The menstrual cup is a reusable hygiene product, typically made from medical-grade silicone, that offers an alternative to disposable options. Proper cleaning and maintenance are necessary to ensure the product’s longevity and maintain a healthy vaginal environment. Because the cup is inserted directly into the body for extended periods, a consistent hygiene routine involving two levels of cleaning is required to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Daily Cleaning Versus Deep Sterilization
The care of a menstrual cup involves separating routine cleaning performed during the cycle from rigorous deep sterilization required for storage. Daily cleaning occurs every time the cup is removed, emptied, and reinserted (generally every four to twelve hours). This involves rinsing the cup thoroughly under running water, ideally cold first to prevent staining, followed by washing with a mild, unscented, and oil-free soap designed for silicone. This daily wash removes blood, tissue, and surface bacteria before reinsertion.
Deep sterilization is a more intensive process using heat or chemical agents to eliminate virtually all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Simple washing is insufficient because some microbes can remain on the cup’s surface or within the small air holes. This deeper cleaning is performed outside of active use to destroy remaining pathogens, preventing potential irritation or infection when the cup is next used.
Routine Schedule for Sterilizing
The standard schedule for deep sterilization is a twice-per-cycle routine, aligning with recommendations from most major manufacturers. The first sterilization must occur immediately before the first insertion of a new cycle. This step ensures that any dormant bacteria or mold spores accumulated during storage are eliminated.
The second mandatory sterilization takes place immediately after the final removal of the cup at the end of the menstrual flow. This timing is designed to destroy all pathogens and sanitize the cup before it is dried and put away. Sterilizing the cup before storage is important, as it prevents residual biological material from becoming a breeding ground for microorganisms while the cup is stored for a month.
Accepted Sterilization Techniques
The most common and effective method for achieving deep sterilization is thermal treatment, primarily through boiling.
Boiling
To boil the cup, fully submerge it in a pot of water brought to a rolling boil for five to ten minutes. It is important to monitor the cup during this process, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the pot, as direct contact with the heat source can damage the medical-grade silicone. A non-metal whisk can be used to suspend the cup in the water and keep it from resting on the base of the pot.
Alternative Methods
Alternative methods rely on generating high heat or using approved non-corrosive chemical solutions. Specialized microwave sterilization containers or electric steamers use steam to sanitize the cup, typically completing the process in three to five minutes. For chemical sterilization, dissolving a quarter of a baby bottle sterilization tablet in water, such as those containing sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and soaking the cup for the manufacturer’s recommended time is effective. Avoid common household cleaners like bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can degrade the silicone material over time or leave residues that may irritate the vaginal tissue.
Sterilization After Unusual Events
Contamination
There are specific, non-routine circumstances that require an immediate deep sterilization, regardless of where you are in your monthly cycle. If the cup is dropped in a public restroom or onto a contaminated surface, it must be thoroughly washed with soap and water and then sterilized before reinsertion. The cup’s exposure to environmental microbes necessitates this immediate, rigorous cleaning to prevent the introduction of foreign bacteria into the vagina.
Active Infection
A more extensive sterilization is necessary if the cup was used during an active vaginal infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV). While the cup material is non-porous, spores and bacteria can cling to the surface. After the infection has been medically treated, the cup should be sterilized by boiling for the maximum recommended time, often ten minutes, to ensure the elimination of remaining pathogens and prevent reinfection.
Improper Storage
If the cup was stored incorrectly, such as in an airtight container that promotes mold or mildew growth, a deep sterilization is required. This must be followed by a thorough inspection of the cup material for any signs of permanent degradation or residue.