Using Menstrual Cups During Periods; Permissible or Not?

16th March 2020

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Question: Is using menstrual cup allowed during period days?

 

الجواب حامداً و مصلياً

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer: In reference to the above query, it is permissible but disliked to use a menstrual cup during the days of menses.[1] It is discouraged because it can break a virgin girl’s hymen by inserting the cup into her private area.[2] If she later married it would be assumed she has broken it by some other means, arousing suspicions. Therefore, to avoid the matter completely it is best to use sanitary towels which require no insertion.

With the menstrual cup itself, it is an eco-friendly reusable cup that is used for the same purpose as tampon but inserted inside the private area towards the cervix. It collects the menstrual fluid creating an airtight seal which prevents the blood from air exposure, decreasing the chances of an odour. The fluid can then be poured out the cup washed and inserted back in. A highly convenient means for women as it can be used in the same way as a tampon however with additional benefits.

The cups are widely available produced in different shapes and sizes to accommodate for all women depending on their age, flow, uterus and cervix size. It is now becoming a popular alternative due to its environmental benefits and its unique design, with it providing comfort, longevity in use [as the cups can last up to 10 years], and reusability.[3]

Though the cup holds its advantages for women it does present minor risks although preventable when care is taken. Vaginal infections and TSS can occur when using the cup as bacteria from the hands may contaminate the cup and therefore, cause infections when inserted into the private area. Furthermore, using the incorrect cup size can also cause discomfort and pain when inserting or removing the cup before and after use.[4]

Overall menstrual cups follow the same ruling as tampons in permissibility but disliked as they are inserted directly into the vaginal area, unlike tampons. Therefore, if a woman is able to use sanitary towels it is better to do so.

 

[Allāh Knows Best]

 

Written by:  Apa Gul-e-Maryam        Reviewed by: Mufti Abdul Waheed

Attested by: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam

JKN Fatawa Department

 

[1] Raddul Muhtar, Kitab Haydh, Vol 1, Pg 289

وفي شرح الوقاية: وضع الكرسف مستحب للبكر في الحيض وللثيب في كل حال، وموضعه موضع البكارة، ويكره في الفرج الداخل. اهـ.

 

Bahr Raiq, Kitab Haidh, Vol 1, Pg 203

لعباراتهم كما لا يخفى وفي شرح الوقاية ثم وضع الكرسف مستحب للبكر في الحيض وللثيب في كل حال وموضعه موضع البكارة ويكره في الفرج الداخل.

 

[2] Binayah , Kitab Haidh , Vol 1, Pg 636

وعن محمد بن سلمة أنه كان يكره للمرأة أن تضع كرسفها في الفرج الداخل؛ لأنه يشبه النكاح بيدها،

 

[3] https://www.intimina.com/explore/sainsbury/?gclid=CjwKCAiAuqHwBRAQEiwAD-zr3c7UiRo7EeAN5pdxbbOHe3EN_zZdhVMIMg5VNJE7MQIKY1-NAjyUehoCGqEQAvD_BwE

[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/menstrual-cup-dangers#potential-risks