What about disposable menstrual cups? Explaining the pros and cons

"Cleaning the menstrual cup is a hassle..."
"I'm worried about not being able to wash it when I'm traveling or out and about."

For those who have such concerns, we recommend disposable menstrual cups.
It's a convenient item that saves you the trouble of maintenance, but it also has some drawbacks.

In this article, we will compare the features of disposable and reusable menstrual cups, and provide a detailed explanation of their hygiene, environmental, and usability aspects.

Try each one and find the best choice.

What is a disposable menstrual cup?

Disposable menstrual cups are meant to be disposed of after a single use, unlike traditional reusable menstrual cups.
It has been gaining attention in recent years because of its hygiene and ease of use, even for beginners.

Features	reusable type	Disposable
material	Medical silicone, TPE, natural rubber, etc.	Medical Elastomer
Number of uses	Can be used for several months to several years	Only once
price	Approximately 3,000 to 6,000 yen	Approximately 500 yen
Environmental load	Less waste	There is a lot of waste

The advantage of the reusable type is that it is economical and has a low environmental impact.
However, it can be difficult to clean in public places or when you're out and about, and beginners may feel uneasy about using it.

On the other hand, disposable ones are a convenient option for certain occasions, such as when you're out and about or traveling.
Its simple design means it can be disposed of after one use, so there's no need for maintenance and you can try it out easily.

By understanding the characteristics of both disposable and reusable diapers and using them appropriately depending on the situation, you will be able to have a comfortable menstrual period.

Two benefits of disposable menstrual cups

Disposable menstrual cups have two advantages:

• Reduces the hassle of maintenance
• Easy to use when traveling or on the go

Depending on your personality and the situation, disposable types may be more convenient, or reusable types may be more appropriate.

Let's start by looking at the benefits of disposables.

1. Reduces the hassle of maintenance

The biggest advantage of disposable menstrual cups is that they are hassle-free to use.
Disposable menstrual cups are packaged sterile and do not need to be boiled before use.
After use, the basic disposal method is to put the replaced menstrual cup back into the packaging it came in and then throw it away in a sanitary bin.
Unlike reusable types, there is no need for maintenance such as cleaning or boiling to disinfect after use.

2. Easy to use when traveling or out and about

The convenience of disposable menstrual cups is especially evident when traveling or on the go.
With reusable cups, you need to wash the cup after use, but this may not be possible when you're out and about.
Washing off menstrual blood in public can be a cause for concern in terms of etiquette and hygiene.
Disposable types can be disposed of immediately after use, eliminating the need for cleaning and storage.
Disposable types can help eliminate concerns about hygiene when you're out and about.

4 disadvantages of disposable menstrual cups

While disposable menstrual cups have their advantages, they also have their disadvantages.

• Costly
• More luggage
• More garbage
• Limited options

If you don't understand the disadvantages of disposable products, they may end up costing more than you expected or being less convenient to use.
Understand the drawbacks and use them appropriately.

1. It's expensive

Disposable menstrual cups are meant to be disposed of after a single use, so continued use can be more expensive than reusable cups.

kinds	Price per piece	Usable period	Cost per year
Disposable	Approximately 500 yen	Only once	Approximately 90,000 yen
reusable type	Approximately 3,000 to 6,000 yen	Approximately 3 to 5 years*	Approximately 3,000 to 6,000 yen

*Depending on manufacturer and material

Reusable types have a higher initial cost, but if properly cared for, can last for several years depending on the manufacturer and materials.
Disposable types are more economical to use in limited situations such as when going out or traveling.

2. More luggage

Disposable menstrual cups need to be replaced after each use, so you need to carry multiple spares with you, which can add to your luggage when traveling or going out for long periods of time.
If you use a reusable bag, you only need one, so you can keep your luggage compact.
If you travel or go on business trips frequently, decide which option is more suitable based on the amount of luggage you carry.

3. More garbage

Disposable menstrual cups are discarded after a single use, which inevitably leads to increased waste.
If used continuously during menstruation, the three-dimensional shape of the cup can quickly fill up a sanitary box. Also, because disposable menstrual cups are a new sanitary product, care may be needed when disposing of them in public places.
Another issue is that menstrual cups are made from natural rubber, TPE, and silicone, which are difficult to decompose, and therefore have a significant environmental impact.
To reduce waste as much as possible, we recommend using mainly reusable products and keeping disposable products to a minimum.

4. Limited options

Currently, there are few variations in disposable menstrual cups.
Many manufacturers offer reusable masks, and you can choose from a variety of sizes, materials, shapes, etc. However, there are few manufacturers that offer disposable masks, so there are very few options.
Therefore, please be aware that it may be difficult to find a size and shape that suits you and that you may find it difficult to use.

Also read: Pros and Cons of Menstrual Cups

Who is a good candidate for disposable menstrual cups?

Disposable menstrual cups are suitable for the following people:

• People who travel or go out a lot
• People who want to try menstrual cups
• People who find it troublesome to clean cups
• People who are worried about whether they can clean their reusable menstrual cups properly

Please refer to the following points to help you choose the item that is right for you.

People who travel or go out a lot

Disposable menstrual cups are recommended for people who travel or are on the go a lot.
Reusable types need to be washed after use, but this may not be possible when traveling or on the go.
Disposable types are convenient because they do not require cleaning and can be simply thrown away after use.
For example, it is useful in situations where cleaning is not an option, such as on long flights or when working outside.
This is an ideal item for people who travel or are on the go a lot.

