Why Menstrual Cups Deserve a Chance

There’s something disarmingly intimate about opening a bathroom drawer and finding a neatly-folded menstrual cup nestled among blister packs of ibuprofen, a half-used bottle of heat rub, and a few errant cotton rounds. In some places, it’s an ordinary image. In others, like the Philippines, it’s still radical.

Despite being globally-recognized as a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to pads and tampons, menstrual cups remain a source of discomfort and confusion for many Filipinos. And it’s not just about function. “It’s understandable that some people who were raised and grew up in the Philippines may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the thought of using menstrual cups due to our conservative culture,” says Martha Muñoz, MD, an OB-GYN trying to demystify reproductive health for Filipina patients. “However, women who want to use menstrual cups should be informed that it is safe, hygienic, and approved by medical professionals.”

In other words: The menstrual cup isn’t just a product, it’s a provocation. In a country where period education remains patchy at best and shame-laced at worst, getting a cup isn’t just about convenience. It’s about autonomy.

At first glance, a menstrual cup can feel (let’s be honest) like a bit much. It’s a small, flexible vessel made from medical-grade silicone, designed not to absorb blood, but to collect it. For some, the mechanics can feel intimidating, especially for those who didn’t grow up with the language or tools to talk openly about their bodies. But in practice, the routine is surprisingly straightforward.

How to use a menstrual cup

“A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup that is made of medical-grade silicone. Compared to pads or tampons, it collects the blood instead of absorbing it,” explains Dr. Muñoz. Here’s how to use one:

Make sure to wash your hands and wipe the area before inserting the cup.
You may apply water or water-based lube to the rim of the cup.
Fold the cup in half, with the rim facing up.
Insert the cup into your vagina—like a tampon, but without an applicator.
You can wear it for eight to 12 hours, depending on your flow.
To remove, gently pinch the base to break the seal.
Pull it out, empty the contents, rinse with water, and reinsert.
You may sanitize it by immersing it in boiling water for five minutes.

“Trying a new care routine is not scary,” she adds. “Our bodies are adaptable—and after just one or two cycles, you get the hang of it. Most women end up preferring it. It’s comfortable, odor-free, and it doesn’t get lost. You’re always in control.”

Healthier for your body and the planet

Menstrual cups aren’t just about personal comfort; they’re about sustainability. An average menstruator will use roughly 11,400 disposable menstrual products in a lifetime. That’s tens of thousands of pesos spent, and an ecological footprint that stretches far beyond the trash bin. Cups, which can last for up to ten years, cut both numbers drastically. “They produce less waste, have a lower carbon footprint, and don’t contain synthetic fibers or harsh chemicals,” Dr. Muñoz says.

Health-wise, they’re also less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, and when used correctly, they carry a significantly lower risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) compared to high-absorbency tampons.

Still, not everyone is a candidate. Women with certain medical conditions—like uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, or active infections—should consult a doctor first. “If you feel discomfort or pain while using a menstrual cup, ask for guidance,” she advises.

The access gap

Even for those intrigued, cost and access remain major barriers in the Philippines. “The high upfront cost can be difficult for students and those in rural communities,” says Dr. Muñoz. “Plus, there’s limited availability in pharmacies and almost no presence in public health centers.”

But financial cost isn’t the only obstacle—basic infrastructure is, too. With a population of over 114 million, access to safe water remains a challenge for a significant portion of Filipinos. According to non-profit organization The Planet Water Foundation, 53 percent of households in the Philippines lack access to a safely-managed water supply, and 39 percent lack safe sanitation. For proper menstrual cup use and maintenance to be possible, access to running water and clean toilets needs to come first.

Subsidies, school distribution programs, and collaborations with local manufacturers to create more affordable options can also make menstrual cups more accessible, according to Dr. Muñoz. In addition to access, what’s needed just as urgently is acceptance.

Dr. Muñoz believes this needs to change at both the family and institutional levels. “Cultural and social stigma may affect the use of menstrual cups. At schools, sex education is imperative [in] tackling [subjects about the] menstrual cycle for girls and promoting informed decisions, empowering them to make practical choices for their own bodies. This can cause a ripple effect bringing this information home and helping parents and siblings become more educated and more open.”

Rewriting the script at home and in school

In many Filipino households, menstruation is cloaked in euphemism and whispered warnings—“don’t talk about it,” “don’t insert anything there.” These myths only reinforce the idea that menstruation is shameful and that taking control of your own body is somehow improper.

That shift starts with correcting misinformation. Dr. Muñoz staunchly advocates for the need to take away the myths about virginity and hygiene, emphasizing that menstrual cups are not unclean, they’re just another option for how you take care of yourself.

In the end, choosing a menstrual cup isn’t about rejecting tradition, it’s about rewriting the narrative of care. It’s about recognizing that modern tools can coexist with deep-rooted cultural values—and that control over one’s body shouldn’t be a luxury, but a right.

In the mirror of a bathroom cabinet, a small, folded cup might seem insignificant. But in the context of a culture still learning how to talk about women’s health out loud, it can be revolutionary. After all, as Dr. Muñoz reminds us, “It’s simply another way to care for our bodies during our period.” And that care, quiet, consistent, shame-free, is a radical act of self-trust.