorrect choice could cause injury. Transparency is needed across menstrual cup brands. With this and further regulation, women will make an informed decision to choose the correct menstrual cup and minimize injury. This work recommends firmness categories, ranging from ‘very soft’ to ‘very firm’ as a first step.

In Vitro Study to Assess Effective Cleaning Techniques for Removing Staphylococcus aureus from Menstrual Cups

“…We did not test the fourth cleaning technique on the cup pieces, and this should be incorporated in future studies. Lastly, the effectiveness of the cleaning methods needs to be verified across different brands of menstrual cups, which have a varying texture, size, shape, and firmness, which could affect usage and safety [31].…”

Communicating knowledge and embodied experiences of personal menstrual cup use through YouTube

“…Vloggers 'showing' their experience with cups provides viewers with information that is otherwise difficult to find. Cup size information, for example, is not standardized making it difficult for women to assess and choose a suitable menstrual cup from manufacturer's product information (Manley et al, 2021). While more traditional product reviews often focus on the benefits, the intimate nature of many of these videos mean that menstrual cup use is experienced 'vicariously'.…”

Menstrual Technology Innovations and the Implications for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

“…The closest formal recommendation to evidence-based personalization of menstrual cup use came from a working group that identified firmness categories, ranging from “very soft” to “very firm,” as a first step to optimization of the user experience (Table 3 ). 47 Some individuals are also advised against menstrual cup use, particularly if they have an intrauterine device (IUD). Approximately 11% of IUD users report concurrent menstrual cup use, although this represents a greater proportion of nonhormonal IUD users who also happen to experience ongoing or heavier menstrual bleeding.…”