How many menstrual cups do you fill?
Understanding Your Flow & Cup Capacity
🩸 Quick Answer:
Most people will fill 1 to 2 menstrual cups per day, depending on their flow. Over the entire period (typically 4–7 days), that equals 4 to 10 full cups in total.
But let's break it down based on science and real-world experience.
📊 How Much Do You Bleed During Your Period?
According to medical sources like the Cleveland Clinic, the average total blood loss during a menstrual cycle is:
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30–60 ml (about 2 to 4 tablespoons)
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Heavy flows: up to 80 ml
So you may be losing about:
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10–20 ml/day on light days
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25–30 ml/day on heavy days
🏆 Menstrual Cup Capacity
| Cup Type | Capacity (ml) |
|---|---|
| Small (light flow) | 15–20 ml |
| Medium (standard flow) | 20–25 ml |
| Large (heavy flow) | 30–35 ml |
🧮 So, How Many Cups Will You Fill?
| Flow Type | Estimated Cups/Day | Total Cups/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 1 every 10–12 hrs | 3–5 total |
| Medium | 1 every 6–8 hrs | 5–7 total |
| Heavy | 1 every 4–6 hrs | 8–10 total |
🌟 Real-Life Factors That Matter
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Cup size & brand
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Flow variation (e.g., Day 2 is usually heaviest)
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Cervix height (affects placement and suction)
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Experience level with using cups
💡 Tip: Track Your Flow
Many apps like Clue, Flo, or Period Tracker help log cup changes and give better insight into your personal flow pattern.
🛍 Recommended Cups
✅ NYX Menstrual Cup + Sterilizing Box
✅ NYX Extra Thin Period Disc
✅ Summary
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Most people fill 4–10 cups per cycle
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A single cup can hold 15–35 ml, depending on size
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Track your flow to better manage timing and changes
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Menstrual cups are reusable, eco-friendly, and perfect for daily use
Switching to a cup? You're likely to be surprised at how little blood you actually lose — and how convenient and cost-saving it can be!