Menstrual cups, often called "cupines" on social media, are gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional sanitary products such as tampons and sanitary pads. These small, funnel-shaped devices, typically made of silicone, are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They vary in size and are designed to be used over several years, offering a reusable and long-term option for menstrual hygiene.
Supporters of menstrual cups highlight their environmental and economic benefits. A single cup can cost between 10 and 35 euros and is intended for use over multiple years, significantly reducing waste compared to disposable products. Unlike traditional sanitary products, the composition of which is often not fully disclosed, menstrual cups are seen by some users as more practical, natural, and odor-free, with no risk of leakage or dryness.
Proper use involves folding the cup into a C or S shape before insertion, allowing it to expand inside the vagina and collect menstrual flow. However, gynecologists have raised concerns about potential health risks. Dr. Elisabeth Paganelli warns that blood reflux might be linked to endometriosis and that infections could occur if pathogenic germs such as chlamydiae are present. She also advises against using menstrual cups after childbirth or a vacuum aspiration abortion due to the risk of endometritis.
The risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition caused by a toxin produced by the golden staphylococcus bacteria, is considered higher with menstrual cups compared to tampons, according to a 2017 French survey. The Anses (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) confirmed in a 2023 document that prolonged use or using a cup with an absorption capacity stronger than needed increases the risk of TSS. A 2025 study also found that the risk of displacing an intrauterine device (IUD) is 2.6 times higher among women using menstrual cups.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended to not leave the cup in place for more than six hours, avoid using it overnight, and sterilize it in boiling water or with a sterilizing liquid every cycle. Users should also wash their hands before and after handling the cup, choose a product with an appropriate absorption capacity, and change the cup regularly. Those with a history of TSS should avoid using internal intimate protections, as advised by Anses.
Popular brands of menstrual cups include So’Cup, Jho, Mooncup, DivaCup, Lamazuna, LunaCopine, and Meluna, and they can be purchased online, in organic stores, or in some pharmacies. Starting from October 2026, reusable hygiene products such as menstrual cups will be partially reimbursed by the Social Security. Vulnerable women, including beneficiaries of the Solidarity Health Insurance Supplement (C2S), will receive 100% reimbursement, while those under 26 years old will receive between 55 and 65% reimbursement. The reimbursement is limited to two products per year and requires purchasing the cup in a pharmacy rather than online.
Menstrual Cup Use Gains Popularity Amid Health and Environmental Considerations
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