Reusable menstrual cups and menstrual discs have been around since the 1860s and come in different shapes. But they have become more mainstream in the past decade. The latest menstrual cups and discs are primarily designed to hold menstrual blood and are increasingly becoming more popular because they are eco-friendly and a painless alternative to tampons. They are also known for boosting one’s chances of conception, so you are assured of getting pregnant faster.

Materials and Safety Considerations

Modern menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, known for its biocompatibility, durability, and flexibility. This non-porous material reduces bacterial buildup and maintains a balanced vaginal pH, supporting the natural microbial environment. Some cups use thermoplastic elastomers, offering similar comfort and meeting strict safety standards.

These products are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and latex allergens, ensuring they remain safe within the vaginal environment. While their properties support reproductive health, scientific evidence does not show that the material choice directly affects sperm viability or conception rates. Users should follow sterilisation and usage guidelines and consult healthcare professionals to ensure their menstrual care aligns with their health and fertility goals.

Do menstrual cups help with conception?

But what is the logic behind this recent buzz? When used as a cup to keep the donated sperm or ejaculated sperm closer to the cervix opening, the menstrual cups/discs can, theoretically, increase the probability of conception during your fertile window (a few days before and on the ovulation day ). So, does this theory hold when we examine real-world outcomes? It isn’t easy to know this yet. Currently, no clinical data suggests that people who use menstrual cups or discs have a high chance of getting pregnant quickly compared to people who do not use them. But we are hoping to get some statistics on this soon. Before we dive into the origin of the theory and the information we have on the subject, you should know this: Fertility science keeps evolving, but there are significant research gaps even in women’s health. Nonetheless, even if several large-scale random trials haven’t validated something, that does not mean it will not benefit you as an individual. In the end, personal experience can be as valuable as scientific evidence. Some medical advisors claim that both lesbian and heterosexual couples have been using menstrual discs for this purpose for many years. However, no data shows that it is more effective or can cause harm. Particularly for couples who choose to go for sperm donation, utilising a menstrual disc can be more productive than putting sperm in the vagina alone.

Where did this menstrual cup theory originate from?

A lot of factors need to go right for conception to occur. One of the first and most significant steps is getting the sperm to fertilise the egg. To accomplish this, sperm must enter the vagina, past the cervix, and enter the uterus and fallopian tube to meet an egg that has just been released (during each ovulation cycle ).

Fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), bypass the need for sperm to travel through the cervix because fertilisation occurs outside the body.

Manufacturers have not yet provided independent data confirming these products’ advertised effectiveness, and they are not required to meet the clearance standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) .

In IVF and penile-vaginal intercourse, the quantity of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes is directly linked to the sperm deposited near the cervix . Due to this (in theory), anything that can keep sperm there may increase the total number of sperm that get to the egg and boost the probability of fertilisation. The approach is based on the idea that the menstrual discs or cups inserted into the vagina may help in conception.

Cervical Caps & Possible Fertility Booster

The menstrual device theory may have been inspired by the history of the cervical cap , which was initially introduced as a birth control method over 100 years ago. Still, the recent data reveals that they are not particularly good at this. These tiny silicone devices were put right at the cervix before a sexual act to block the sperm from getting into the cervix. At some point (maybe around the 1980s), certain doctors started wondering whether the caps could be used for an opposite purpose. For instance, they wanted to know if they could use them before sex to ensure sperm is kept out, after insemination, or after sex to keep the sperm in and increase the chances of conception. These findings are mixed, but we shall discuss them in the next section. Remember that cervical caps are not being used regularly due to the availability of better forms of contraceptives nowadays. Most OB-GYNs also don’t prescribe them.

Menstrual cups and conception

Current evidence does not support the claim that menstrual cups improve conception. Some early observations suggested these devices might keep sperm closer to the cervix, but no clinical studies have confirmed a fertility benefit. Research is limited by small sample sizes and inadequate methodologies, leaving any effect on conception unproven.

If you are considering using menstrual cups as part of your conception plan, rely on trusted medical information, follow manufacturer instructions carefully, and consult healthcare professionals to ensure your approach is based on the latest reliable evidence.

Before each use—especially following intercourse—it is essential to sterilise your menstrual cup thoroughly. Begin by washing your hands with an unscented, mild soap. Rinse the cup under cool water to remove any residual debris, then immerse it in a pot of water and bring the water to a boil. Allow the cup to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring it is completely submerged without excessive boiling to protect the material. Once sterilised, remove the cup with clean utensils if necessary and let it cool on a clean, dry surface before reinsertion. Following these hygienic practices can help reduce the risk of infection and support optimal health.

What we know about cervical cups and conception

As mentioned earlier, doctors have considered using cervical cups for conception for about 40 years. Some studies were organised to address this and gave mixed results:

• Some revealed a high pregnancy rate for women who used menstrual cups. A study of individuals undertaking the ICI ( Intracervical insemination ) showed that the pregnancy rate per cycle was 5.9% in cases where menstrual cups weren’t used and 15.2% in cases where the cervical cups were used.
• Others didn’t: One study that involved more than 600 treatment cycles revealed pregnancy rates of 7.8% for each cycle after using a cervical cap and 9.8% when the usual ICI protocols were followed.
• Also, the idea of doing certain things to keep more sperm and increase the probability of conception isn’t consistently supported. For instance, lying down after the IUI procedure to avert sperm backflow will not boost the chances of conception, nor will sex positions that may decrease backflow.

Despite the lack of clear, published evidence to prove that menstrual cups are helpful for women trying to conceive, many companies have produced customised cervical cups to be utilised for conception reasons. It’s crucial to remember that these manufacturers haven’t yet given their data to show that the products work as advertised, and this isn’t a requirement for the usual TGA medical device clearance. Even if we had reliable scientific evidence showing that cervical cups can promote conception, we could not assume that the same results would be attained after using menstrual cups and discs. This is especially true for menstrual cups, as they are longer than cervical caps and can hold fluid substantially away from the cervix.

Menstrual cups & falling pregnant: conclusion

While current research does not confirm that menstrual cups or discs directly enhance fertility, these products remain a safe and cost-effective option for menstrual care when used as directed. Taking a proactive approach to fertility health is essential for those planning to conceive.

Speak with a healthcare provider or a fertility specialist to review your menstrual cycle, assess ovulatory patterns, and consider any other factors that may influence your conception journey. Personalised advice can help you decide whether integrating a menstrual cup or disc into your routine might suit your overall fertility strategy. Stay informed about evolving research and rely on professional guidance to make decisions that are best for you.

Evan kurzyp

Evan Kurzyp

Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.