Menstrual cups for teens: a parent’s guide
Are they safe?
Quick summary
- Menstrual cups are reusable and eco-friendly – they collect period blood and can be worn for up to 12 hours
- They can take practice and they must be used responsibly as they need proper cleaning
- If your teen prefers a low-maintenance option, pads or tampons may be better but everyone is different
If your teen has started or is about to start their period, they might be asking you about period products.
Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly period product that's becoming increasingly popular, and understanding how it works may help you to help your teen make an informed choice.
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of silicone or latex that's inserted into the vagina to collect period blood.
They come in different sizes based on age and flow heaviness.
And they can be worn for up to 12 hours before being emptied, cleaned, and reinserted.
Where can you get one?
They can be bought in pharmacies, supermarkets, or online.
Some schools, colleges, and universities offer them for free.
Why do people like menstrual cups?
👉 Eco-friendly and reusable: better for the environment than disposables
👉 Cost-effective: one cup lasts up to 10 years!!
👉 Can be worn all day: for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow
👉 Great for swimming: unlike pads, they work in water, you might also consider period swimwear, or tampons, which many teens find convenient
👉 Should feel unnoticeable: if inserted correctly, you shouldn’t feel it at all
Why do people NOT like menstrual cups?
👉 They need sterilising: they must be rinsed between uses and cleaned properly after each period
👉 Higher upfront cost: prices range from £10–£40, but you'll save money long-term
👉 Can be tricky at first: inserting, removing and positioning them can take practice
👉 Small risk of infection: something called Toxic Shock Syndrome is possible, but the risk is very low – proper cleaning reduces this risk
So, are menstrual cups right for your teen?
If you both want a reusable, cost-saving, and eco-friendly period product, a menstrual cup could be perfect.
But if you both prefer low-maintenance options or your teen is new to periods, they might not be the ideal option – as they can be tricky to use at first.
Hopefully this helps you and your teen pick what feels most comfortable and helps them to feel confident 🫶
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
Sources:
NHS "Choosing period products" | Accessed 13.12.25
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/choosing-period-products/Cleveland Clinic "Are menstrual cups right for you?" | Accessed 13.12.25
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/Find out about trends when your teen does
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