<unk> s are generally bell-shaped, with a few exceptions. Most brands use medical grade silicone as the material for the<unk> , although latex and thermoplastic elastomer are also options.<unk> s made from silicone are generally designed to last for 1–5 years. The majority of<unk> s on the market are reusable, rather than disposable. Size, shape, and flexibility Most<unk>  brands sell a smaller and a larger size. The smaller size is typically recommended for women under 30 or women who have not given birth vaginally. The larger size is typically recommended for women over 30 or have given birth vaginally, or have a heavy flow. However, there have been no studies that show any need for a different sized<unk>  base on age or parity.<unk> s with even smaller sizes are recommended for teenagers, as well as women and girls who are more physically fit, as those with stronger pelvic floor muscles may find a larger<unk>  uncomfortable. If the cervix sits particularly low or is tilted, a shorter<unk>  may be more suitable. Capacity is important for women who have a heavier flow. The average<unk>  holds around 20 ml. Some<unk> s are designed to be larger and hold 37–51 ml. Most sizes have a larger capacity than a regular tampon, which is 10–12 ml.<unk> s also vary by firmness or flexibility. Some companies offer a range of firmness levels in their<unk> s. A firmer<unk>  pops open more easily after insertion and may hold a more consistent seal against the vaginal wall (preventing leaks), but some women find softer<unk> s more comfortable to insert. Color The silicone of which most brands of<unk> s are produced is naturally colorless and translucent. Several brands offer colored<unk> s as well as, or instead of the colorless ones. Translucent<unk> s lose their initial appearance faster than colored – they tend to get yellowish stains with use. The shade of a colored<unk>  may change over time, though stains are often not as obvious on colored<unk> s. Stains on any color of the<unk>  can often be removed or at least lightened by soaking the<unk>  in diluted hydrogen peroxide and/or leaving it out in the sun for a few hours. Most<unk> s produced do not have any other additives to them, except for the colored<unk> s. The coloring used is reported to be safe and approved by the FDA for medical use and food coloring. Similar devices How to use an Instead Softcup, Wikihow Menstrual discs (also called cervical<unk>  are disc-shaped, like a diaphragm, with a flexible outer ring and a soft, collapsible center. They collect menstrual fluid like<unk> s, but stay in place by hooking behind the pubic bone instead of relying on suction. Menstrual discs come in both disposable and reusable varieties.
Menstrual cup
Cloth menstrual pad
Menstrual pad
Menstrual cycle
Ovarian reserve
Vaginal ring
Sleep sex
Sex after pregnancy