At baseline, Dr. Greves recommends emptying your menstrual cup every three to four hours until you get the feel for your flow with a cup. “Have a pantyliner in case it overflows,” she adds.

Unless you use disposable brands, you can use the same cup for a long time, an average of 2-10 years, meaning less waste in landfills. You can leave them in for up to 12 hours.

Despite menstrual cups’ growing popularity, research has shown that it’s difficult for women to make an informed choice about which menstrual cup product they should use or how to use it properly.

Menstrual cups should be sterilised before their first use, and before each period. Manufacturers will provide instructions with how to do this effectively depending on the cup, says Dr Ong.

Menstrual cups have been billed as sustainable alternatives to single-use period products. Use period cups properly ‘to avoid complications’ – experts Sign In ...

Despite menstrual cups’ growing popularity, research has shown that it’s difficult for women to make an informed choice about which menstrual cup product they should use or how to use it properly.

Menstrual cups have been billed as sustainable alternatives to single-use period products. Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.