Can menstrual cups help you get pregnant?

From ovulation tracking to dietary changes, aspiring parents often seek creative ways to boost fertility.

Menstrual cups have entered the conversation – could they really make a difference?

Menstrual cups have gained popularity in the last few years as an environmentally friendly alternative to pads and tampons. The cups, which are made from materials including silicone, natural rubber, latex or thermoplastic elastomers, are inserted and then used to collect blood flow. The cup is then emptied periodically throughout the duration of a menstrual cycle and re-inserted.

But some people have used the cups for fertility purposes and become pregnant, and they swear by the results.

Trying the menstrual cup method for conception

If a couple is trying to become pregnant, they can have intercourse and then directly after, place a menstrual cup in the vagina. Leave the cup in for several hours – up to 12 hours, per device guidelines.

Alternatively, semen can be ejaculated into the cup, then the cup can be inserted into the vagina.

While some people also try positioning themselves in certain ways, such as lying on their back hugging their knees, or even headstands, it’s not necessary.

Post-coital positioning (such as lying down, elevating the hips, or other positions) hasn’t been shown to improve pregnancy rates.

Sperm reach the cervix within seconds, regardless of position.

Sperm enter the cervix quickly and are stored in cervical crypts and released over several days. Therefore, mechanical retention (a menstrual cup) likely doesn’t provide much additional benefit.

Are menstrual cups a myth or miracle for fertility?

In short, it’s possible using a menstrual cup can help with conception, but there’s no evidence that it does.

The sperm make the trip through the cervix, into the uterus and eventually to the egg in the fallopian tube for fertilization. Sperm can live in the uterus for several days.

Although it may seem like retaining semen in the vagina would help, most sperm that will reach the cervix do so quickly after ejaculation, regardless of fluid retention in the vagina.

A review of medical literature shows that there’s no reliable evidence supporting the idea that menstrual cups help with conception.

There is anecdotal evidence from couples who have used this method and think that it’s helped, but there are no large studies proving higher rates of pregnancy with a menstrual cup vs. without one, or quicker time to conception.

The best way to become pregnant faster is to monitor cycles, be aware of ovulation timing (with a fertility app or home ovulation predictor kits) and have sex at the right time just before ovulation.

Expert Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: Answers to more of your questions

Risks and realities of using menstrual cups for conception

When used appropriately, menstrual cups are generally considered safe and aren’t clearly associated with increased infection risk. However, improper use (such as poor hygiene or prolonged wear) may increase risk of irritation or infection.

Toxic shock syndrome is a very, very rare but serious infection that can occur from extended use of a menstrual cup (though more often associated with tampon use). A menstrual cup shouldn’t be left in for more than 12 hours.

Another downside to the menstrual cup method is that it adds an unnecessary step to conception, which can create stress.

Using a menstrual cup isn't essential for getting pregnant (just like laying on your back for a certain time after sex or having sex in a certain position aren’t necessary steps), and adding extra tasks may feel burdensome.

Menstrual cups aren’t a fix for infertility

Couples concerned about infertility should see a healthcare professional rather than trying to use a menstrual cup as an alternative solution. Menstrual cups aren’t a treatment for infertility.

Your gynecologist can work with you to evaluate cycles, obstetric and gynecologic history, and check hormone levels if needed or order a semen analysis. Many infertility cases don’t have an identified cause. If you’re under 35 and have been trying for at least a year, it may be time seek out a fertility specialist. If you’re over 35 and have been trying for six months without luck, you should seek out a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist to run additional tests.