How long does a menstrual cup last, and when should it be replaced?

We all know menstrual cups are the sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to period care. Say goodbye to plastic wrappers, applicators, and microplastics hidden in our disposable products, and say hello to a healthy, waste-free period!

All Eleria cups are made from medical grade silicone, which means:

1. They are reusable, so they're better for the planet (and your pennies!)
2. They last longer and are better for your health!

That said, your Eleria cup can be used for up to 5-10 years!

So, when should you look at replacing your menstrual cup?

• Visible damage: if you take care of your menstrual cup, it shouldn't get damaged. However, using it for over 5 years could lead to cracks, splits, or tears in the silicone, so if you notice any of these you should replace your cup straight away.
• Change in texture: over time, the texture of the silicone may change or warp, which may make your cup a little trickier to use or not as effective, so we'd recommend switching up if you notice this. 
• Discolouration: it's normal for your cup to stain or discolour when used over long periods of time. Don't panic about this, it's normal. However, if you use sterilising solution to sterilise your cup between cycles, it could lead to further discolouration of the silicone. This isn't an issue, but repetitive use over 5-10 years may lead the material to degrade, so may not be safe to use. 
• Loss of flexibility: if your cup is starting to feel a little softer than when it was brand new, it could mean it doesn't form a proper seal when inserted. To prevent any leakages, consider replacing your cup for a brand new one. 
• Try something new! Some decide that when they become cup pros and have the technique mastered, they want to try a new shape or size, which is why we have five cups to suit different needs. If you'd like to switch it up and try something new, why not take our cup quiz, or find out more about our different cups here. 

Now some tips on how to correctly look after your menstrual cup:

• Sterilise between cycles by carefully following the instructions on your sterilising solution. Or, if you have the Eleria Cleaning and Sterilising Case, just simply follow the instructions and submerge your cup with water in the case and pop it in the microwave for 3 minutes. 
• When you no longer need your cup, make sure to keep it safe in your cotton drawstring bag once sterilised. Remember to wipe it dry before popping it into your bag. 

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For more information about Eleria menstrual cups, check out our FAQs here or find us on TikTok or Instagram.