Menstrual cups for teens - The definitive guide!

Can teens use menstrual cups? Of course!

If you’re a teen wondering whether a menstrual cup is a good option for you, or a parent trying to figure out if this is a safe or practical choice for your child, this post is for you. Because yes, menstrual cups are safe. But they also require some getting used to, and it’s normal to have doubts.

First things first: it's a safe and comfortable option

There’s no medical reason teens can’t use a menstrual cup. Cups are made from medical-grade silicone (at least, the good ones are, like our AreiCup), and they simply collect blood instead of absorbing it like a tampon or pad. That means less risk of irritation, no added chemicals, and no waste.

Plus: you won't feel a properly inserted cup inside you. It literally makes your period "disappear" so you can go about your day as if you weren't on your period. 

But using a cup involves getting familiar with your own body. And that’s where a lot of hesitation comes in.

How does that go in there?

Women, especially young teens, may be concerned about potential pain when inserting and removing the cup. If you are asking yourself "Will it hurt?", then we have some good news for you! There are ways you can ensure a pain-free experience.

• Know your body. It is a good idea to be familiar with your internal anatomy before you consider using a cup (or a tampon for that matter, but we cannot recommend those :)). For example, having felt with your own fingers that your vagina stretches and adapts will surely make you feel less afraid and less tense. Knowing that your vagina is angled towards your tailbone (and not upwards, toward your belly!) will ensure that you are not pushing against your bladder when trying to insert the cup (ouch!).
• Choose a suitable moment. Don't experiment with a cup when you are nervous, in a rush, feel scared or had a bad day. Anxious feelings make your vaginal muscles tense - a surefire way to have a bad first experience.
• Practice first. Practice in a calm, private setting. Under the shower is a great option. Do not practice when you are not actually on your period! During your period, your vagina is more relaxed and lubricated, and this will allow you to get the hang of it quicker. You can also use a bit of extra water-based lubricant.
• Don't expect to get the hang of it right away. The first few tries might be uncomfortable or awkward - don't worry, this is normal.
• Experiment with different folds. There are menstrual cup folds that create a smaller than usual tip for easier insertion. You can learn more about these folds in our menstrual cup user guide.

What about removal?

There is one very important thing when it comes to removing the cup: always break the seal first! The reason why menstrual cups don't leak even when you move around is because they form a vacuum seal against your vaginal walls when they are inserted. This seal needs to be broken first before removing the cup - if you try to remove the cup without doing this, you'll feel an uncomfortable "pulling" sensation and removing the cup would be nearly impossible. 

Always break the seal by either reaching in with two fingers and pinching the base, or inserting one finger and separating the one side of the cup from the vaginal wall. 

To those of you concerned about the cup getting "lost" - this is actually impossible. The vagina is a closed "tube", ending in the cervix (which only have a tiny hole that allows the menstrual blood to come out. A cup cannot be lost inside you. If you cannot reach the cup, try squatting and gently pushing downwards with your pelvic floor muscles (as when you poop). 

Great, but what do I do with it at school???

Here’s the good news: once the cup is in, it can stay there for up to 12 hours. For many teens, this means you don’t have to change it at school at all.

But let’s be realistic:

• If you’re on a heavier day, you might want to empty it once during school hours.

• That means washing your hands before going into the stall, removing the cup, emptying it into the toilet, wiping it with some toilet paper if needed, and reinserting it.

You don’t need to rinse it every time (that can wait until you’re home). You just need to feel confident doing it discreetly. The more you practice at home, the less intimidating this becomes.

What if it leaks?

A properly inserted cup shouldn't leak! Leaks can happen if:

• It didn’t open fully after insertion

• It’s too full

• The size isn’t quite right for your flow or body

Again: this is part of the learning curve. It doesn’t mean the cup isn’t for you, it just means your body and the cup are still getting to know each other.

🩸 For the first couple of cycles, it can be a good idea to use a cloth pantyliner as a backup, just in case. 

What about virginity?

Quick myth-busting: using a cup does not affect your virginity. Virginity is a social concept, not a medical one. The hymen is a stretchy piece of tissue at the vaginal opening, which likely have been "modified" already by doing sports, dancing, self-exploration, etc. This is part of the set of changes that naturally happen to your body during the process of growing up, the cup won't affect it.

So, should you try a cup?

If you:

• Like the idea of fewer leaks and longer wear time

• Want something more sustainable and chemical-free

• Are comfortable getting to know your body

• Want to choose the cheapest period care option out there

...then yes, a cup might be the best period product you’ve ever tried.

But if you don't feel ready yet, that's perfectly OK, too. Even if you have a cup already, it will wait for you until you feel ready to give it another try.

TL;DR

• Yes, teens can use menstrual cups safely

• There’s a learning curve, but it’s totally manageable

• Removal can be tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll take two seconds

• You probably won’t have to empty it at school, but it helps to be prepared

• Virginity? Not a factor

• The right time to try is whenever you feel ready, not before

💬 Got questions about trying your first cup? Get in touch - we're here to help.