Eco Friendly Menstrual Cups: Clean Comfort for Every Flow

The conversation around period care is changing. More of us are seeking sustainable, body-safe, and eco-friendly products for our cycles. While traditional disposable products like menstrual pads and tampons have long been the standard, their environmental impact is significant. This article explores reusable menstrual cups as a comfortable, clean, and conscious option for period care, empowering you to make the best choice for your body and the planet.

What Are Menstrual Cups?

A menstrual cup is a flexible, bell-shaped device designed to be worn internally during your period. Unlike tampons or pads that absorb menstrual fluid, period cups collect it, offering a new level of freedom and comfort.

Most are made from 100% medical-grade silicone, a body-safe material that is non-toxic and odor-free. At LOLA, we designed our Menstrual Cup with this premium material to help maintain your body’s natural pH balance while providing reliable protection you can trust.

The Environmental Toll of Disposable Period Products

Understanding why eco-friendly alternatives are necessary starts with looking at the impact of single-use products. The numbers are staggering. In the U.S. alone, approximately 20 billion pads, tampons, and applicators are discarded annually [3].

Many of these products carry a heavy plastic footprint. A single disposable pad can be made of up to 90% plastic and may take 500 to 800 years to decompose [1]. Over a lifetime, a person who menstruates may use over 10,000 disposable products, creating a significant amount of landfill waste [2]. This waste often contributes to plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways, harming delicate marine ecosystems [1].

Why Choose a Reusable Menstrual Cup?

Making the switch to a reusable menstrual cup is a powerful decision that delivers incredible benefits for the planet, your wallet, and your body. It’s a simple change that makes a huge difference.

Better for the Planet

Because menstrual cups are reusable, they dramatically reduce your personal waste. One cup can last for years, replacing thousands of single-use tampons and menstrual pads. A 2019 study found that over ten years, reusable period cups can have less than 1.5% of the environmental impact of disposables, making them a powerfully sustainable choice. You can learn more about how menstrual cups compare to tampons on our blog.

Better for Your Wallet

The long-term cost-effectiveness of period cups is a major advantage. While the upfront cost of $20 to $40 is higher than a box of tampons, it's a one-time purchase that can save you hundreds of dollars over time. This smart, cost-effective solution is a key reason reusable options are gaining such popularity [4].

Better for Your Body

Give your body the clean, comfortable care it deserves. Medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic and free from the bleach, fragrances, and chemicals found in some disposable products. Because cups collect fluid instead of absorbing it, they don't cause the dryness sometimes associated with tampons. Plus, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours, giving you long-lasting, reliable leak protection day and night. The LOLA Menstrual Cup is designed for exactly this kind of comfortable, long-wear protection.

A Guide to Using Your Menstrual Cup

Finding the Right Size

Menstrual cups come in different sizes to fit various bodies and flows, and finding your perfect fit is key to leak-free confidence. LOLA offers two sizes designed for your needs:

• Small: Best for those with a light to normal flow, beginners, or people who haven't given birth.

• Regular: Ideal for a normal to heavy flow, those with a high cervix, or those who have given birth.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with the smaller size. You can find detailed measurements on our LOLA Menstrual Cup dimensions page to choose with confidence.

Insertion & Removal

Using a menstrual cup for the first time can have a learning curve, but it becomes second nature with a little practice. To insert, you simply fold the flexible cup and guide it into place. To remove it, you gently pinch the base to break the seal before sliding it out. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you master the process in no time.

Cleaning & Care

Caring for your cup is simple. During your period, just empty it, rinse it with water, and reinsert. Between uses, wash it with a mild, oil-free soap. At the end of your cycle, sterilize the cup by boiling it in water. With proper care, a cup can last up to 5 years, though we recommend replacement every 2-3 years. Most, including ours, come with a carrying case for clean, discreet storage on the go.

Menstrual Cups vs. Other Period Care

Choosing a period product is a personal decision. Here’s how menstrual cups stack up against other popular options so you can find what’s best for you.

Menstrual Cups vs. Tampons & Pads

The biggest difference is reusability. While tampons and pads are disposable, a cup is used again and again. Cups collect fluid internally, whereas tampons and pads absorb it. This makes cups a more sustainable and often more comfortable alternative to traditional menstrual pads or tampons.

Menstrual Cups vs. Period Underwear

Period underwear is another excellent reusable option for an eco-friendly cycle. The main difference is function: a cup collects fluid internally, while period underwear absorbs it externally. You can learn more about how period underwear works on our blog. Many people find using them together provides total peace of mind, with period underwear serving as a reliable backup on heavier days when panty liners aren't enough.

Conclusion: Embrace a Cleaner, Greener Period

Reusable menstrual cups offer a compelling mix of benefits you can feel good about. They are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and made with body-safe materials for comfortable protection that works for you. By making the switch, you can significantly reduce your personal waste and environmental footprint.

We encourage you to consider trying a period cup for a period that’s healthier for you and the planet. To learn more and find what’s right for you, explore more topics on our Periods blog.