Menstrual cup: What is it?

My 14-year-old granddaughter is curious about using a menstrual cup, specifically a product called DivaCup. I have some concerns about her using this device. What can you tell me about it?

- Karen / Wisconsin

Mayo Clinic breast-health specialist Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

A menstrual cup is worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual flow. It is used as an alternative to pads or tampons.

Menstrual cups have been around since the 1930s. The original cups were made of rubber. The DivaCup — one of several brands of menstrual cups available in the United States — is made of latex-free silicone. The reusable cup can hold 1 ounce (29.5 milliliters) of fluids; the average menstrual flow is 3 to 4 ounces (88.7 to 118.3 milliliters). When the cup is full, it is removed, emptied, cleaned and reinserted into the vagina.

Some women find a menstrual cup to be more comfortable and convenient than tampons or pads. Others find it uncomfortable to place and remove, and abandon its use. Menstrual cups are safe when used as directed. But they are not a very widely used method of menstrual hygiene.