Are menstrual cups good for sports?
Menstrual cups are bell-shaped containers that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood and discharge during menstruation. They are different from other period products like organic pads and tampons in that they are reusable, collect blood outside of the body, and can be worn for longer durations.
For athletes, using a menstrual cup can alleviate many of the stresses that come with playing sports on one’s periods, and empower athletes to perform at their full potential without worrying about leaks and mishaps.
A study collected inputs from young girls about their fears related to participating in physical activities while on their period. These consist of concerns about menstrual products showing through tight clothing and menstrual products not being suitable for certain activities. Some girls would call in sick and even fake colds to be excused from participating in certain physical activities when on their period, due to the discomfort in using either pads or tampons.
Menstrual cups address these concerns and can be used for a variety of sports including:
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Football
- Yoga
- Gymnastics
- Weightlifting
- Running
- Cycling
- Martial Arts
Benefits of menstrual cups for athletes
You can’t perform at your best when playing your sport or exercising while insecure about managing your periods, which is why we recommend using a menstrual cup to keep you sorted:
- No rashes/chafing - A menstrual cup is inserted into the vaginal canal and fits comfortably inside you. Unlike pads and tampons which have wings, linings, and strings that can rub against your thighs, a menstrual cup will not chafe you. If you find the stem of the cup uncomfortable, you can trim it accordingly.
- No dryness - Menstrual cups don’t hamper your vaginal flora as they only collect discharged fluids and don’t dry out your genitalia. The medical-grade silicone used in cups is safe for your body and preserves the pH levels of your vagina.
- Leak-free - Once sealed properly, the right-sized menstrual cup will not shift or fall down unless you break the seal again by pinching the cup with your fingers. It’s a must to get the right size for the cup to create an effective seal when inserted. You can take our menstrual cup size quiz to find out the right size for you. Emptying your menstrual cup and re-inserting it before a sports/workout session will decrease the cup getting filled or losing grip during your workout.
- Higher capacity - Menstrual cups have a much higher capacity than a pad/tampon and can collect up to 25ml every use. You can wait up to 12 hours before changing your Cambio cup. This is a better choice for long competitions and long distance events in which you wouldn’t like to have many interruptions like running a marathon, hiking or a sports tournament.
- Sustainability - Cups are a more planet-friendly option as they don’t contribute to any menstrual waste and are manufactured without the use of plastic.
- More comfortable - Many of Cambio’s happy customers find that the menstrual cup is comfortable and easy to use once you get the hang of it.
“As a runner, this cup has worked wonders for me, it doesn’t feel like it’s there once it’s inserted properly and it’s super simple to remove and clean once I’m done with my workout. Great for an active lifestyle!” - Suhani Mehta
Deciding on the right menstrual cup
When picking a menstrual cup with sports activities in mind, it’s important to look out for these three qualities:
- Capacity - Get a cup size according to your flow that doesn’t fill too quickly. Our cup sizes range from capacities of 15-25ml. This will help prevent the cup from leaking and can give you more time in between changes.
- Firmness - You’ll want to get a cup that is firm enough to withstand your pelvic contractions and yet soft enough that it can easily be inserted and removed and follows the shape of your body. Cambio’s cups are of medium firmness, giving them the sturdiness to support you during your workouts, and the flexibility to put them on and remove them with ease.
- Stem - The stem placed at the bottom of the cup is just there to guide you about the cup’s position when inserted in your body. Sometimes, the stem may hurt you or rub against your skin if you’re practicing an activity that involves flexible motions of the legs. You should look for a cup in which the stem can be trimmed off according to your needs.
