Researchers who have carried out the first, large scientific review of sanitary products have assured women that menstrual cups are as leakproof as tampons and pads.
According to them menstrual cups collect rather than absorb period blood.
They also fit into the vagina but, unlike tampons, are reusable.
The research found that awareness of menstrual cups among women is relatively low.
The work, published in the Lancet Public Health journal, looked at 43 studies involving three thousand,300 women and girls living in rich and poor countries.
Common concerns about trying a menstrual cup included pain and difficulty fitting or removing it, as well as leakage and chafing.
But the review found complications were rare.
Results from 13 of the studies found about 70 percent of women wanted to continue using menstrual cups once they are familiar with how they worked.
How do they work?
Menstrual cups are made of soft, flexible material, such as rubber or silicone.
Once inserted into the vagina they create a suction seal to stop any seepage of blood.
They can collect more menstrual blood than tampons or sanitary pads, but need to be emptied and washed regularly.
There are two main types – a vaginal cup which is generally bell-shaped and sits lower in the vagina, and a cervical cup which is placed higher up, much like a diaphragm for contraception.
