Preventing Infections: Essential Menstrual Cup Hygiene & pH Balance Practices

Image credit to Canal.

Understanding how to keep your menstrual cup clean and your vaginal pH balanced is key to preventing infections and enjoying worry-free period care. Here’s how to protect your intimate health with simple, effective habits.

1. Prioritize Clean Hands and Equipment

Before inserting or removing your menstrual cup, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Menstrual cups are generally safe when handled properly—clean, careful insertion and removal go a long way toward infection prevention ([Healthline]).

Our Tip:

• Keep a small bottle of gentle, fragrance-free hand soap in your bathroom.
• If you’re out and about, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before changing your cup.

2. Sterilize Your Cup Between Cycles

Boiling your menstrual cup for 3–5 minutes before and after each period cycle kills lingering bacteria and ensures a fresh start every time. Avoid letting the cup touch the bottom of the pot to prevent damage.

Our Tip:

• Use a dedicated silicone cup sterilizer or a pot with a silicone rack for peace of mind.
• Store your clean cup in a breathable pouch (not an airtight container) to keep it dry and free from mold.

3. Rinse and Wash During Your Period

After emptying your cup, rinse it under running water and clean with a pH-balanced, fragrance-free intimate wash or mild soap. Avoid harsh cleansers, as they can degrade the silicone and upset your natural flora.

Healthline recommends:

 “Wash your vulva, not your vagina: Your vagina is self-cleaning, but your vulva can use a little help. Wet a washcloth with warm water and gently clean each fold of your external genitalia. Avoid douches and other internal ‘cleansers’” ([Healthline]).

Our Tip:

• Keep a small, unfragranced intimate wash in your gym bag or purse for quick clean-ups.
• Pat the cup dry before reinsertion to reduce slipping and ensure a secure seal.

4. Maintain a Healthy Vaginal pH

A balanced vaginal pH (around 4.0–4.5) helps prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. Menstrual blood can temporarily raise pH, making diligent hygiene more important during your period ([Medical News Today]).

Tips to Support pH Balance:

• Stay hydrated: Water helps flush toxins and supports natural pH regulation.
• Wear breathable fabrics: Cotton underwear and loose clothing reduce moisture buildup.
• Limit sugars and processed foods: Diets high in simple sugars can fuel yeast growth and elevate pH ([Verywell Health]).

5. Change and Clean on Schedule

Even with a menstrual cup, regular changes are crucial. Aim to empty and rinse your cup every 8–12 hours, depending on your flow. Leaving cups in too long can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Our Tip:

• Set discreet reminders on your phone to empty and clean your cup, especially on heavy flow days.
• Use a clean, dry pouch for short-term storage if you’re between rinses during the day.

6. Watch for Warning Signs

Being alert to changes in your body helps you catch potential issues early. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Unusual or persistent itching, burning, or irritation
• Strong or “fishy” odor from discharge ([Verywell Health])
• Unusual discoloration or texture changes in discharge

7. Combine Hygiene with Comfort

At Shefre, we design our menstrual cups and pH test strips to work together for a complete health toolkit. Our clear-silicone cups let you visually inspect cleanliness and flow, while our pH strips help you monitor your intimate balance.

Shefre’s Routine Recommendation:

• Pre-Cycle: Sterilize your cup by boiling for 3–5 minutes.
• During Cycle: Rinse your cup with a pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleanser after each use.
• Post-Cycle (pH Test): Wait 2–3 days after bleeding stops, then use pH strips on vaginal fluid (not menstrual blood) to check your natural balance.
• Post-Cycle (Sterilize & Store): Boil your cup again, let it air-dry in its pouch, and reset for next month.

Your Health, Your Empowerment

Preventing infections isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent, gentle care. By combining proper menstrual cup hygiene with mindful pH balance practices, you’ll protect your body and gain confidence in your period routine. With these simple steps, you can enjoy healthier, happier cycles—month after month.