Menstrual Cups 101

They might seem like new additions to the fem-hy aisle, but period cups have been around for decades (just ask your most hippiesh friends!). Besides being more cost effective and eco-friendly than pads and tampons, they can better prevent leaks at night and are often more comfortable, says Sherry A. Ross, MD, women’s health expert and author of She-ology. It all sounds too good to be true…until you contemplate emptying one in a public restroom. But it’s not too tricky: Simply remove the cup, empty it into the toilet, wipe it out with TP or menstrual cup wipes and reinsert. At night, wash it with mild soap and water . You can wear one while sleeping, swimming, running and even doing round-off back handprings. That last one is for your daughter, who can use a cup too. “We see high schoolers who are passionate about diverting waste, who are excited to tell their friends about the cup and want to use it so they can save money,” says Amber Fawson, cofounder of the menstrual cup brand Saalt.