But is it a good fit for you and your needs?

4 menstrual cup benefits

1.

Menstrual cups can hold more than a typical tampon cansometimes two to three times more depending on the cup.

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They help reduce odor

Menstrual cups can help temper any not-so-fun aromas that come with your period.

So if youre self-conscious about period smell, it could be worth giving cups a try.

3 potential drawbacks of using menstrual cups to consider

1.

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board-certified OB/GYN and co-author ofThe Vagina Book: An Owner’s Manual for Taking Care of Your Down There

It can take a few cycles to get used to properly inserting and removing it.

It can also take some time to find the right cup for your vagina in the first place.

If the cup is too small, youll have leakage.

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If its too big, it might be uncomfortable.

In these cases, Dr. Sparks recommends having a spray bottle or specialized sanitizing wipes handy.

Get the right size

The key to finding thebest menstrual cupsis finding the perfect size for you.

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For teenagers and those who havent had children, Dr. Sparks recommends using the smallest cup available.

Each brand may have slightly different directions on how to insert and remove the cup properly.

Find what works for you and stick with it, Dr. Sparks says.

pregnant person with long brown hair in a black tank top and pants and flowy tan overshirt looking at their baby clothes and awaiting birth, to show concept of superfetation pregnancy

board-certified OB/GYN and co-author ofThe Vagina Book: An Owner’s Manual for Taking Care of Your Down There

Wash your cup properly

Since menstrual cups are reusable, cleanliness is of the utmost importance.

Dr. Sparks recommends rinsing your cup after each use.

Also, see to it youre not allergic to the products your menstrual cup is made out of.

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