People who want to try menstrual cups

Disposable menstrual cups are recommended for those who want to try a menstrual cup for the first time.
Disposable types are available at a lower price than reusable types.

If you're using a menstrual cup for the first time, you may have some concerns:

• Can you insert and remove it easily?
• Are there any leaks or hygiene issues?
• Is there any pain or discomfort?

Disposable types allow you to easily try out the feel of a menstrual cup at a low cost.

However, disposable masks may be made from harder materials than reusable masks, and there is no opportunity to wash or disinfect them, so it's important to keep in mind that they won't feel exactly the same.

Also read: How to Use a Menstrual Cup

People who find it troublesome to clean cups

If you use a reusable menstrual cup and find cleaning and disinfecting it a hassle, we recommend a disposable one.
Reusable menstrual cups pose a hygiene risk if not washed after use and disinfected regularly.
Disposable types can be easily disposed of after use, making them convenient for busy daily lives.
The convenience of using reusable pads is appealing, especially if you're used to using pads or tampons. However, once you've mastered the care and maintenance, reusable pads are also easier to use, and in the long run, they can be a less expensive and more environmentally friendly option.

People who are worried about whether they can clean their reusable menstrual cups properly

If you use a reusable menstrual cup and are concerned about hygiene, you might want to consider a disposable version.
Reusable menstrual cups can harbor bacteria if not properly cared for, but disposable menstrual cups reduce hygiene concerns as you can use a new, sterilized cup every time.
Hygienic and convenient disposable types are an item that provides peace of mind while reducing the burden of maintenance.

Recommended uses for disposable menstrual cups

Disposable menstrual cups can be costly and have a negative impact on the environment if used continuously, so it's best to limit their use to specific occasions.

Here are some situations where disposable menstrual cups are suitable:

Travel and outings

Disposable menstrual cups can be a good option for managing your period when traveling or on the go.
Disposable menstrual cups can be thrown away immediately after use, eliminating the need to wash the cup in public. Therefore, disposable cups are considered a good choice for those who want to wash their cup in public.
However, disposable menstrual cups require careful disposal, so be sure to check how to dispose of them when you're out and about and the environment of the disposal area.
Also, depending on the manufacturer, menstrual cups can be left in for up to 12 hours.
This means you will need to carry fewer of them than with pads or tampons, making your luggage more compact.
However, they are still disposable so you will need a few spares.
If you want to minimize the amount of luggage you carry, consider reusable bags.

Disaster preparedness

Disposable menstrual cups are ideal for disaster preparedness.
Pads and tampons tend to need to be changed more frequently, and there may be times when toilets are crowded and cannot be used frequently, making it difficult to change them.
Additionally, during disasters, water use is often restricted, and there is a demand for sanitary products that can be used in situations where washing is difficult.
Disposable menstrual cups come in handy in these situations.
Depending on the manufacturer, they can last up to 12 hours, which means you don't have to change them frequently. Another major advantage is that they don't need to be cleaned.
However, it is not recommended to use it for the first time during a disaster.
Disposable menstrual cups can be stiffer than reusable versions and can be difficult to use.
Be sure to get used to using it regularly in case of an emergency.

Spare reusable menstrual cups

Even if you primarily use a reusable menstrual cup, it's a good idea to have a disposable one on hand as a backup.
This is useful, for example, when you are out or in an emergency and cannot wash a reusable cup, or when the cup is not dry enough and cannot be inserted immediately.
For everyday use, reusable types are better for the environment and for your money, so keeping disposable types in your bag will allow you to use them in a variety of situations.

Q&A about disposable menstrual cups

We answer some frequently asked questions about disposable menstrual cups.

Are disposable menstrual cups sold at drugstores?

Very few drugstores carry disposable menstrual cups.
Reusable menstrual cups are gaining attention as a sustainable option, with more and more manufacturers and retailers offering them.
On the other hand, the market for disposable menstrual cups is small and they are currently only available in online stores.
If you would like to see the actual product before purchasing, consider the reusable version, which is easily available at drugstores.

What's the difference between a menstrual cup and a menstrual disc?

Both menstrual cups and menstrual discs are period products that are inserted into the vagina, but there are differences in how they are used and where they are worn.

item	Menstrual cup	Menstrual disc
Insertion position	Near the vaginal opening	Below the cervix
shape	Small	Big mouth

The menstrual cup is inserted near the opening of the vagina, and the menstrual disc is placed deeper in the vagina, below the cervix.
Menstrual discs are less uncomfortable to wear than menstrual cups, but the opening is larger than that of a menstrual cup, so it takes some getting used to when inserting them.

If you're not sure which one is best for you, try them out to see how they fit.

summary

Disposable menstrual cups are a convenient item that eliminates the need for cleaning and disinfecting.
However, continuous use can cost several times more than reusable types.
Therefore, it is recommended for use in specific situations such as when traveling, going out, or in the event of a disaster.

On the other hand, disposable menstrual cups have the disadvantage of creating a large environmental burden by increasing the amount of waste.
Reusable is the best sustainable choice.

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and choose a menstrual cup that suits your lifestyle and the situation in which you will use it.