They are now available in some supermarkets. Manufacturers claim to market cups that are "phthalate-free" and "bisphenol A-free." But according to 60 million consumers, "only tests can confirm or deny these claims." Explanations.

What is a menstrual cup?

The menstrual cup, or cup, is a type of small intravaginal medical silicone funnel.

This fairly rigid surgical silicone funnel, approximately 5 cm high and 4 cm wide, is inserted like a tampon during menstruation.

How to use the menstrual cup?

The conditions of use of the menstrual cup are relatively unknown.

It is important not to wear them for more than six to eight hours, while some manufacturers recommend not keeping them for up to 12 hours.

For such a duration of use, it is advisable to use non-intrusive protection , such as a diaper or menstrual panties, but the brand must be sensitive to the notion of flow absorption.

This is the case for My Panties. Learn more about menstrual panties, an eco-responsible alternative to the cup.

Finally, for menstrual cups, Professor Gérard Lina, a doctor at the national reference center for staphylococci at the Hospices Civils de Lyon, recommends the same hygiene rules as for a tampon with this additional specificity:

"Women should have a spare cup because they need to be sterilized or boiled before reusing them. Simply rinsing the menstrual cup is not enough to eliminate all bacteria."